1968 gas in trunk?

[mbsf1970]

About to embark on 3000 mile trip with son from home down to California and back up again along coast.

Given the sporadic gas station opportunities on some stretches of this drive, have any members here ever filled a Jerrie can up (Say 4 gallons) and put it in trunk as emergency reserve? Any inherent problems with doing so??

Any advice or tips for long distance travels? ie: check coolant levels every morning before leaving for day....Security steps? ie: club or unplugging CVR at night before leaving car?

Stephen

 

[franklinair]

If its a 16 gallon fuel tank in the car, and you get 15MPG, that's a 240 mile range. Are gas stations that sparse in WA, OR, and CA?
For security, just remove the coil-to-distributor wire. The engine won't start.
Park in a secure well lighted area over night.
When parking the car, turn the steering wheel as if making a turn. That will prevent the car from tracking straight in case the car is towed from the rear.
Verify insurance coverage traveling into the States.
Just a few thoughts.

Neil

 

[BigJim]

Take the extra couple of minutes to pull the dipstick when you get gas. Keep a couple of quarts of oil in you trunk just in case. Extra belts are good. Duct tape too.

 

[p51]

Another idea on security akin to removing the coil wire is to pop the distributor cap and remove the rotor. Then reinstall the cap. Someone trying to hotwire the car might take the time to pop the hood to see if there is something obvious that is not connected. While they might have a wire handy its unlikely (even if they think about looking under the cap) that they would have a rotor...

 

[p51]

You can solve 80% of life's problems with Duct tape, WD40, and a coat hanger :wink:

 

[TraveledGTCS]

I've always have had a 2.5 - 3 gallon plastic gas can in my trunk when I make long trips. Other than taking up some space I have found it reassuring even though I try to plan out my refueling stops. Once or twice I have been glad I have had it. Even in Canada, and I've had no problems crossing the border.

I also travel with a CB because there are 'dead' areas where a phone will not have access and usually truckers will pass on assistance if needed. (Channels 19 & 21) It's also good for listening for traffic problems.

ATF should also be carried, if you have an automatic. It will also fill in for power steering fluid.

Check rest areas signs along the way and when the next one is. Usually there is a 'Next Rest Area xx miles' indicated when the immediate Rest Area sign shows so one can plan if to use it or the next one. (Saves pulling of to the side of the road and using the bushes - and yes I have done that - early on in my travels.)

No Neil, gas stations are not that sparse here on the west coast, but on a long trip I think it is a good idea. And there are areas on the secondary roads where the stations may be closed on Sundays, or they keep bankers hours. I know from past experience.

Bill

 

[Maine gt/cs]

You can solve 80% of life's problems with Duct tape, WD40, and a coat hanger :wink:

Absolutely. Also had a can of wire dryer in case of heavy rain, and some extra belts.

 

[Midnight Special]

...Gallon of water,
spare points, condensor & maybe coil,...

 

[Mosesatm]

I go a little overboard on the security thing and replace my coil wire with a dummy coil wire.

My concern with just pulling the coil wire is that someone can unhook a spark plug wire and use it as the coil wire. A dummy wire should frustrate a thief and hopefully make him give up.

 

[Edward Bodoh]

Roadtrip

(In case you didn't already)...check your spare tire. On long trips I always bring my portable air compressor for slow leaks. Don't forget your small tool bag.

And here is a link for free roadside assistance when you are on California highways, of the non emergency type like breakdowns flats towing etc...

511.org/freeway assist.asp

When are you coming thru the San Francisco area?

 

[Maine gt/cs]

This is what i have in my trunk for spare parts. Plugs, points, condenser, dist.cap, plug wires, Roll of duct tape,wd/40, wire dryer, 2 coat hangers, 4 way lug wrench, toolbox, 2 quarts of 10-30 oil, zip-ties, tire plug kit, small air compressor. Now if I can only find room for the spare tire, I would be all set.

Tim

 

[somethingspecial]

I'm not sure how it is now, but when I traveled in Oregon a few years ago, I was not allowed to pump my own gas. All gas stations in OR. are full service only. State Law so don't be suprised when you are told you can't pump your own gas. Have a safe trip.

 

[DeadStang]

I'm not sure how it is now, but when I traveled in Oregon a few years ago, I was not allowed to pump my own gas. All gas stations in OR. are full service only. State Law so don't be suprised when you are told you can't pump your own gas. Have a safe trip.

This is true, but I just get out and stand there and watch them. Usually, they offer to let me baby-sit the nozzle. Something else to try is mapping your gas stations for non-ethanol fuel: pure-gas.org I did an Oregon to Montana round trip and managed to fill the tank only once with the corn-fuel.

Carrying the ATF is a good idea as type F is getting hard to find for your tranny or PS pump. I always check my oil and water levels each morning when it's cold before starting out on trips as it's more accurate than at the gas station. A quart of oil is also good, but most gas stations have a decent selection of viscosities to use in a pinch

The spare points and condensor are a MUST as I had the condensor die in my Cali Special on a trip to Seattle a couple of years back. I also take a portable power station with the jumper box and the tire compressor. And as someone noted to check your spare and make sure, if it doesn't match your current wheels, that you have lug nuts to mount it.

Sounds like a great road trip--have fun!

 

[68 special]

You still can't pump your own in Oregon. I put window wash paper towels under the gas cap and wad one up inside the cap to catch over flow. Most attendant's are young and haven't delt with old cars. Oh, and from past experience, keep the coat hanger in your suitcase, not the car. LOL
when are you going?


Bret

 

[Maine gt/cs]

Here in Maine, you will find a few stations that pump your gas, but most places you have to prepay for your gas and then pump it yourself. I would rather pump my own anyway's.

Tim

 

[Mosesatm]

I've never had a problem pumping my own gas in Oregon.
When the attendants see the car and get the if-you-spill-gas-on-my-car-I'll-kill-you look they are usually quite happy to let me fill the tank.

 

[TraveledGTCS]

I have to agree with Mosesatm, most of the time I've had to refuel in Oregon, the attendant said I could do it myself, but he stood by. I think they're watching for those who like to fill to the brim and sometimes cause an overflow. (Which I have done a few times.) Once one of the attendants attempted to fill it up, but was having problems with the new hoses they have, so he asked if I could do it since he was having problems. Sometimes it's a bear with them getting the angle just right to prevent the spillage. I too get some of the paper towels and place on the bumper and inside the filler cap to catch the spillage.

Bill

 

[BroadwayBlue]

I see I'm not the only one with the paper towel trick. :grin:
I keep a roll in the trunk just for that since often the stations dispenser's are empty.

In New Jersey you can't pump your own gas either. I also standby and watch them. They insisted on pumping it at one station for insurance reasons.

So what is the proper angle to avoid the leaking/overflow? I can't seem to find it although putting the nozzle upside down seems to help.

That and a good ear for the rush of gas coming up the filler neck. Doesn't work well when you're in a busy area and truck are going by. :icon_no: