Overlanding with older vehicles

[z06jeff]

Well, to each their own I guess, but I wouldn't even consider a pre-EFI era vehicle for overlanding. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but respect and admiration for those that are putting miles on 50, 60, and 70 year old rigs, but I'll just stick to modern tech myself. Now to be fair, I'm a controls engineer by trade, so I'm more comfortable with electronic automation than mechanical. Give me a laptop and some tuning software, and I'm happy. I can't adjust a carb properly so save my life. As an example, I have 2 Corvettes. One old 68, and one modern 2002. The 68 has a carbed 327, and the 02 has an LS6. While I do enjoy the 68, if I'm going any real distance, or am dressed nice for a party or dinner date, I always take the 02. Air conditioning is one reason, but it's also because I don't smell like exhaust fumes when I climb out of the 02. Plus it has 6 gears instead of 4, so interstate driving is ~1800 rpm vs. over 3500 in the 68. I could go on about ride quality or interior cabin noise, but you get the point. Pretty sure if I convert the 327 to EFI, and swap to a 5-speed, I'll get more enjoyment out of it.
So I'm thinking all the same points apply to overlanding rigs. And again, I'm not knocking the guy who's out there in his leaf sprung, carbed, no a/c, 50 yr old rig. I think that's cool. I'm just not hard core enough to pull it off.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Ah, thanks Lanlubber.

You and I in same boat. I have 1984 dodge r

Well, to each their own I guess, but I wouldn't even consider a pre-EFI era vehicle for overlanding. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but respect and admiration for those that are putting miles on 50, 60, and 70 year old rigs, but I'll just stick to modern tech myself. Now to be fair, I'm a controls engineer by trade, so I'm more comfortable with electronic automation than mechanical. Give me a laptop and some tuning software, and I'm happy. I can't adjust a carb properly so save my life. As an example, I have 2 Corvettes. One old 68, and one modern 2002. The 68 has a carbed 327, and the 02 has an LS6. While I do enjoy the 68, if I'm going any real distance, or am dressed nice for a party or dinner date, I always take the 02. Air conditioning is one reason, but it's also because I don't smell like exhaust fumes when I climb out of the 02. Plus it has 6 gears instead of 4, so interstate driving is ~1800 rpm vs. over 3500 in the 68. I could go on about ride quality or interior cabin noise, but you get the point. Pretty sure if I convert the 327 to EFI, and swap to a 5-speed, I'll get more enjoyment out of it.
So I'm thinking all the same points apply to overlanding rigs. And again, I'm not knocking the guy who's out there in his leaf sprung, carbed, no a/c, 50 yr old rig. I think that's cool. I'm just not hard core enough to pull it off.

Sissy......... I love the smell of gas, burning oil and rubber tires. LOL

 

[surfnturf]

My 1968 Bronco has proven to be a great little overland vehicle. It's equipped with a 5.0 fuel injected mustang motor, NP435 granny low 4 spd, 4:86:1 Rockeater Transfer Case, Detroit True Track Posi's, Heavy duty custom built ford 9" rear end with alloy shafts, custom built high pinion dana 44 front axle, power disk brakes, protofab bumpers front and rear, warn winch and air conditioning to keep the driver (me) cool. It's taken me all everywhere including Moab Utah, Spider Lake (Rubicon), Death Valley, Eastern Sierras, Lost Coast and more.

 

[armyRN]

Even if it is in a mint condition, reliable etc.. for me anything that does not have AC is a non starter... might be the age maybe, or I am just too spoiled. I had older vehicles that I loved,( a 91 BMW 525i, even a Mazda 323 from 88) , but all had AC..
If you talk about an FJ40 with a retrofit AC.. I am on .. :)

That's the thing though. I'm wanting to be more in tune with what's outdoors when I'm overlanding. Top off or down, or at least windows down. Moderate speeds on one lane dirt roads or trails. Think backpacking if you will with four wheels in an old school vehicle that isn't like everyone else's vehicle.

