Overlanding with older vehicles

[armyRN]

Old school run sounds fun but unfortunately, it is too far for me to attend, the Fj would easily make it, however, my issue is time away from work.

Sorry to hear that. It is a bit of a time commitment. I'm trying to make this an actual overlanding trip, and not just an overnight or two-day camping trip.

It looks like we're going to do this in conjunction with the NW Overland Rally (NWOR). The dates for the NW Overland Rally are 3-6 September 2020. The NWOR ends on Sunday morning, 6 September. We will meet-up the following morning (Labor Day, Monday, 7 Sep) somewhere in/around Stevenson, WA (roughly 230 miles from the NWOR site on the WA/OR border), and start the WABDR, finishing (if all goes according to plan) on Saturday, 12 Sep. This should work out well for those who are traveling to the NWOR and want to explore some of the PNW. I will have a rally point for us somewhere in/around Stevenson, WA well before the start of the Old School Run.

Hopefully we're over this virus thing well before the NWOR is scheduled to begin in September.

http://www.nwoverlandrally.com/

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Sorry to hear that. It is a bit of a time commitment. I'm trying to make this an actual overlanding trip, and not just an overnight or two-day camping trip.

It looks like we're going to do this in conjunction with the NW Overland Rally (NWOR). The dates for the NW Overland Rally are 3-6 September 2020. The NWOR ends on Sunday morning, 6 September. We will meet-up the following morning (Labor Day, Monday, 7 Sep) somewhere in/around Stevenson, WA (roughly 230 miles from the NWOR site on the WA/OR border), and start the WABDR, finishing (if all goes according to plan) on Saturday, 12 Sep. This should work out well for those who are traveling to the NWOR and want to explore some of the PNW. I will have a rally point for us somewhere in/around Stevenson, WA well before the start of the Old School Run.

Hopefully we're over this virus thing well before the NWOR is scheduled to begin in September.

http://www.nwoverlandrally.com/

I'd love to join you guys but I dont think my 1984 Dodge Ram 250 LB 4x4 truck transmission would make it. Maybe next year I'll have a new tranny !

 

[armyRN]

You know... we might need a support vehicle/person or two for the OSR. This is for vehicles that don't qualify as old-school, but the driver(s) really want to participate. Their jobs would be to do any needed parts runs, tow disabled OSR vehicles to the closest town, etc. Hopefully none of these tasks will be necessary, but they would supply an additional safety-net. So if someone had, say... a 1988-something appropriate-for-this-task vehicle and was willing to assume that support role, when I set-up the OSR registration/rally point they could register as support crew. Thoughts?

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

You know... we might need a support vehicle/person or two for the OSR. This is for vehicles that don't qualify as old-school, but the driver(s) really want to participate. Their jobs would be to do any needed parts runs, tow disabled OSR vehicles to the closest town, etc. Hopefully none of these tasks will be necessary, but they would supply an additional safety-net. So if someone had, say... a 1988-something appropriate-for-this-task vehicle and was willing to assume that support role, when I set-up the OSR registration they could register as support crew. Thoughts?

Good idea, if the oldies dont end up hauling the newbies back to safe haven. They are probably in better shape than my 1984 rig. LOL

 

[Laurits]

oh and yes... would really like to check out some trails in the Pacific North West!

I'm jealous of your mini me Bronco. Really good looking truck.

 

[armyRN]

Good idea, if the oldies dont end up hauling the newbies back to safe haven. They are probably in better shape than my 1984 rig. LOL

Good point. This is going to be an Old School Run, not a beater or jalopy run. Old School Vehicles are expected to be in good running condition, with a full-size/same size spare tire with good tread, tow points front & rear, safe brakes, good tires, CB radio, etc. If there's a problem or potential problem with your Old School Vehicle, fix it before we start the WABDR. Folks also need to bring a spare fan-belt(s) for your vehicle. I will mention all this when I set-up the rally point.

