49 Ford
 

I am going to a class reunion and want to drive the 49 any suggestion on what I need to prepare? The trip will be 3000 miles round trip. I thought I would do quite a few local trips to see how it does before striking out on my adventure. I bought the car a year ago have not driven it 5 miles. It has a later Merc with Edmunds heads and twin carb intake also 12 volts.

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Re: 49 Ford
 

Safety first....Check out the brake system....Pull the drums and inspect the brake shoes and wheel cylinders. Check the brake lines as well....This as a starter....What did the previous owner have to say about the car?

Re: 49 Ford
 

No sweat. Leave a month early and write a book about the stops.










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Re: 49 Ford
 

Cell phone and AAA membership. Plus, spare starter, generator, fuel pump, radiator hoses, fuel line, 4 gallons of water, duct tape and tools. Before you go, take your car on a 50 mile trip at highway speed highway to see if it runs cool. Heat under the hood is the killer. Oh, don't forget lightweight floor jack and a spare tire.

Re: 49 Ford
 

Probably a spar ignition system as well You won't be able to get any of this stuff on the road.

Re: 49 Ford
 

A prayer book. lots of good weather. Make sure the tires aren't starting to dry rot.

Re: 49 Ford
 

A good spare tire, a good jack and a lug wrench for starters. Since you have a 49-51 car be sure to check All the bolts that hold the steering box. Especially the bolt that passes through the frame. If it has never been changed you need to take it out and inspect it. That bolt gets rusty and weak.

Re: 49 Ford
 

All you need is your significant other follow you in a modern car and her cell phone:)

All kidding aside all good advise above

Re: 49 Ford
 

I would think you would want to get some miles on her to identify any problems.
Check the brake lining, for sure.

Re: 49 Ford
 

1 of our trips was from Oregon to the 2nd Hot August Nights in Reno to Minnesota and return. We never had any qualms about a couple of 1000 miles.
We usually spend a couple of days pulling maintenance before we head out and inspect everything.
I guarantee every time you stop for gas or something to eat or spend the night you will meet some of the neatest people with a story to tell.
Enjoy the ride.

Re: 49 Ford
 

Just one more thought. The much debated "vapor lock" may rear its ugly head. Bring a bag of ice to cool things down. Installing an electric fuel pump might be a good idea.

Re: 49 Ford
 

Are you a member of the Early Ford V8 Club? You should be. They put out a roster so if you're traveling you might be able to contact a member in your area for some direction. AAA will be of no use to you. V8 membership is cheaper than AAA and has a better magazine. As a club it helps support our hobby.
I did 8100 miles in one trip in my 49 convertible. The best advice is to go with no fear. If you do not try it you will not do it. FAIL means first attempt in learning.
Tom mentioned a good jack. A scissor jack works well but I also carry jack stands. I bought these and they store easily. Yes, they are expensive but cheaper than having the car fall.
https://www.amazon.com/Torin-Big-Alu.../dp/B0007XTGCI

Re: 49 Ford
 

Frank: how well do these work on the road shoulder, do they sink in a lot?

Re: 49 Ford
 

That is one of the reasons I want to take the old car. You meet some wonderful folks.

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Re: 49 Ford
 

Took mine to a reunion a number of years ago but not a long trip.
Don't be surprised at the number of people that don't know what your car is.
One thing I told them when they heard how old it is, was that when I retired, all that I could afford was an old car.:)

Re: 49 Ford
 

If the car has been run a fair bit and well maintained, it will go as far as you want it to. Fresh lubricants, relatively new tires (withing 6 years or so & good tread). Good whoa binders for sudden stops and running in hilly country are in order. A few common hand tools in case a hose pops or an ignition system condenser gives out. I always carry the basic points & condenser and sometimes a spare cap & rotor. Maybe a set of belts & radiator hoses for the long trips would be a good thing to carry.

One of our barn contributors has driven his 46 Ford (Ol Henry) all over the western states. He's had some engine troubles with it but he was fortunate to not get left out in the middle of nowhere.

Re: 49 Ford
 

I want to thank you all for your remarks. I am looking forward to the trip. I will certainly do all the things you advised with the exception of having anyone following me; I don't want to wait on them once I get her in overdrive!

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Re: 49 Ford
 

Spare gas can... just in case your gas gauge is B/O (bad order)! :eek:

Re: 49 Ford
 

Also some xtra fuses, spare tire, fan belt, couple spare wheel lugs, some elect. wire and assorted crimp-on connectors. When I go on a long trip I say "what could go wrong on the road that I can fix"