Depending on the time frame I'll able to cover alot of 40 as you come through TN hope this helps
CK5
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73 Blazer in NC needs to be in TX -- How to tackle this?
- Thread starter ithinkican
- Start date
SCJimmy
1/2 ton status
Greenville SC (Off of 85) if you come this way...
Seems to me Penske rents an aluminum tamden axle car hauler.
A friend of mine rented one with a truck to haul his corvette down to FL whe he moved.
Penske car hauler
Don't know if the trailer specs will work for your /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif though.
Seems to me Penske rents an aluminum tamden axle car hauler.
A friend of mine rented one with a truck to haul his corvette down to FL whe he moved.
Penske car hauler
Don't know if the trailer specs will work for your /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif though.
May I humbly suggest that you consider.....
A GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP...
I did one about 6 months ago (see link above) and had an AWESOME time....I met up with at least a dozen CK5 members across the country. The outpouring of hospitality and generosity was amazing.... I don't think I paid for a single hotel room, or more than 3 meals the whole time. Everyone was so anxious to meet, and help me out along the way....it really felt good.
Plus, as you will see.....there are a lot of comedians on this site, who can take your picture and make you FAMOUS!!! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
...just something else to think about /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif
A GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP...
I did one about 6 months ago (see link above) and had an AWESOME time....I met up with at least a dozen CK5 members across the country. The outpouring of hospitality and generosity was amazing.... I don't think I paid for a single hotel room, or more than 3 meals the whole time. Everyone was so anxious to meet, and help me out along the way....it really felt good.
Plus, as you will see.....there are a lot of comedians on this site, who can take your picture and make you FAMOUS!!! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
...just something else to think about /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif
ithinkican
Registered Member
[ QUOTE ]
Plus, as you will see.....there are a lot of comedians on this site, who can take your picture and make you FAMOUS!!! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
/forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif Man, that is PRICELESS!!! Thanks for sharing! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif But no fair, you cruised along in something a little more comfortable than a 30-year-old Blazer who's condition falls somewhere between "showroom fresh" and "derelict." /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
To EVERYONE, thanks for the responses, I'm investigating things as you bring them up, will try not to be so long-winded.
More later..... /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif
Plus, as you will see.....there are a lot of comedians on this site, who can take your picture and make you FAMOUS!!! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
/forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif Man, that is PRICELESS!!! Thanks for sharing! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif But no fair, you cruised along in something a little more comfortable than a 30-year-old Blazer who's condition falls somewhere between "showroom fresh" and "derelict." /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
To EVERYONE, thanks for the responses, I'm investigating things as you bring them up, will try not to be so long-winded.
More later..... /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif
ithinkican
Registered Member
OK, here's the "more"... as I promised/threatened earlier... /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif
[ QUOTE ]
k5guyva - I'd be really careful about doing that. The vehicle that you use to tow needs to be heavier than the towed vehicle. Otherwise in a panic stop, the towed vehicle can (and will) push you. The tow vehicle needs to have beefed up brakes and suspension. So, if you tow with one of the Suburbans, no problem. If you tow something like a S10, you're asking for trouble.
You're also going to need to disconnect the driveshafts with tow dolly.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, I appreciate your caution. Every vehicle I own would be able to haul the Blazer and be within "legal" parameters (Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), but without a doubt the 3/4-ton Sub would be the safest tow vehicle choice. It does have the heavier-duty tranny, suspension, axles, brakes, E-rated tires, and hp; it also gets abysmal gas mileage, I generally get 7 mpg while towing around the flatlands of Texas. I shudder to think what the mountains will do to that number. On the other hand, there's no trade-off for safety, which is why I own the beast to begin with. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif But, if road-worthy, it would seem the simplest solution would be to just drive the Blazer back. (BIG "if" there...)
I'm aware of the issues with disconnecting the driveshafts if towing with 2 or 4 wheels rolling. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
[ QUOTE ]
fourwheelerjeff - plus wouldn't it really be nice to take a road trip away from the spouse and everyone and just take a leisurely drive back to the dfw area; get some time to yourself
[/ QUOTE ]
OK, now that's just scary that you already can figure out that much about me from what little I've posted! Yeah, a little time away never hurt anyone. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
[ QUOTE ]
lefthand - Start a different post if you do decide to go for it and collect phone numbers of people along your route. Most people here would be glad to lend a helping hand if you were to need it.
