Long road trips

[Vegasjack]

A couple of us Cobra owners are looking at some long trips, weather permitting. Assuming one has good cool weather, what is the range/distance you have comfortably driven for leisure on a long trip. Leisure meaning no reason to push oneself as no time schedule. I have driven 250 miles a couple of times and my Mark 3 pretty much beats me up. No problem doing it, but brain dead upon arrival. Several hours with the wind, pipe noise, vibrations and the like takes a toll. Is it just my old ***, or do others feel the same on long road trips? Beautiful trip, great winding road through forest, stops along the way and several Cobras going. I would like to say I can drive 9 hours straight as I do often in my regular car, but that is not the case. So what is?

[GTBradley]

I did 134 miles yesterday with my son. We were pretty beat, but it was 99 degrees and sunny most of the trip. I’ve done 240 miles with cold and hot and felt fine when I got home. With good weather and highway I’m pretty sure I could muster 500 miles a day - I attribute a lot of that to the IRS suspension. It would be nice, though to be able turn down the side pipe action on-demand for longer trips.

I’m thinking about a Route 66 adventure full-length from Chicago to Santa Monica some day. I know it would put me in traction by the end, but what a memory to have! Though, it might not be too bad, as I figure 200 miles a day with a lot of stops, but that works out to three weeks on the road total.

[RoadRacer]

I think my longest single day in Cobra was about 200 miles - you certainly get beat up in the fresh air.. and "crispy" in the southern states summers! But the adrenaline makes up for it.

Longest day ever was a ~800 miles dash from Barcelona to Cherbourg in my GTD40 which was a fun ~10 hours trying to catch a ferry! But that had a roof, and I did it overnight.. fun times.

[Jim Wehr]

A couple of us went 120 miles this morning after Cars and Coffee. 100 degrees out so that was about my limit. In the Fall I could see 3-400 miles with a few stops.

[weendoggy]

We've driven cross country and to the Rockies twice. Both were multiple 500mi +/- days in a row. The worst part is the heat. If you can stay cool, it's not too bad. We also have a comfortable ride, so comfortable my wife reads a Kindle and sleeps! I just plug in my ipod with custom earplugs and drive. I've driven to So.Cal many times without a stopover. We also are early risers so we're on the road by 5am. Weather has always had a hand in our drives, even snow, so you just have to be prepared. Note: this is not something I'd plan on doing more than 3 days in a row just to keep sane. ;)

[Old Timer]

If your old like me, and it's your first trip, maybe 150 miles to start out with. If you are younger, you could go farther.

I have done 260 in a day, turned around and went home the next day.
But it was after wife and I learned what all to take, and how to make the best of it.
Biggest thing is the road, if it's rough, it will beat you up, if it's good, you are good.

[Mark K]

We drove to Lake Tahoe, did one loop around it, then back. Roughly 240 miles or so. Weather was mild, and we used earplugs for the long runs between breaks and walks. Felt fine after the trip, but would have been a different story if it was hot and the sun was constantly beating on us. That takes a toll.

After that, my soft top was delivered, and that's going to make a world of difference on the drive to Huntington Beach. Mostly eliminates the wind buffeting, and with the side windows in, completely eliminates it. Will still use ear plugs during that trip.

[Mark Dougherty]

alot

[Sdonnel]

Wife and I did 125 miles yesterday while meeting 10 others. Peak temp was 98 with heat index of 105. We were dripping wet and laughing about it once we rehydrated. Last cobra, my longest was 300 miles in one day. Ear plugs are a must and a copilot who does not fall asleep to the sound of the pipes. Take breaks and make it fun. No reason not to enjoy the ride.

Scott

[John4337]

We would take a couple of multi day 4-5 day trips a year. Most we’ve done is about 450 miles a day. We do use the top on highways no minimize sun and buffeting. Anything more and the fun quotient drops quickly.

[Vspeeds]

I could handle about 150 miles in hot weather. But the sun sure does drain my energy. At 150 its time to get fuel and I could reset, stretch, shake the sweat off my shirt, and drive another 150.

[Al_C]

I’m thinking about a Route 66 adventure full-length from Chicago to Santa Monica some day. I know it would put me in traction by the end, but what a memory to have! Though, it might not be too bad, as I figure 200 miles a day with a lot of stops, but that works out to three weeks on the road total.

I'd be up for that trip!

The longest trip I've taken was 260 miles one way. Did 200 miles a few weeks ago with the Chicago group, but that was interrupted by lunch. Still, four hours in the car...

Talk to Sten - he's the long distance champ in my mind...

[GWL]

In my 20's, in 1967-68, I drove back and forth across the country in a '66 TR-4A with the top down most of the way. I was young and I was not used to A/C in our cars or in our houses. You just accepted it because that's just the way life was then. You didn't know any different. The trip back, from Washington state to my home in Maryland, was virtually non-stop in three + days. I slept for 12 hours at the end of that ride.