I read fairly recently where someone was going on a group run, and they thought their radiator was leaking. So they brought a spare radiator with them (instead of swapping it out before the event). I'd rather fix/replace something in my shop at my leisure vs. on the trail while everyone else has to wait. And of course, they ended up replacing the radiator on the trail. Dumb.

 

[Laurits]

Gotta draw the line somewhere and still be considered "old". : )

I guess you could get an "old" truck and put your 88 running gear under it.

I turn 60 this year. Does that mean I'm old?

Yes, you are officially an old fart.

 

[Discovery by UTE]

My primary Overland vehicle for traveling around the backcountry of the Northwestern US (anything east of the cascades) and southern Canada is usually this military spec 73 Land Rover Airportable. Right now it’s getting retired to handle dual batteries for accessories and as well as having new Wheels made to accommodate a 6.50” bias tire.

 

[armyRN]

My primary Overland vehicle for traveling around the backcountry of the Northwestern US (anything east of the cascades) and southern Canada is usually this military spec 73 Land Rover Airportable. Right now it’s getting retired to handle dual batteries for accessories and as well as having new Wheels made to accommodate a 6.50” bias tire.

So are you getting it ready to run the WABDR with us in September? Pictures please.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Good point. This is going to be an Old School Run, not a beater or jalopy run. Old School Vehicles are expected to be in good running condition, with a full-size/same size spare tire with good tread, tow points front & rear, safe brakes, good tires, CB radio, etc. If there's a problem or potential problem with your Old School Vehicle, fix it before we start the WABDR. Folks also need to bring a spare fan-belt(s) for your vehicle. I will mention all this when I set-up the rally point.

I read fairly recently where someone was going on a group run, and they thought their radiator was leaking. So they brought a spare radiator with them (instead of swapping it out before the event). I'd rather fix/replace something in my shop at my leisure vs. on the trail while everyone else has to wait. And of course, they ended up replacing the radiator on the trail. Dumb.

I agree. My 84 isn't a beater but it still needs work I cant afford right now, so I dont tax it. I hate road break downs ! I cant remember the last time I broke on the road, probably 1957.

 

[armyRN]

Yes, you are officially an old fart.

My kids have thought that for years! Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[armyRN]

I've been looking at some you-tube videos of the WABDR. Should be fun!

Also came to a couple conclusions:

1. We might not be the only ones who think it would be fun to follow-up the NWOR by doing the WABDR. But that's ok; we'll be the coolest group out there. Pity those folks with the expensive newer overlanding vehicles with all the latest comforts and gadgets. Air conditioning and power steering and electric fridges are overrated. They'll be missing out on what could-have-been! You can't fold down the windshield in a Four-Runner.

2. A chainsaw might be a good idea. I'll have to ask at registration if anyone will be bringing one. If not, I'll have to buy one (oh good - an excuse to buy another tool!). Downed trees will slow your forward progress in a heartbeat.

 

[shortbus4x4]

I've been looking at some you-tube videos of the WABDR. Should be fun!

Also came to a couple conclusions:

1. We might not be the only ones who think it would be fun to follow-up the NWOR by doing the WABDR. But that's ok; we'll be the coolest group out there. Pity those folks with the expensive newer overlanding vehicles with all the latest comforts and gadgets. Air conditioning and power steering and electric fridges are overrated. They'll be missing out on what could-have-been! You can't fold down the windshield in a Four-Runner.

2. A chainsaw might be a good idea. I'll have to ask at registration if anyone will be bringing one. If not, I'll have to buy one (oh good - an excuse to buy another tool!). Downed trees will slow your forward progress in a heartbeat.

I grew up with chainsaws, my dad had at least 6 at any one time, usually more. I still have his Stihl 044 I'll bring along.

 

[armyRN]

I grew up with chainsaws, my dad had at least 6 at any one time, usually more. I still have his Stihl 044 I'll bring along.