[/ QUOTE ]
As crazy as it sounds, it still seems like a darned good idea. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif It's fun to meet new people, and it would certainly uncomplicate a lot -- as long as I don't suffer a major breakdown.
Here's where my thoughts are after the input from y'all:
During the holidays, more than likely we (I, spouse, 2 kids) will be travelling to NC to visit family in Charlotte and Blowing Rock. If we fly, we get 4 roundtrip tickets, evaluate Blazer while we're here for road-worthiness, and, if it looks reasonably good, hubby and kids fly back and I drive the Blazer back. If the Blazer appears to have some serious problem, we leave it 'til later. The downside of this is that I'll have just about NO tools to work with, although, seriously, there's probably little I could do solo anyway. I don't even have a Haynes or Chilton for the Blazer, and don't have a clue how much of dad's paperwork/documentation/manuals have survived through 3 household moves and a couple of marriages. Some women have no clue how important it is to hang onto stuff like that. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
That would tentatively put me driving from the Charlotte to Dallas/Fort Worth sometime between January 2-5, 2004. Probably not the best time to be at the mercy of strangers with holiday crunch going on.
If the Blazer isn't deemed a good risk to drive back, it may have to sit there 'til summer when I can drive to NC and haul it back. Son will be devastated, tho. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Thanks again to everyone for the words of advice and encouragement! I'm still wading through the mountains of posts here -- what a GREAT site!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
[ QUOTE ]
k5guyva - I'd be really careful about doing that. The vehicle that you use to tow needs to be heavier than the towed vehicle. Otherwise in a panic stop, the towed vehicle can (and will) push you. The tow vehicle needs to have beefed up brakes and suspension. So, if you tow with one of the Suburbans, no problem. If you tow something like a S10, you're asking for trouble.
You're also going to need to disconnect the driveshafts with tow dolly.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, I appreciate your caution. Every vehicle I own would be able to haul the Blazer and be within "legal" parameters (Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), but without a doubt the 3/4-ton Sub would be the safest tow vehicle choice. It does have the heavier-duty tranny, suspension, axles, brakes, E-rated tires, and hp; it also gets abysmal gas mileage, I generally get 7 mpg while towing around the flatlands of Texas. I shudder to think what the mountains will do to that number. On the other hand, there's no trade-off for safety, which is why I own the beast to begin with. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif But, if road-worthy, it would seem the simplest solution would be to just drive the Blazer back. (BIG "if" there...)
I'm aware of the issues with disconnecting the driveshafts if towing with 2 or 4 wheels rolling. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
[ QUOTE ]
fourwheelerjeff - plus wouldn't it really be nice to take a road trip away from the spouse and everyone and just take a leisurely drive back to the dfw area; get some time to yourself
[/ QUOTE ]
OK, now that's just scary that you already can figure out that much about me from what little I've posted! Yeah, a little time away never hurt anyone. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
[ QUOTE ]
lefthand - Start a different post if you do decide to go for it and collect phone numbers of people along your route. Most people here would be glad to lend a helping hand if you were to need it.
[/ QUOTE ]
As crazy as it sounds, it still seems like a darned good idea. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif It's fun to meet new people, and it would certainly uncomplicate a lot -- as long as I don't suffer a major breakdown.
Here's where my thoughts are after the input from y'all:
During the holidays, more than likely we (I, spouse, 2 kids) will be travelling to NC to visit family in Charlotte and Blowing Rock. If we fly, we get 4 roundtrip tickets, evaluate Blazer while we're here for road-worthiness, and, if it looks reasonably good, hubby and kids fly back and I drive the Blazer back. If the Blazer appears to have some serious problem, we leave it 'til later. The downside of this is that I'll have just about NO tools to work with, although, seriously, there's probably little I could do solo anyway. I don't even have a Haynes or Chilton for the Blazer, and don't have a clue how much of dad's paperwork/documentation/manuals have survived through 3 household moves and a couple of marriages. Some women have no clue how important it is to hang onto stuff like that. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
That would tentatively put me driving from the Charlotte to Dallas/Fort Worth sometime between January 2-5, 2004. Probably not the best time to be at the mercy of strangers with holiday crunch going on.