So, yes it has a lot to do with your age and almost as much with today's lifestyle, where we are now used to solid, quiet cars with A/C and heat.

Several years ago, in our daily drivers, I would think nothing of driving 500+ miles a day. But now as I age, I'm now 76, I am looking at shorter trips of 300 to 400 miles.

It will be interesting when I get the FFR roadster done this summer how much I'll be able to stand long road trips. I will have a soft top with the zip out back window, so it will help with the buffeting. The buffeting with a top up can be bothersome with the side window open. I used to be able to fold the convertible tops quarter windows back, out of the way on the Triumph, to almost eliminate buffeting as it was what made the drive uncomfortable.

George

[R. Button]

Back in 2001, 4 of us decided to find out IF these cars could do long distance trips! Not just a few hundred miles either. BUT a long trip. Thus became the Stooges Across America or THE 2001 Transcontinental Tour!
This is the shirt I saved from that trip.

132140

And when we got to Sacramento, Ca we had to prepare to race out cars against some of the best Calif drivers.

[steno]

I’ve done 1200 miles in a mad dash from Chicago to south of Orlando a few years back. I slept well THAT night! I never said it was a good idea. I was pretty beat up.

[Bobby Doug]

I have done 250+ miles a couple of times. The first separated by half doing a track event. The second the same except a shopping excursion for the wife. Neither time was heat a factor. However, on the second I wore a set of over the ear hearing protection headphones. Huge difference in the exhaust and wind noise. I do wear custom earplugs all the time. We are planning some more 250+ mile trips in the future and a comm set of headphones is seriously being considered.

[CraigS]

At the very least wear some foam ear plugs. Better are electronic muffs. We use them shooting because they will allow normal voice though but cancel any loud sound. These are very common;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T7QJ9O/ref=asc_df_B001T7QJ9O/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583932699671934&psc=1&language=en_US
I have a hard top but a soft top will work. Top up but no windows really helps w/ the sun. If you wait til it's cool anything w/ a hood is a huge help. Wear a baseball cap under the hood so the bill makes the hood move w/ your head. Otherwise you will be looking out of just one eye as your head moves within the hood. W/o a top I like a straw hat w/ a strap so I don't lose it. The $10-15 hats usually have a stiff brim which works well.

[Bob-STL]

alot

Day 1: Temecula, CA to Tucumcari, NM 936 miles.

Get in the car Dougherty, we're going to Tucumcari DAMMIT!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=132159&d=1595263106

[R. Button]

I hope a stop at the Blue Shallow Motel in town! They still leave the garage door open for you as this is a well maintained OLD motel!

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[Jim Haar]

I have driven from Carlsbad, Ca to Las Vegas, Nv. 300 miles, in November , no big deal.
Nice drive actually ! Chilly at the summit.....

[Fixit]

Just got back from a weekend "Up Nort" at our lake cabin.
About 180 miles / 3 hours one-way... with a stop for a meal and stretch. We've taken #9365 on several of these runs, and 3 hours seems to be about the right amount of seat time.
Earplugs are a must... at least for me it's not the exhaust volume, but the wind buffeting is annoying.

[AC Bill]

I find time in the seat, more so than miles traveled. If your speed is 70 mph I can easily see covering 150 miles before needing a break. Travelling at 40 mph, I'd need a stretch badly by 80 miles.. So two hour stints are pretty well the max, before my legs need a stretch. In 20 minutes or so, I'd be good to go again.

[Jetfuel]

Yes...it is the wind noise that beats you up badly
I installed a set of intercom with the “fade the music when talking” in my 65 mustang and it made a world of difference in how we felt after very long drives...Indy-Augusta Ga 700 miles 12 hrs.
Well worth the money ....actually got it from an airplane we did a avionics update

Jet

[abdw-wcw]

Just last week i did 1,191 miles in a single day.
90 degrees when i left Orlando. (Went to see a 'first start' of a fellow forum member). 90 degrees when i arrived in Chicago. Hit three rain storms. I have a top but it stayed in the trunk the entire trip. Just too hot.
Left at 5:30am as the sun was coming up, and rolled in at 8:30 as the sun was setting. No nighttime driving. It was a real blast. I was comfortable the whole way.
Craig

[Railroad]

Just last week i did 1,191 miles in a single day.
90 degrees when i left Orlando. (Went to see a 'first start' of a fellow forum member). 90 degrees when i arrived in Chicago. Hit three rain storms. I have a top but it stayed in the trunk the entire trip. Just too hot.
Left at 5:30am as the sun was coming up, and rolled in at 8:30 as the sun was setting. No nighttime driving. It was a real blast. I was comfortable the whole way.
Craig

That is a pretty good average speed?

[abdw-wcw]

That is a pretty good average speed?

