Tom

Don't want to bore everyone with the details of my trip, but I did a similar one in 1977 with a 71 240. I had much better luck, but many similar experiences. The switchbacks will always stay in my mind - seeing those bloody huge logging trucks managing the corners... scary. Biggest problems I encountered was overheating as I went up the west side of the mountains and later doing the Alberta 120 mile an hour test - held it a bit too long and the tranny overheated and locked - scary as well.

I went from Victoria (actually Esquimalt) to St. John's Nfld, and I was too young to really get the best of it. I would like to do it again and take my time - might yet - who knows.

Anyway it's a great yarn.

Rick

Edited January 21, 201015 yr by Sailor Bob

Great story, thanks for sharing! Reminds me of my cross-country drives when changing duty stations way back when...

Thanks guys.

Is it too late to add a little more detail to the stop in Calgrary?

Before meeting zKars, I was having overheating problems -- the new aluminum rad we installed before leaving Whistler (from JTR V8 swap catalogue) does wonders at speed for the inline-6, but no fan shroud and a free-spinning fan clutch did little for Calgary’s rush hour.

Add this with an inability to develop power, and you get me, revving it up and riding the clutch with relatively no cooling. It also ment I would be able to drive for 5-10min, watching the temp gauge, and then pull over and pop the hood, waiting for her to cool off. I was taught from a very young age about how terrible it is to ride the clutch, but I had no other option. It's that or I stall. Anyways, let's just say I "rested" many, many times in Calgrary...

I clearly remember turning left on a green light, onto a street that goes uphill. The car in front of me slams on the brakes halfway through the turn, for reasons that are beyond me. Anyways, I'm left halfway through the intersection, stopped on a hill, clutch not engaged. I quickly revved to 4-5,000, and kept the pedal at (what would be) 3,000 and tried to go uphill. My overheating z does not take kindely to this action and stalls. The light turns red. Happiness does not ensure.

The first two drivers, who were at the red light at 90* to me (watching me stall) both immediately pull away and swerve around me on opposite sides, one giving me the finger and the other shouting "Learn how to drive!". My z is off, and I apply the brake, parking brake, and put both my hands up. Mouthing "Sorry" while looking the oncoming drivers in the eye just wasn't enough, I guess, as the insults and fingers continued.

Light turns yellow. I start the z, rev up similar to the first time (but higher), and make it the turn and an immediate right into a gas station. I park away from all those mean folk, pop the hood, and light a cigarette.

don't read blogs, but this was so much fun to read.

makes me want to get on the road and never come back.

great story, loved reading about your adventure