If the Blazer isn't deemed a good risk to drive back, it may have to sit there 'til summer when I can drive to NC and haul it back. Son will be devastated, tho. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Thanks again to everyone for the words of advice and encouragement! I'm still wading through the mountains of posts here -- what a GREAT site!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Foy
Registered Member
Local help in Blowing Rock
Cooper's dad Foy here.
Ithinkican: I went to college in Boone from 1973-1978(where my best friend drove a brand new 1973 K5 Blazer) and my roommate as well as a handful of other friends still live in Boone/Blowing Rock area. I'm 200 miles away in Raleigh. Too bad this wasn't a week ago, as I was in the area for the Thanksgiving holiday, and would have enjoyed taking a look at your Blazer.
Anyway, if having somebody ride by take a look-see at the Blazer, and possibly recommending someone there in Blowing Rock to give her a thorough check-out (fluids, etc) would help, PM me and I'll see what I can do. One of my close friends lives right there in BR and is a pretty savvy car guy--motor builder, etc, at least in the past. I don't suppose he's in position to do any work, but perhaps a drive-by and a look around could tell you more than you now know about the truck.
By the way, a year ago I towed a '77 Scout from Nashville, TN to Raleigh, NC using a U-Haul dolly. Tow truck was a 98 Chebby extended cab shortbed pickup. Long, long crummy trip. Never again. Been saving for the year since and this week ordered a tandem axle car hauler. Cost of the hauler will be recovered in the next 6-8 times I need to move a truck.
My opinion is that the uncertainties with your tow truck, and with the Blazer having to at least roll out OK being towed, aren't necessarily much less than just driving the dang thing, provided it looks pretty good and you're good with fluids, belts, hoses.
I'd be real interested to find out just how much it's been driven in recent months, and would probably add a transmission fluid & transfer case fluid to my list, along with a full cooling system flush, new thermostat, and brake system full bleed-out to my list. I'd also change the fuel filter and take a couple of them with me. I'd get a heavy dose of water-absorbing methanol and some Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer into her, too. I suppose you'd do all of the above before turning your boy loose with it--I sure would. Plus, the running of the engine while doing the service and test driving may reveal other situations before you hit the highway. For tools, go to a discount auto parts store, or Wally World, and pick up a cheap set of sockets and wrenches in one of those extruded plastic cases. Better than nothing, plus it gives your younger kids some tools to use (and lose) and won't hurt your feelings when they do.
Let me know if you want me to see if one of my friends can take a peek at it and report back.
Foy
Cooper's dad Foy here.
Ithinkican: I went to college in Boone from 1973-1978(where my best friend drove a brand new 1973 K5 Blazer) and my roommate as well as a handful of other friends still live in Boone/Blowing Rock area. I'm 200 miles away in Raleigh. Too bad this wasn't a week ago, as I was in the area for the Thanksgiving holiday, and would have enjoyed taking a look at your Blazer.
Anyway, if having somebody ride by take a look-see at the Blazer, and possibly recommending someone there in Blowing Rock to give her a thorough check-out (fluids, etc) would help, PM me and I'll see what I can do. One of my close friends lives right there in BR and is a pretty savvy car guy--motor builder, etc, at least in the past. I don't suppose he's in position to do any work, but perhaps a drive-by and a look around could tell you more than you now know about the truck.
By the way, a year ago I towed a '77 Scout from Nashville, TN to Raleigh, NC using a U-Haul dolly. Tow truck was a 98 Chebby extended cab shortbed pickup. Long, long crummy trip. Never again. Been saving for the year since and this week ordered a tandem axle car hauler. Cost of the hauler will be recovered in the next 6-8 times I need to move a truck.
My opinion is that the uncertainties with your tow truck, and with the Blazer having to at least roll out OK being towed, aren't necessarily much less than just driving the dang thing, provided it looks pretty good and you're good with fluids, belts, hoses.
I'd be real interested to find out just how much it's been driven in recent months, and would probably add a transmission fluid & transfer case fluid to my list, along with a full cooling system flush, new thermostat, and brake system full bleed-out to my list. I'd also change the fuel filter and take a couple of them with me. I'd get a heavy dose of water-absorbing methanol and some Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer into her, too. I suppose you'd do all of the above before turning your boy loose with it--I sure would. Plus, the running of the engine while doing the service and test driving may reveal other situations before you hit the highway. For tools, go to a discount auto parts store, or Wally World, and pick up a cheap set of sockets and wrenches in one of those extruded plastic cases. Better than nothing, plus it gives your younger kids some tools to use (and lose) and won't hurt your feelings when they do.