 

[armyRN]

My 1968 Bronco has proven to be a great little overland vehicle. It's equipped with a 5.0 fuel injected mustang motor, NP435 granny low 4 spd, 4:86:1 Rockeater Transfer Case, Detroit True Track Posi's, Heavy duty custom built ford 9" rear end with alloy shafts, custom built high pinion dana 44 front axle, power disk brakes, protofab bumpers front and rear, warn winch and air conditioning to keep the driver (me) cool. It's taken me all everywhere including Moab Utah, Spider Lake (Rubicon), Death Valley, Eastern Sierras, Lost Coast and more. View attachment 145292

You're in. Perfect blend of old and new.

My little 46 Willys has a 73 Pinto 2000cc engine in it. And Lock rights front and rear, Firebird seats, winch, bigger brakes, Saginaw manual steering, Rancho 2.5" lift, 31" tires, and a lot of other mods.

 

[armyRN]

Even if it is in a mint condition, reliable etc.. for me anything that does not have AC is a non starter... might be the age maybe, or I am just too spoiled. I had older vehicles that I loved,( a 91 BMW 525i, even a Mazda 323 from 88) , but all had AC..
If you talk about an FJ40 with a retrofit AC.. I am on .. :)

Nobody says you can't. Sounds like you've got a potential project to do.

 

[surfnturf]

You're in. Perfect blend of old and new.

My little 46 Willys has a 73 Pinto 2000cc engine in it. And Lock rights front and rear, Firebird seats, winch, bigger brakes, Saginaw manual steering, Rancho 2.5" lift, 31" tires, and a lot of other mods.

sounds like a cool old jeep! Love to see a picture!!

 

[armyRN]

sounds like a cool old jeep! Love to see a picture!!

Here are a few. I was in a parade when I was stationed at Ft Hood a few years ago, and my wife took these pictures.

Rest assured this not a parade Jeep. It has a ton of trail pinstriping, has been wheeled hard, and I've had it on its side twice. I'm just good at cleaning it up afterwards.

I just think it would be fun to go on a couple-day overlanding trip with some simpler and more open vehicles. And have what you needed with you, but not everything including the kitchen sink. A good map and CB radios instead of a bunch of tablets and GPS. I'm thinking you can have just as much fun without all the expensive gadgets and such. Be part of the outdoors as you're overlanding, not enclosed in your vehicle looking out.

Anyone out there of a like mind that would like to plan something in the PNW?

 

[Gabriel Bozeman]

Love it! I've got a 74 VW Beetle I want to build out for Overland/off-road travel. I know it's not too horribly old, but it's older than most.

 

[surfnturf]

Here are a few. I was in a parade when I was stationed at Ft Hood a few years ago, and my wife took these pictures.

I just think it would be fun to go on a couple-day overlanding trip with some simpler and more open vehicles. And have what you needed with you, but not everything including the kitchen sink. A good map and CB radios instead of a bunch of tablets and GPS. I'm thinking you can have just as much fun without all the expensive gadgets and such. Be part of the outdoors as you're overlanding, not enclosed in your vehicle looking out.

Anyone out there of a like mind that would like to plan something in the PNW?

View attachment 145445View attachment 145446View attachment 145447

I love it! Yes... the simpler the better. Here is a picture of my bronco in it's summer mode.

Here are a few. I was in a parade when I was stationed at Ft Hood a few years ago, and my wife took these pictures.

I just think it would be fun to go on a couple-day overlanding trip with some simpler and more open vehicles. And have what you needed with you, but not everything including the kitchen sink. A good map and CB radios instead of a bunch of tablets and GPS. I'm thinking you can have just as much fun without all the expensive gadgets and such. Be part of the outdoors as you're overlanding, not enclosed in your vehicle looking out.

Anyone out there of a like mind that would like to plan something in the PNW?

View attachment 145445View attachment 145446View attachment 145447

Love it! The simpler the better. Here is a picture of my bronco in it's summer mode.

 

[surfnturf]

Here are a few. I was in a parade when I was stationed at Ft Hood a few years ago, and my wife took these pictures.

I just think it would be fun to go on a couple-day overlanding trip with some simpler and more open vehicles. And have what you needed with you, but not everything including the kitchen sink. A good map and CB radios instead of a bunch of tablets and GPS. I'm thinking you can have just as much fun without all the expensive gadgets and such. Be part of the outdoors as you're overlanding, not enclosed in your vehicle looking out.

