[dsnyder248]

I was one of the lucky ones that got to meet Steve on his trip about an hour ago. He dropped of an entire floor (front to back) for my 70 Bonneville- floors dont get much bigger than that! He snapped a quick picture, gave me some advice on my car, and was on his way again. We all dream of the open road and our cars- hes living the dream!

Good luck and safe travels, Steve!

[Lloyd-TX]

Originally Posted by dsnyder248

I was one of the lucky ones that got to meet Steve on his trip about an hour ago. He dropped of an entire floor (front to back) for my 70 Bonneville- floors dont get much bigger than that! He snapped a quick picture, gave me some advice on my car, and was on his way again. We all dream of the open road and our cars- hes living the dream!

Good luck and safe travels, Steve!

How in the heck did Steve carry a full-length Bonne floor pan in his GTO?

Now - that I'd like to see!

[Tellyshavilli]

Hi Steve good luck on your trip . I've done Buffalo to Tucson and back 2x's in the 70's in a 73 Ta Super Duty ( also took the SD to the top of Mount Lemon) and then Tucson to Buffalo in a 69 RAIV Judge 4speed with orig motor and paint with 3:90 gears . (13 mpg cruising at 65 )

Originally Posted by Steve Barcak

OK, Now that I can post pics. here are a few from the first leg of the trip. One gassing up at the TA in Amarillo. The next one is on the fwy in Oklahoma city. If you look close, you can see the skyline in front and the white Trans Am I am towing in the mirrors.
this is fun!
Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org

"Real Pontiacs only....no corporate nonsense!"

[dsnyder248]

Originally Posted by Lloyd-TX

How in the heck did Steve carry a full-length Bonne floor pan in his GTO?

Now - that I'd like to see!

He strapped it to his roof, obviously.

... just kidding of course. He had a small trailer that I guess he picked up after dropping off the trans am.

[Jack Gifford]

I think he converted the tow-dolly to a trailer.

[Lloyd-TX]

OK, but where did he stow that floor pan BEFORE he dropped off the T/A?

[TheMonkey]

Originally Posted by Lloyd-TX

OK, but where did he stow that floor pan BEFORE he dropped off the T/A?

only way was to use the floor pan for a sled to pull the TA. duh....

[dsnyder248]

Originally Posted by Lloyd-TX

OK, but where did he stow that floor pan BEFORE he dropped off the T/A?

good question, now you have me perplexed.

[OVERULD]

Lloyd:
When you were a child, did you ask your mommy "Why?" all the time?
I'm betting he had the other parts bought and picked them up after dropping off the T/A

I am also now on phase II of my towing portion of the trip. I already dropped off the Trans AM several days back. Now, I have converted my tow dolly to a trailer and am hauling quarter panels, floor sections and other parts to PA and NY this week.

[Lloyd-TX]

Originally Posted by OVERULD

Lloyd:
When you were a child, did you ask your mommy "Why?" all the time?

Damn straight, BJ!

[Steve Barcak]

Hello again. More pics coming.
On the hitch- I'll take pics and explain soon.
On the towing- There are actually 4 'legs' or tow jobs the WW5 has to do on this trip-
1. pull Trans Am to Columbus. check
2. haul 2 66 GTO quarter panels, 70 Bonneville full floor, set of mag tires and wheels, 74 Trans am tail panel.
GTO quarters delivered to central Pa, Bonnie floor to David in Pittsburgh, Wheels to my friend Brian in Lottsville. check

3. haul 65 Bonneville parts to Buffalo area inicluding- fenders, doors, bumpers, wheel houses.
4. pick up one of my GTOs stored in Mo and takke home to AZ.

You've seen the first load, here is the second. yes, i conveted the tow dolly to a trailer with a platform I built. It bolts to the dolly using original Pontiac motor mount hardware.


I did get to visit the USS COD on Sunday and also a big great lakes freighter too. Very educational and interesting. I could have spend a few days there. Recommended highly.
The WW5 is overdue for an oil change, I'll have to change it soon.
Gosh, I am really enjoying myself on the road with factory round port power. she handles and looks great. I am blessed to be able tot do this. Thank you Lord!

Also, these cars look just so sure footed and aggressive with these 8" rims and 265/50 and 295/50 rubber. Not sure why most put small tires under their car. These Dunlop GT Qualifiers look so good, corner very well. Traction and wear mileage is outstanding.
I love 'em!
Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org

"Real Pontiacs only...no corporate nonsense!"

[Steve Barcak]

We're into Pennsylvania and New York now. Here is a pic of my hitch. I built and welded it from different hitches. I used a spare valance too. This set up fits through the valance and is more integrated with the car instead of hanging down under it like most hitches do. All my Pontiacs have had hitches since my first GTO in '75.

Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org

"Real Pontiacs only....no corporate nonsense!"