Let me know if you want me to see if one of my friends can take a peek at it and report back.
Foy
ncbloodhound
1/2 ton status
Re: Local help in Blowing Rock
ithinkican,
Ever think of taking a train? I know it takes a lot longer, but it can be a lot cheaper. If you got to Charlotte, I could give you a ride to Blowing Rock. I go up there quite a bit.
Foy,
I'm an app alum too. But I am a youngin. I graduated in '02.
ithinkican,
Ever think of taking a train? I know it takes a lot longer, but it can be a lot cheaper. If you got to Charlotte, I could give you a ride to Blowing Rock. I go up there quite a bit.
Foy,
I'm an app alum too. But I am a youngin. I graduated in '02.
ithinkican
Registered Member
Re: Local help in Blowing Rock
[ QUOTE ]
ithinkican,
Ever think of taking a train? I know it takes a lot longer, but it can be a lot cheaper. If you got to Charlotte, I could give you a ride to Blowing Rock. I go up there quite a bit.
Foy,
I'm an app alum too. But I am a youngin. I graduated in '02.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the suggestion, but the plane ticket cost isn't an issue -- I can get that with frequent flier points. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif The problem really is just getting the Blazer from NC to Texas. I have to decide before I leave Texas whether I'm going to tow or drive, 'cause I sure can't fly in and THEN decide, "Oh, I better tow it." /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif But things being what they are, Blazers don't lend themselves to being easily towed, so it makes more sense to drive it back. That is, if it CAN be driven back.
I'm rambling, aren't I? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif
[ QUOTE ]
ithinkican,
Ever think of taking a train? I know it takes a lot longer, but it can be a lot cheaper. If you got to Charlotte, I could give you a ride to Blowing Rock. I go up there quite a bit.
Foy,
I'm an app alum too. But I am a youngin. I graduated in '02.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the suggestion, but the plane ticket cost isn't an issue -- I can get that with frequent flier points. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif The problem really is just getting the Blazer from NC to Texas. I have to decide before I leave Texas whether I'm going to tow or drive, 'cause I sure can't fly in and THEN decide, "Oh, I better tow it." /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif But things being what they are, Blazers don't lend themselves to being easily towed, so it makes more sense to drive it back. That is, if it CAN be driven back.
I'm rambling, aren't I? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif
K1Orion
1/2 ton status
Re: Local help in Blowing Rock
If you drive it and the timing works out as you described earlier make the future driver(Junior) take the return trip. Make him earn this prized family heirloom by spending a couple days riding/driving with mommy-dearest. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
A co-driver helps keep you sane and awake, and if something goes wrong, 2 heads are better than 1.
Even if he isn't old enough to drive he can pump the gas and clean the bugs off the windsheild. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If you drive it and the timing works out as you described earlier make the future driver(Junior) take the return trip. Make him earn this prized family heirloom by spending a couple days riding/driving with mommy-dearest. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
A co-driver helps keep you sane and awake, and if something goes wrong, 2 heads are better than 1.
Even if he isn't old enough to drive he can pump the gas and clean the bugs off the windsheild. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Re: Local help in Blowing Rock
Rambler J/K /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
Rambler J/K /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
Foy
Registered Member
ncbloodhound
Yep, I was there when Boone was a dry town, the legal drinking age was 18, and all of the bars and package stores were in Blowing Rock, but local law forbade the stores from selling refigerated beer!. So, we discovered that my '67 Scout would hold nearly 2 cases of cans in the space between the grill and the radiator, and that the 10 mile trip back to Boone would chill it quite nicely when the temps were in the teens or 20s, which was often the case.
Good to hear from you, thanks for the note.
Foy
Yep, I was there when Boone was a dry town, the legal drinking age was 18, and all of the bars and package stores were in Blowing Rock, but local law forbade the stores from selling refigerated beer!. So, we discovered that my '67 Scout would hold nearly 2 cases of cans in the space between the grill and the radiator, and that the 10 mile trip back to Boone would chill it quite nicely when the temps were in the teens or 20s, which was often the case.
Good to hear from you, thanks for the note.
Foy
What motor is in your 3/4 sub?