Anyone out there of a like mind that would like to plan something in the PNW?

View attachment 145445View attachment 145446View attachment 145447

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

 

[armyRN]

Love it! I've got a 74 VW Beetle I want to build out for Overland/off-road travel. I know it's not too horribly old, but it's older than most.

That would be cool. You're in under the "Too cool to not give it a shot" heading. My first car was a 63 Bug. When will it be overland ready? Got tow hooks front and rear?

 

[armyRN]

It starts with a concept. Here's mine. Old School Run. This summer. One option is the Pacific Crest Overland Route, Oregon Segment. Check out the link in post #6. I've never run this route, just read about it. We rally at Hood River, and head out from there. Hopefully the OR camping ban has lifted by then.

Other excellent options (and in some ways possibly better than the OR route above) include the Pacific Crest Overland Route, Washington Segment. It starts in Bellingham and ends at Hood River.

Overland Routes | Pacific Crest: Washington - Expedition Portal

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal, Summer 2017. Adventure doesn’t always look like what you would expect. It is not bound to the toughest trails or limited to foreign lands with unfamiliar cultures. Some journeys are about rediscovering the places we...

expeditionportal.com

Are you familiar with Backcountry Discovery Routes and their maps? They're pretty cool.

Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) Maps & Information

This website provides you with GPS tracks, information, and planning tools for each Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR).

ridebdr.com

This is another awesome PNW WA option for overlanding the state, this time border to border from OR to Canada.

WA map link: Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR) Map & Information

They even filmed the WABDR: I'm afraid if I watch it then I'll be hot to run it.


They (BDR) have a map for many states including WA (I've got a copy), but they don't have one for OR. Oregon is doing their own thing.

Oregon Off Highway Vehicle Association - Backcountry Discovery Routes

This route is not managed by our organization, but we remain grateful for the work Bob & Cheryl Greenstreet have done to promote this type of travel.

ridebdr.com

 

[Laurits]

Ok... up to early 70's.

I have a '88 Bronco, but even if you were to let Big G and I come along I wouldn't go. I don't want to die from a pandemic... falling off a mountain side or a serious rollover has at least a little more respect than deliberately tempting fate.

 

[diabetiktaco]

I love it! Yes... the simpler the better. Here is a picture of my bronco in it's summer mode.

Love it! The simpler the better. Here is a picture of my bronco in it's summer mode.View attachment 145506

I took a ride up the Pacific Coast Hwy a couple of years ago and Broncos just like that weren't rare to see at all. I was there for work so I had limited time but I'd love to return one day and just drive the coast. The trucks and scenery were amazing.

 

[Smileyshaun]

Getting a old willys wagon is a goal for me in the next couple years , I’m really tired of traction control , abs ,stability management ect ect . I would probably swap in a self learning efi setup but there is just something so nice about old iron and feeling connected to the road .

 

[Mojavewanderer]

I consider my truck old. 1980 Toyota pickup, solid axle on leaf springs, carburetor, 4speed manual transmission and no power steering. It also has the old round headlights! 40 years old this year! I’ve taken it on multi day trips quite a lot. It’s not comfortable or fast, but it gets there, and has style that the new vehicles don’t. It also has wing windows for air conditioning!

 

[armyRN]

I consider my truck old. 1980 Toyota pickup, solid axle on leaf springs, carburetor, 4speed manual transmission and no power steering. It also has the old round headlights! 40 years old this year! I’ve taken it on multi day trips quite a lot. It’s not comfortable or fast, but it gets there, and has style that the new vehicles don’t. It also has wing windows for air conditioning!View attachment 145707View attachment 145708View attachment 145709

Carb... solid axles... leaf springs... stick shift... old and slow... ok; you're old school. You're in.

 

[armyRN]

I have a '88 Bronco, but even if you were to let Big G and I come along I wouldn't go. I don't want to die from a pandemic... falling off a mountain side or a serious rollover has at least a little more respect than deliberately tempting fate.

I don't think i would really turn anyone away if they really thought their vehicle qualified as old. The idea is to get out there no matter what you're driving. I just think it would be fun to do an old-school vehicle overland trip.

 

[Boucher]

I go everywhere in my 71 FJ40