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Tionesta Rover Expedition - Road trip planned
Good morning all,
I recently agreed to sell my ’66 Series 2a 88 to a good friend of mine. 12 years ago, this same friend met me on the other side of the country to inspect the truck prior to my purchase and made me promise that he would have the first chance to buy it if I ever decided to sell.
The only problem… I live in Florida, my friend lives in NW Pennsylvania.
My friend has a grand road trip adventure in mind; flying down to FL and driving with me in the Rover up to PA (roughly 1,400 - backroad miles). I’ve mapped out a route where we would take 5 days, driving between 5 & 6 hours a day averaging 45 - 55 mph, with sightseeing along the way.
The trip is, tentatively, scheduled for mid June (June 13th - 18th) and now my anxiety levels are starting to creep up.
I’ve done a lot of work to the truck in preparation for the sale - Replaced the carburetor, replaced rubber brake hoses with stainless braid…. replaced all of the wheel cylinders and front brake shoes… replaced both front hub & locking hub seals/bearings/races etc… bled, greased, topped up every fluid I could think of, and flushed the radiator… inspected shock bushings and replaced as needed. The tires & spare are approx. 10 year old (garage kept) XZL’s with good tread.
So I think the truck is as ready as it can be for the trip.
Still… I haven’t driven the rover much in the past few years, and, although I’ve never had a mechanical issue out on the road, I’ve also never driven the rover on any trip more than ~ 100 miles each way. So, to be honest, I’m a little worried.
It goes without saying… Our wives are totally against the idea.
We welcome any company along the way, whether classic rover or modern. Alternatively, if anyone was a member of the old Birmabright Brotherhood and might be willing to help out should problems arise, I'd welcome your offer.
I'll post a picture of the general route below...
I recently agreed to sell my ’66 Series 2a 88 to a good friend of mine. 12 years ago, this same friend met me on the other side of the country to inspect the truck prior to my purchase and made me promise that he would have the first chance to buy it if I ever decided to sell.
The only problem… I live in Florida, my friend lives in NW Pennsylvania.
My friend has a grand road trip adventure in mind; flying down to FL and driving with me in the Rover up to PA (roughly 1,400 - backroad miles). I’ve mapped out a route where we would take 5 days, driving between 5 & 6 hours a day averaging 45 - 55 mph, with sightseeing along the way.
The trip is, tentatively, scheduled for mid June (June 13th - 18th) and now my anxiety levels are starting to creep up.
I’ve done a lot of work to the truck in preparation for the sale - Replaced the carburetor, replaced rubber brake hoses with stainless braid…. replaced all of the wheel cylinders and front brake shoes… replaced both front hub & locking hub seals/bearings/races etc… bled, greased, topped up every fluid I could think of, and flushed the radiator… inspected shock bushings and replaced as needed. The tires & spare are approx. 10 year old (garage kept) XZL’s with good tread.
So I think the truck is as ready as it can be for the trip.
Still… I haven’t driven the rover much in the past few years, and, although I’ve never had a mechanical issue out on the road, I’ve also never driven the rover on any trip more than ~ 100 miles each way. So, to be honest, I’m a little worried.
It goes without saying… Our wives are totally against the idea.
We welcome any company along the way, whether classic rover or modern. Alternatively, if anyone was a member of the old Birmabright Brotherhood and might be willing to help out should problems arise, I'd welcome your offer.
I'll post a picture of the general route below...