[Steve Barcak]

Here are some pics from the rural area south of Buffallo, NY today. I am now hauling my 3rd load of parts to people to help restore their Pontiacs.

Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org

"Real Pontiacs only...no corporate nonsense!"

[wheelspin]

Hey Steve,

Looks like you are having a great time, driving around our beautiful country. Nothing beats w/shield time in your classic Pontiac, while criss-crossing the USA .

Were you able to improve your gas mileage on this trip w/ additional tuning?

Safe journey, and we will see you in April @ Pontiac Heaven .

Les

[Steve Barcak]

This is now day 17 of my extended cross country drive in my '72 GTO WW5. I have just exceeded 5,000 miles with her so far and I am several thousand miles from home. I am estimiating this trip now at 7,000-8,000 miles of duration. Fall is here and the colors are changing in Pennsylvania and New York too and it is very pretty. I will now decide on a few days which direction to go or to start to head home. This has been quite an enjoyable trip so far. The WW5 is a thrill to take to the roads, both interstates and tthe twisty 2 lanes.
Pics coming.

Les- I have yet to sit down and figure out milage though I have recorded it. The 455HO detonates/rattles a bit at times under part throttle after i cut down on that primary hanger spring and it has never done that before i leaned the carb but, it isn't bad and she still runs very cool. I only use regular gas. I'm assuminig it is running much leaner than in the past. All my towing and hauling in the trip is now done except for the GTO I am picking up in MO and hauling home to Az but that will not be for some time until i get there.
see you

Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org
"Real Pontiacs only...no corporate nonsense!"

[455Grandville]

Steve, if you need to make any adjustments to your GTO driving through Missouri (I-44) youre welcome to use my garage.

[north]

Get that Arizona goat home before you need snow tires!!! I havn't done a long trip like that in a GTO in over 20 years.

In 85 I picked up a 69 RA 4spd GTO vert for less than a G-note in SoCal and hopped in and drove it 3,000+ miles to Montreal, I miss being that young and dumb, I never even checked fluids belts nothing, just drove. Only one night sleep (two 24 hour-1,500 mile jaunts) in KC. Ran like a clock and burned lots of gas (3.90's) but hell of a trip. My face was the same color as the car by the time I got home (Matador Red) since the top was down all the way natch.

I've been promising myself to do another trip like that again but with age we think more and act less. Just bought a 69 Bonne from Oregon and thought about it, but I weaseled out(it's on a closed truck) again. Wheel bearings? fuel pump? water pump? thermostat? rad hose? heater core? starter? engine wiring? points? dirt in gas? oil pump? rad? tires? Ball joint? pinion bearing?

What can I say, just a chicken.

[70ra455]

In 1986 I purchased a new Honda Accord ... flew from Brooklyn NY to Chicago and picked up my new car ... drove all the way home in 17 hours!

In 1995 I purchased a '65 Bonneville Convertible 4spd 421 HO Tripower and flew down to Florida with a friend and drove it back home to NJ. Not one single problem cruising 80 MPH the entire trip.

In 2002 I purchased my '70 GTO Convertible 455 Ram Air 4spd and flew to Tulsa and drove it all the way home to NJ. Had gas tank leak from filler neck (fixed over a friends home in Roanoke Va.) Had my starter die out 250 miles North of Roanoke. Splashed ice cold water on it and it started right up. In Harrisburg PA my altenator belt snapped and a nice young guy stopped, took me to his home to get tools, bought me dinner at Burger King!, and them took me to local Murrays to buy the belt (I had to insist on paying for my own belt), he changed it for me (wouldn't let me touch it) and then wouldn't take any money from me. Said he loves old cars and especially Goats.

My wife thinks I'm nuts but those road trips were awesome!

[Tellyshavilli]

Originally Posted by Steve Barcak

Here are some pics from the rural area south of Buffallo, NY today. I am now hauling my 3rd load of parts to people to help restore their Pontiacs.

Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org

"Real Pontiacs only...no corporate nonsense!"

Steve , what town was this , I am just south of Buffalo . Sorry I missed you .

[Steve Barcak]

455- thanks for the offer, I will keep that in mind
North- If I have to put snow tires on her, I will. It would not be the first time. I have taken my Pontiacs when I go skiing or snowboarding many times. I had a set of snow tires mounted on a spare pair of 8" snowflake wheels years back.
I am not pushing myself on this trip. If I get tired, I pull over and take a nap or shower or a bite to eat. I am not on any schedule.
Telly- I went though that area Monday but, I am just south of there in PA right now. Not sure of the towns, I was mostly on hwy 62 from PA to Buffallo. Nice drive. Niagra falls was cool too.
I helped the army the other day sight in this gun (smile), here are some pics.
Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org

"Real Pontiacs only....no corporate nonsense!"