Big Trip To Pick Up My 71 Cuda Project

[Beekeeper]

That's quite a load of stuff! Don't let the whole thing overwhelm you. Just take everything one step at a time. Weeks from now your new ride will be safely at home and all this will just be an adventurous story.

[tony 73]

On the road. We got away early , hoping to get somewhere near Kansas, we took the local highway to start so as to ease our way into driving a truck and trailer in traffic. Plan to get on interstate 70 at Terre Haute . We loved the local highway as we got to see towns, barns, cars for sale, farms, etc. But to make progress we had to get on the fast open roads. Stopped for food foe us and the truck. Subway was a regular. Put $60 gas in every time the gauge in 1/4 full. Here in NZ $60 doesn't go far but gas so cheap in USA. Did make a stop to watch the solar eclipse . I enjoy driving so on this first day we just kept going.Did enjoy the stops we made at the fantastic Rest Areas , meet some great people and got to park next to some BIG trucks.
 As evening fell the rain storm we were dodging became more threatening, we were on the top side of Kansas. Getting late now and we looking to stop, too late , the torrential rain fell, we quickly got off the interstate. Became lost heading along country narrow road. Friendly local posted us in direction of small town. Water everywhere . 9.30pm and we hungry and got to find a motel, not easy when you got a trailer and don't want to park it in public view. 3rd place we tried suited and a very busy day ended,over 400 miles covered . Awoke next morning to find we had been on the edge of the massive storm that caused major damage to Kansas.

[js27]

I am glad you had a safe and successful trip. Best of luck with your new project.
JS27

[cudamadd]

Good stuff mate hope all goes well . please keep us up 2 date cheers 

[tony 73]

2nd day on the road, hopefully it will be an uneventful one. Must admit the Cuda needed a good clean after being in a shed for 10yrs and it certainly got one.

We left Platte City heading north on the 29, wanted to do another big day to give ourselves plenty of time in case of unknown. The fact U-haul rentals carry no spare tires is a worry. A quiet day is what we had, couple of gas/food stops and 3 Rest Stops. Did start to see a little less Corn and Soya Bean fields . We we got past Sioux City and Sioux Falls. Turned onto the 90 west and stayed at a small town called Hartford, even had some daylight to enjoy a stroll.

3rd day and we heading to the BADLANDS just short of Rapid City. Long straight roads and not a lot to see. We did stop at 1800 Town, we had seen so many advertising signs we had to stop. A great look at the Wild West past. Carried on down the 90 and had been told to take the 240 to enter the Badlands. WOW what a great place to visit , so many great views and ability to get right on the edge of the crater rims. Stop a number of times before carrying on to Rapid city via the 44.

The reason for this major detour north rather than heading straight to California  was to visit Mt Rushmore and the President Faces. Weather was perfect as we got to Rapid City and the time was 5pm so we decided to head to Mt Rushmore. Not easy going when driving a truck and trailer but man was it worth it, 10 out of 10, only $10 for parking and plenty of room. Being later in the day most people had come and gone. Spent couple of hours here and nearly wore the camera out.

[73440]

 It's great you're getting to see some good things in the USA .

Uhaul does not want you to do any of the repairs , just replace oil use.
Bet you are getting a lot of thumbs up.
I tow barred my 51 Ford PU from Kansas to South Florida about 22 years ago and there were a few adventures for sure.

[challengermaniac]

Wow Tony, what a great find and trip.  You definitely have the Mopar fever which will make for great fun once back home. 

I had sold a 69 Camaro RS/SS to a guy in NZ years back although after having it inspected by a 3rd party he just had it shipped there.  Your story will last a lifetime!

Oh, and don't get hooked on that Mountain Dew as it is one of the worst soft drinks that will rot out your teeth!

Best!

[tony 73]

Hi 73440, yes lots of thumbs up , on the road, walking the footpath, and in the carparks.

Hi challengermaniac , no fun in just shipping it back. Yes I have weened myself off the Dew.

couple more photos of the Presidents, very cool place to visit.