My 88454 TH400 sub will get 11.5 hwy and it did 9 in the hills with a 79 K5 on a HEAVY trailer (about 7500lb total). You have to keep looking in the mirror to make sure you didn't loose the 22ft Airstream we have.
My 88454 TH400 sub will get 11.5 hwy and it did 9 in the hills with a 79 K5 on a HEAVY trailer (about 7500lb total). You have to keep looking in the mirror to make sure you didn't loose the 22ft Airstream we have.
ithinkican
Registered Member
[ QUOTE ]
What motor is in your 3/4 sub?
My 88454 TH400 sub will get 11.5 hwy and it did 9 in the hills with a 79 K5 on a HEAVY trailer (about 7500lb total). You have to keep looking in the mirror to make sure you didn't loose the 22ft Airstream we have.
[/ QUOTE ]
A '99 7.4 = 454 with the 4L80E. When driving it without towing, I get 10 mpg. Period. It doesn't seem to matter if it's uphill, downhill, summer, winter, windy, hot, cold, whatever. However, I've never driven it on a lenghty trip without it dragging something down the road behind it -- that's why I own it. And when I'm towing a wind-resistant 30' box on wheels, the mileage is 7 mpg. Sometimes 6. I'm convinced there's not much else I can do to "economize" the beast. The tires are stock, load E, I run 'em tight on 65 psi daily, and 75 psi when I'm towing. The Flowmaster didn't do a damned thing except make it sound ferocious. Figure any further mods wouldn't be recouped in gas saved, since I don't put a lot of miles on it. Odometer just rolled to 38,000. I love the way it pulls the travel trailer, but it's not been the most reliable beast. Major points of contention have been the failed intake manifold gasket (expected, but still a pisser); blown axle seals on the rear 14bff -- TWICE; leaky crankcase; brakes that don't behave the way I want 'em to. I could write reams about this, but I'm not sure what the penalty on this board is for hijacking one's own thread to new territory. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I drove the 73 Blazer during the "gas crisis" of 1974, for those who might be old enough to remember that debacle. The best I could eek out of it was about 11 mpg, but it's fulltime 4wd, so I guess that's to be expected.
"Economical" and "tow beast" are mutually exclusive; we should all go into these trucks understanding that from the get-go. If one is looking for good gas mileage, look elsewhere. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
What motor is in your 3/4 sub?
My 88454 TH400 sub will get 11.5 hwy and it did 9 in the hills with a 79 K5 on a HEAVY trailer (about 7500lb total). You have to keep looking in the mirror to make sure you didn't loose the 22ft Airstream we have.
[/ QUOTE ]
A '99 7.4 = 454 with the 4L80E. When driving it without towing, I get 10 mpg. Period. It doesn't seem to matter if it's uphill, downhill, summer, winter, windy, hot, cold, whatever. However, I've never driven it on a lenghty trip without it dragging something down the road behind it -- that's why I own it. And when I'm towing a wind-resistant 30' box on wheels, the mileage is 7 mpg. Sometimes 6. I'm convinced there's not much else I can do to "economize" the beast. The tires are stock, load E, I run 'em tight on 65 psi daily, and 75 psi when I'm towing. The Flowmaster didn't do a damned thing except make it sound ferocious. Figure any further mods wouldn't be recouped in gas saved, since I don't put a lot of miles on it. Odometer just rolled to 38,000. I love the way it pulls the travel trailer, but it's not been the most reliable beast. Major points of contention have been the failed intake manifold gasket (expected, but still a pisser); blown axle seals on the rear 14bff -- TWICE; leaky crankcase; brakes that don't behave the way I want 'em to. I could write reams about this, but I'm not sure what the penalty on this board is for hijacking one's own thread to new territory. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I drove the 73 Blazer during the "gas crisis" of 1974, for those who might be old enough to remember that debacle. The best I could eek out of it was about 11 mpg, but it's fulltime 4wd, so I guess that's to be expected.
"Economical" and "tow beast" are mutually exclusive; we should all go into these trucks understanding that from the get-go. If one is looking for good gas mileage, look elsewhere. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
earl87gta
1/2 ton status
I have a friend picing a lexus up in texis and taking it to Greenville NC he said for 800 he can give your truck a ride to ya. If you think you may want to go that route let me know I think he is leving greenvile next week to go get it He said he would devide the cost 50 50 for both of you so it will come out to around 800 each.
Earl
Earl
