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Preparing for a Cross country drive...

Not necessarily a Volvo specific question, but one I'd like to ask anyway.

At some point in August, I'm planning on taking my '80 245 DL (with a m-46) on a rather long trip. The eventual destination is Cleveland, OH, but I'm also planning on making a stop in Phoenix, AZ.

Anyhow, up to this point, the longest trip I've taken is from Portland to Seattle, roughly 150 miles and 3 hours. Nothing that tough, when compared to what I'm planning.

I'd like any advice you fine folks can offer me about what I'm planning on doing.

What steps should I take to prepare the car? I'm thinking a few basics, like a tune up and an oil change would be a good idea. Anything else I should do?

Anything I should pick up for the trip before I leave? I'm thinking I'll keep a few "emergency" bottles of various fluids in the floor storage areas. I'm thinking oil, perhaps coolant, and maybe a quart of ATF.

I also think I should probably get my AC working before I venture into Phoenix in the middle of August. I've got a rotary compressor I'm going to install.

(I know with the price of gas these days it would probably be cheaper for me to fly then to drive... I'm aware of that.)

Any advice you can offer me would be appreciated. I'm sure I'll think of some other stuff before too long.

Thanks as always.
--
Proud owner of "The World's Most Famous Volvo Radio!"








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    Preparing for a Cross country drive...

    In addition to what was mentioned ...

    Bring a tool kit. A basic junkyard-er's kit of ...
    - wrenches (metric & SAE).
    - 1/4"-3/8"-1/2" ratchets, extensions, and sockets (ditto).
    - various screwdrivers.
    - pliers, including locking, needle nose, slip-joint, and cutters.

    Add a variety of zip ties, a hobby knife set, hi-temp RTV, electrical tape, electrical crimps/crimper and a roll of 18-ga. wire.

    Don't be so quick to throw any garbage away either. You never know when you might have to do this ...







    -- Kane
    --

    While I would never deliberately mislead anyone, take into consideration that any information and advice provided was at no cost to you.


    6 Volvos in SoCal, from '64 to '94. See profile for fleet infomation.








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    Preparing for a Cross country drive...

    First of all, you will love your wagon on the open road. They are the most fun to drive for long trips - confortable seats, low rpms, cruise control (I hope you have it), low wind noise with windows rolled down, etc.

    The thing I always think about is the cooling system. Bring some duct tape in case you have to patch a hose quickly. When was your water pump replaced? If you have an extra or a used pump, bring it along. It is a relatively easy repair, but surely expensive at the Texaco in Nebraska.

    Depending on when your belts were last changed, an extra set of belts might be smart to throw in the back. A timing belt is easy to replace, but again, Joe Bob at the Shell in the middle of nowhere is likely to make you wait a few days to order the part and charge you through the nose to put on there.

    On longer trips, I always secure contents in the back of our wagon with a cargo net (Thule, etc), so that those items do not become deadly projectiles upon a sudden stop or accident. Fluids are smart - coolant, oil, ATF, steering. Check fluids after you clean the windshield at fill-ups. Other things might come up - but that will be part of the trip!

    Otherwise, pull those side mirrors out so they are true side mirrors (not rear-view!), adjust your lumbar support, plug your iPod into the cassette deck, and get ready to cruise. It seems like this is what these cars were built for more than anything! A living room on wheels.

    Have fun and let us know when you return.
    -pu
    --
    ((1993 245 Classic, 100K)) ((1992 244, 110K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego







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