I may have had long, extended times at speeds around 93mph. For a few hours i was running with a brand new Aston Martin. We possibly hit 100 several times. (My memory on these actions are fuzzy. Don't hold me to this. ;) Haha)

[Jetfuel]

Yep...if you’re not doing 100 between Mt Eagle TN and Bowling Green KY they will run you over ...lol

[Big Blocker]

Jack,

When we go to HB for the cruise-in, it's 288 miles to the place we stay. We stop at Lenwood Rd (Barstow, 160 miles) for 1/2 tank of gas and a butt stretch and then the rest of the way.

Just prepping you for next year . . .

Doc

[Erik W. Treves]

2016 Power Tour - LA to KS in 7 Days in the rain and HEEAAT!! would do it it again.... LONG HAUL complete! Ron Everitt IS the road captain!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=132280&d=1595508658

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=132281&d=1595508810

[Vegasjack]

Jack,

When we go to HB for the cruise-in, it's 288 miles to the place we stay. We stop at Lenwood Rd (Barstow, 160 miles) for 1/2 tank of gas and a butt stretch and then the rest of the way.

Just prepping you for next year . . .

Doc

Let's look at a Vegas to Laughlin run soon. You, Terry and me. Plus anyone else that might want to make the run.

[mburger]

As others have stated, a top really makes a huge difference, at least for me. I've found that after a 100+ miles ride at highway speeds, my neck was hurting. I think just from having the wind beat on it from all directions for a couple of hours. The top cuts the wind noise down so much it makes for a nicer ride on the highway. I've gotten a decent sunburn driving a longer distance in the Florida sun. The top fixes that as well.
Love the Trading Post pic!

[SJDave]

A group of us have done the San Francisco to Huntington Beach drive, 300 miles, several times now, and with side stops 8 to 10 hours with a cruise up through the Angeles Crest Highway instead of staying on the freeway. Side pipe noise and wind buffeting get to you the after a while, and when sitting on the 405 for 2.5 hours trying to cover the last 30 miles, the sun and heat are the enemy. Let's just say we are very happy when we get there!

So this year, Freddie Hebert started work on a Bimini Top for the "April" trip in January, project stalled and he asked me to pick it up in February which worked out perfect for the shelter in place months...gave me a project. So we have our tops now and have done some local cruises for 2 hours, and it makes a difference in comfort for sure, and still has plenty of air circulation since it's just a top, no sides..,..but eliminates the buffeting which beats your ears up after 4 hours, and eliminates the need for a hat when driving so you stay cooler. Our goal was to be capable of speeds up to 100mph, so that required a more robust frame structure then a bimini top on a ski boat for example, but adds cost unfortunately.

I posted a while ago that I was considering being a forum vendor for this product, I've been gathering quotes from outside machine shops, too much work for me to do in my manual home shop, I'm supposed to be retired! I have provided the Top Pattern to Sierra Canvas in Bakersfield and he has now sewn 2 Tops, Sunbrella fabric with Teflon thread, they look great, so he is ready for me to sell frame sets anytime.

I would appreciate a PM if you would be interested in a Bimini Top to help me decide whether to jump into the deep end, become a forum Vendor, get my business license. Or become a forum vendor and just make them on a "garage hobby" level, one or two frames a month. The frame kit will sell for $650 and a single color top will cost $300....So $950 total. A 3 color Top like the one in the attached photo is $450. 30 minutes to install the frame and top once everything is fitted to your car, 10 minutes to install the Sunbrella Top if you leave the front and rear frame bars on the windshield and roll bars (works with 1.5. 1.75 and 2" roll bars). Will also work with Single Roll Bar but requires a Suction Mount support I have developed, $100 extra.

Thanks for your input!
Dave

[rich grsc]

Dave, PM'd my interest.

[emoore924]

New York to Long Beach with this pesky Ferrari following us the whole way!

[David Williamson]

We (wife and I ) did a 7 day 1650 mile trip around the South East area of British Columbia (Canada) and as all these trips are it had some adventures. We got hot, did some ferry rides, drove 100 miles of twisty gravel road and found a thunder storm and with the roof on we still got slightly wet. I now know to put duct tape along the top of the windshield. That area of BC has many twisty mountain roads to drive so that is what we did. Lots of thumbs up from everyone along the way. Even took the 1960 ish S2 Bentley's garage spot at the B&B we stayed at. Most days were about 300 miles but the last day home was 400 miles. The roof was only on for under 100 miles of it.
132714
One dirty car when we got home.
David W

[AC Bill]

We (wife and I ) did a 7 day 1650 mile trip around the South East area of British Columbia (Canada) and as all these trips are it had some adventures.

That is some beautiful cruising country. I used to do business in that area many years back, and always enjoyed the trip. Had to keep my eye open for deer, trying to commit suicide.
Car looks like you entered the Gumball..lol