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.
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