Excellent! Thanks. I'm trying to think of where I'd put a chainsaw in/on my Willys.

Another few observations from watching the videos (and from what I know from having wheeled a good bit in WA):

3. Washouts seem to be common on the WABDR. Sometimes they're passable; other times a detour is required. Definitely want a little bit of a high-clearance vehicle (as most old-school four-wheel-drive's are). I wouldn't want to bring my wife's stock Subaru Crosstrek on this trip (I asked her once if I could put a lift-kit on her Subaru, and she said "No". Bummer.). Having a shovel would be nice (I have a small one on my Willys).

4. The trails in the PNW are tight with brush. Plan on some trail pinstriping on your vehicle. And if you're planning on bringing a trailer (if I were bringing my TJ I'd be bringing my lil' trailer), think small. WWII military-type trailer sized, or really small teardrop-type trailers. Either way, trailers need to have good rugged off-road tires ("LT" series tires at least), "off-road suspension", and high clearance underneath. AND... all trailers need a spare tire. If your trailer is running the same size wheel & tire and bolt-pattern as your tow vehicle's full-size matching spare tire, that's fine. But if not, the trailer needs its own designated matching mounted spare wheel and tire.

My Jeep TJ and trailer pictured below (I get around) - trailer is running a different sized tire, so I carry a spare on the trailer. And if I use the trailer with the Willys, it is a different bolt pattern along with a different size tire.

5. Four-wheel-drive is definitely a plus in some places. Although a well set-up VW buggy would probably do ok (do they make lockers for the old bugs?).

I'm getting ready to do a front axle disc brake conversion on my Willys. If it really makes a difference, I MIGHT wire the Willys for an electric brake set-up (I've got a kit for it ready to go), and then see how it does pulling (and stopping!) my lil' trailer (which has electric brakes). The track width is pretty much the same for the Willys and my lil' trailer. I'd have to pack the trailer light though. Oh good - another project! I guess that's part of the fun for a trip like this.

 

[Discovery by UTE]

I've been looking at some you-tube videos of the WABDR. Should be fun!

Also came to a couple conclusions:

1. We might not be the only ones who think it would be fun to follow-up the NWOR by doing the WABDR. But that's ok; we'll be the coolest group out there. Pity those folks with the expensive newer overlanding vehicles with all the latest comforts and gadgets. Air conditioning and power steering and electric fridges are overrated. They'll be missing out on what could-have-been! You can't fold down the windshield in a Four-Runner.

2. A chainsaw might be a good idea. I'll have to ask at registration if anyone will be bringing one. If not, I'll have to buy one (oh good - an excuse to buy another tool!). Downed trees will slow your forward progress in a heartbeat.

Yes, I am going to the events as much as possible this year, I also pack a rechargeable chainsaw and batt/charger when I go out as inevitably I have to cut tree’s especially on less used 4-wheel tracks, as well my Rover is 60” wide so I can actually get into Atv trails easily.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Wow, for a brief moment I got excited when you mentioned going out in older vehicles, but then, you went to the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Bummer, bubble burst, I drive an 88 Silverado. Liked the video though. Have fun.

Right?! I was getting interested in seeing 1970's Ram Charger Wagons, Broncos, CJ's and K5 Blazers with brown, red and orange stripes and maybe white wagon wheels and stuff. Maybe some air brushed painted horses, eagles or ladies on them...

Oh well. A guy can dream, cant he?

 

[armyRN]

Right?! I was getting interested in seeing 1970's Ram Charger Wagons, Broncos, CJ's and K5 Blazers with brown, red and orange stripes and maybe white wagon wheels and stuff. Maybe some air brushed painted horses, eagles or ladies on them...

Oh well. A guy can dream, cant he?

Go for it. Bring it. Stop dreaming. I'm calling your bluff. 70's to early 80's American Iron is on the edge of Old School. You've got no excuse not to participate. I remember when these were new vehicles.

Gotta draw the line somewhere or it is no longer "Old School".

