vintage auto on the playa

z276 · Post by **z276** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 2:54 pm

I know there's threads on here already on how to deal with your auto out on the playa. I've always hitched a ride with friends and never had to worry about the upkeep of my own vehicle. This year my boyfriend and I are heading out there in a 64 Ford Econoline panel van. MAYBE. But I'm trying to discourage it, because I think it'd be too harsh on the van. Does anyone have any feedback on this?? Thanks.

Post by **mdmf007** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:10 pm

z276 wrote:I know there's threads on here already on how to deal with your auto out on the playa. I've always hitched a ride with friends and never had to worry about the upkeep of my own vehicle. This year my boyfriend and I are heading out there in a 64 Ford Econoline panel van. MAYBE. But I'm trying to discourage it, because I think it'd be too harsh on the van. Does anyone have any feedback on this?? Thanks.

DONT DO IT IF YOU LIKE YOUR VEHICLE. If its a daily driver you really like, it will never be the same. People talk about precautions, and keeping it closed, and filters, and tape, and covering vents and how they do it yearly. But in my experience I sell whatever rig I bring.

It will never be the same again. You will undoubtably forget to close a door, vent or window.

My suggestion is to take something else.

gaminwench · Post by **gaminwench** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:34 pm

I just acquired a '69 UltraVan (thanx ibdave!) specifically FOR my yearly playa trek...and I don't want it to 'ever be the same'!! I love having dusty reminders throughout the year of my home away from home....

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:39 pm

gaminwench wrote:I just acquired a '69 UltraVan (thanx ibdave!) specifically FOR my yearly playa trek...and I don't want it to 'ever be the same'!! I love having dusty reminders throughout the year of my home away from home....

*blushing...*

http://www.pilkguns.com/fotouv.htm

But I'm hoping gw will post a few photo's of her own sweet ride soon....

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 5:05 pm

Nice, Gaminwench.

A lot of people bring out special vehicles.
Steve and Juicy brought out a 1958 sedan named Billy, I think.
But they did it before a restoration.
Very cool to see it out there.
Matching trailer too.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:22 am

A few problems I can think of:

Older cars generally don't have the same rust protection as newer cars, so the corrosive dust might be more of a problem down the road.

Older cars often have cooling problems. You'll be doing a lot of idling in very hot weather on the way in/out. Possibly hours of stop and crawl. Mountain passes can also be a problem. Can the van handle this?

One way or another it will be damaged - by the playa dust, by you knocking stuff around loading/unloading, by some dick with a key, who knows. If it's a classic you couldn't bear getting scuffed, leave it at home. If it's a beater you don't care so much about and it runs well enough to handle the drive, there's no reason you shouldn't bring it. If you're worried it won't make it or you'll regret it later, find a rental cargo van.

gaminwench · Post by **gaminwench** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:27 am

I'll post pix soon - and I'm leaving her tired but original paint job for her first playa trip.
You're right Dork, cooling system is 'over the hill' - my plan includes...

some updating and modifying to the system, a route that is 'flat' as can be, caravan with motorheads to/from the playa, driving mostly at night, and early in & late out ( no pesky lines!) cuz I have a camp to build!

After retirning to defaultia, I'll strip her paint and get the best rust protective stuff on her that I can, before she gets her new 'personality' paint job.

Anything else I should think about?

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:22 pm

Some body people advise not stripping, just prep and repaint if needed.
Old paint can be more hardy than new.
Isn't it mostly aluminum?

gaminwench · Post by **gaminwench** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:24 pm

Yes, aluminum and fiberglass...you caught me! I haven't done any hard research on the paint, yet, mostly concerned with motor/electrical at this point...

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:25 pm

gaminwench wrote:I'll post pix soon - and I'm leaving her tired but original paint job for her first playa trip.
You're right Dork, cooling system is 'over the hill' - my plan includes...

some updating and modifying to the system, a route that is 'flat' as can be, caravan with motorheads to/from the playa, driving mostly at night, and early in & late out ( no pesky lines!) cuz I have a camp to build!

After retirning to defaultia, I'll strip her paint and get the best rust protective stuff on her that I can, before she gets her new 'personality' paint job.

Anything else I should think about?

Check the wheel bearings.
Is this the V8?
I like Griffin radiators.

It may be worth putting in synthetic lubricants before you go.
I suggest redline or better.

gaminwench · Post by **gaminwench** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 1:34 pm

thanks, Gyre...you are, as always, a font of interesting, useful information!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 3:00 pm

Sarcasm isn't going to win you any points on eplaya.

With the air cooled engine, I would definitely go synthetic.
This is the cheapest place I found for redline last time I checked.
http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/cate ... Motor_Oils
Doesn't hurt to shop.
Ask the redline tech people for choice.
But the race oil has no detergents.
Only use that for short times.
Not really a street oil.

You might consider an accusump in the future.
And I like the idea of preheating an engine before use.
I plan block heaters even in summer use.

Cool rv.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 3:54 pm

gaminwench wrote:Yes, aluminum and fiberglass...you caught me! I haven't done any hard research on the paint, yet, mostly concerned with motor/electrical at this point...

What about the frame/undercarriage? I'm guessing it's mostly steel. Not that I know anything about those cars. Entering/exiting at night will certainly help with the cooling system, but don't count on not having any lines. They can happen at any time. Just make sure the cooling system is healthy.

z276 · Post by **z276** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:21 pm

I'll have to run all this by the boyfriend once he's back in town. It seems like his lack of playa experience (0) and my lack of knowledge about the van adds up to possibly a rental car. Sigh.

gaminwench · Post by **gaminwench** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:47 pm

Hey, gyre, I was being sincere...but if it will count for sarcasm points(I'm low)...then add 'em on!!
DORK-there is no chassis, it's a unibody, monocacque vehicle...I'm all about thoroughly cleaning the whole thing with a vinegar wash post-playa, undercarriage and all.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 5:12 pm

gaminwench wrote:Hey, gyre, I was being sincere...but if it will count for sarcasm points(I'm low)...then add 'em on!!
DORK-there is no chassis, it's a unibody, monocacque vehicle...I'm all about thoroughly cleaning the whole thing with a vinegar wash post-playa, undercarriage and all.

I know.
I couldn't help myself.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 5:14 pm

z276 wrote:I'll have to run all this by the boyfriend once he's back in town. It seems like his lack of playa experience (0) and my lack of knowledge about the van adds up to possibly a rental car. Sigh.

Personal decision.
But I'll be taking my car.

vintage auto on the playa

vintage auto on the playa

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