We travelled through  the park and stayed in the town of Custer , real tourist town but nice and relaxed, friendly folk too. Kiwi accent helps as does the fact I like to talk. Meet a nice guy a breakfast and he and his daughter told us to go to Windcave National Park to see Buffalo . Hell yes we keen for that. The truck tows great and is handling the steep windy roads.  First sign of wildlife were Deers feeding on roadside. Then our 1st Buffalo, you can just make him out over the top of the steering wheel of the Cuda. We hopping to see a large herd. 2nd Buffalo was closer so hit the brakes for more photos, meet a young family, the boy was more interested in my car, think I have converted him from a mustang lover to a Mopar nut. Our next and final sighting was a few loners  . Count ourselves lucky to see any.

On our way, heading southwest looking for the the 80 West. 

We both enjoyed the smaller highways as we got to see small towns and a few cars parked in driveways and backyards. Always looking for the next find. Found a 70's roadrunner.

[AARuFAST]

Puttin a lot of miles on Cuda before u even drive it.

[tony 73]

Hi AARuFAST,  be great to one day to bring the Cuda back to the USA and do this road trip again . Thought I would give it a taste of the open road , see the sights.

While looking for cars in driveways , we saw a sign with Smokey the Bear, brought back  past memories, great to see him still keeping the forests safe.

A lot of open countryside  in this part of the country, we left Custer , aiming for Rawlins on the 80. Although did see some very long trains, impressive. Independence  Rock was another great sight as was some of the rock formations.

By now we were ahead of schedule , some big driving days had taken the pressure off, Were able to arrive in a town, find accommodation and have time for a stroll . You will notice the can of Mountain Dew on the rear quarter, was  my daily reward for arriving safe. We were buying large packs of water every second day and keeping them in our chilli bin in the cab. Daytime temps were rising and we were suffering.

[4Cruizn]

What an amazing adventure you must be having!  I just read this whole thread and how exciting!  Wish I would of caught this earlier as it would of been fun to meet up with you 2!  Please safe travels!  Enjoy! 

    

[tony 73]

Cheers 4Cruizn 

Another beautiful blue sky day. My driving to date has been very good, no speeding, good use of indicators , and good merging . My 4 way stop is getting better. Maybe thats why the Rawlins local police gave me an escort  ?

We continuing on the 80 west . Good thinking Mr Eisenhower.

Goodbye Wyoming  Hello Utah. Our first main stop today is Salt Lake City. My wife and I were here 5 yrs ago and  enjoyed  it. This time I am here for snowboards. Not a big snowboarder myself , but my nephews are getting keen and as soon as I mentioned  that I could bring back a board in the car they were searching Craigs List.  Got 3 boards, bag , and a helmet to pick up.

 Navman took us to the pickup point, ended up parking next to a Tesla car yard. wish the cuda was a runner, would have fired her up to scare the buyers off.

Trying to cover 380 miles to get to Wendover. Got a major stop before that though, Bonneville Salt Flats.  Was lucky enough to see a days racing 5 yrs ago. What are the chances of see another muscle car on a U-haul trailer.
  Was keen to get out on the salt and see what the Cuda could do, had to settle for a spin around the carpark, motorcycle week about to happen .
  Made Wendover before sunset, motel had a pool and I was straight in, the mercury has been steadily rising.

[JimSC]

I just found this thread. VERY COOL car and trip! Thank you for sharing this.

[AARuFAST]

   Tony U are taking fantastic pictures in the right places.  Liked the shot of blue Trans Am on a u haul next to you in lot.........

[tony 73]

Thanks AARuFAST  , I take too many photos, bonus however is that I get lucky every once in a while.

We went to the Casino for tea and had a gamble on the 10 cent machine.

Another cracker day, destination Summit Racing in Sparks Nevada.

Had to take a photo of these trucks  , never see this a home. We got on the interstate too early so had to take a photo of the GIANT cowboy while driving.

Not a lot to see in between towns, think I am missing the corn and soya bean.

While stopped for lunch in Winnemucca we saw this old bus overloaded with Bicycles.

Arrived at Summit Racing about 3.30, thought we would be here for about an hour as I had ordered and paid for my parts before leaving NZ. I had to look at the wheels and tires before they would fit them. 

To be continued .......