So eligible Old School Vehicles include:

Dodge Ram Chargers, which went from 1974 to 1993 (we'll include them all since you don't see that many). I almost bought a new Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 in 1993 - I was afraid in 94 they were going to go with an independent front end but they didn't. So I bought a new Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 in 1996 (gave Dodge a few years to get the any new bugs worked out). The next time I run up to northern Canada or Alaska overlanding, I want to bring my Dodge Truck, even though it has 225,000 miles on it.

Classic Broncos 1966 - 1977; I'll even include the 2nd generation Bronco 1978 - 1989 (of course, the earlier the 2nd Gen the better). My first new truck was a 1981 Ford F-100 step-side 2WD with the straight six engine - years later I sometimes wish I had bought a Bronco instead.

K5 Blazers are Old School (first generation 1969 - 1972, or early second generation 1973 to we'll say mid-80's). Extra points for K5s in that baby poop brown/tan or gold color.

Any CJ is Old School (CJs went up to 85 or 86; I know the Jeep YJ came out in 1987 [a YJ is NOT Old School]). Included are CJ2, CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5, CJ6, CJ7, CJ8, MA, MB, M38, M38A1, and other military variants of the CJ-series Jeep.

Jeep Wagoneer 1963 - 1991; lets include those too (the earlier years the better). And lets not forget the Jeep trucks 1962 - 1988.

Bring on the White Spokes wheels. Bring on the wide strips and air-brushed scenes. Bring on the chrome roll bars, chrome tube bumpers, shag carpet, 8-track stereo or cassette player, KC lights, etc.

Old School vehicles with modern running gear (i.e. newer engines, add-on fuel injection, etc.) or modifications are perfectly fine as long as somehow it started out as an Old School vehicle.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I've said in other posts that I had two K1500 full size two-door Blazers. A 1994 and then a 1993. Loved them both, but not quite the old-school I always wanted. Always wanted a Jaws Sherrif Brody or Stranger Things Chief Hopper style K5. Someday I will. For now, though, I am planning to retro-old-school-ize my 14 Sierra to be something like one of these:

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Or one of these

 

[Laurits]

Go for it. Bring it. Stop dreaming. I'm calling your bluff. 70's to early 80's American Iron is on the edge of Old School. You've got no excuse not to participate. I remember when these were new vehicles.

So eligible Old School Vehicles include:

Dodge Ram Chargers, which went from 1974 to 1993 (we'll include them all since you don't see that many). I almost bought a new Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 in 1993 - I was afraid in 94 they were going to go with an independent front end but they didn't. So I bought a new Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 in 1996 (gave Dodge a few years to get the any new bugs worked out). The next time I run up to northern Canada or Alaska overlanding, I want to bring my Dodge Truck, even though it has 225,000 miles on it.

Classic Broncos 1966 - 1977; I'll even include the 2nd generation Bronco 1978 - 1989 (of course, the earlier the 2nd Gen the better). My first new truck was a 1981 Ford F-100 step-side 2WD with the straight six engine - years later I sometimes wish I had bought a Bronco instead.

K5 Blazers are Old School (first generation 1969 - 1972, or early second generation 1973 to we'll say mid-80's). Extra points for K5s in that baby poop brown/tan color.

Any CJ is Old School (CJs went up to 85 or 86; I know the Jeep YJ came out in 1987 [a YJ is NOT Old School]). Included are CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5, CJ6, CJ7, CJ8, MA, MB, M38, M38A1, and other military variants of the CJ-series Jeep.

Jeep Wagoneer 1963 - 1991; lets include those too (the earlier years the better). And lets not forget the Jeep trucks 1962 - 1988.

Bring on the White Spokes wheels. Bring on the wide strips and air-brushed scenes. Bring on the chrome roll bars, chrome tube bumpers, shag carpet, 8-track stereo or cassette player, KC lights, etc.

OK, what is your intended time frame? Will it be after the pandemic is over?