What to do before 1200 miles?

OK guys/gals, I am getting excited to go get the VX on Friday, but I want to make sure I replace any parts & pieces you suggest before driving it 1200 miles. I am terrified because I will be making this trip SOLO, driving a car that I haven't even sat in, and these vehicles have the propensity to have problems.

I TOTALLY understand the need to check my oil every time I stop to fill up - NO problem! I got that one.

The mechanic that did the inspection changed the serpentine belt for me. He didn't think it was wise to drive it the way it was and he seems pretty cool, so I said DO IT! For $60 it is worth the piece of mind.

I plan on bringing a PCV down with me to put in. I also plan on bringing a plug-in ready radio since the previous owner stripped that out prior to selling.

The mechanic plugged in a big scan OBD II reader and found that in the past the EGR caused problems, but obviously he couldn't tell me how long ago that was so I am not going to do anything there.

Anything else you suggest? Anything else to watch out for?

Thanks for the help everyone!

Make sure air pressure is equal in all 4 tires and the amount of wear appears even...that will keep the TOD happy.
Also make sure the air cleaner is clean/new.

Call "Horseless Carriage"...:bwgy:

I would say that a lot depends on the mileage/condition of the particular VX you're getting ready to drive. FWIW, I'd drive MINE 1,200 miles TOMORROW, but I'm fastidious with maintenance, and I've driven it 800 mile roundtrips a half dozen times...

I'd plan on carrying some rudimentary tools with me, including a can of "Fix-A-Flat"; a flashlight, spare motor oil (3-4 quarts), a bottle of antifreeze, and prolly an upper and lower radiator hose and a section of heater hose(s); alternately, you can buy a "splice/repair" kit for both radiator and heater hoses. I'd also carry a plastic "splicer" with hose clamps so that you can bypass the heater core by removing the heater hose inlet/outlets to the core and clamp them to each other if your heater core takes a crap on you...

Yeah - I'm "old school" - I've also done the Kowalski "Vanishing Point" run East-West and West-East about a dozen times. I only wasn't able to "limp home" ONE time - blew a head gasket in a '71 4-4-2 convertible in Nashville TN and had to layover for the requisite repair...

Good Luck! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - I don't know WHAT the hell that means, but I LOVE the way it SOUNDS!:bgwb:

I'd add a set of jumper cables and maybe a set of wiper blades purchased on site and installed before you take off.

Any items you may need for inclement weather; snow scrapers and such. Perhaps pick up some deicer and windshield washer fluid.

Also don't forget all of the car chargers for phones and such...:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo::bgwb:

Enjoy the drive...you'll smile all the way home!

:laugho: Ya'll ar makin me laugh....:p
LOL....she's a jeeper from MinneSNOWota.....I think she's got the basics of snow prep...;):p

Kate....look at the questionnaire...it'll give you a roadmap of what VX items to prepare for on your drive home.

• TRANNY SOUNDS -Lots of people are surprised how loud and clunky the tranny can be....from P-D and P-R, even D-P...there's often some lash and a slight delay in the clunk engaging...don't know how to tell you what's "ok" or "normal"...just a heads up that it may sound weird. (it sure did on mine...and it was A-OK!)

• TOD & TIRE SIZE/AIR PRESSURE/WEAR/SAME MODEL -Billy's comments about this possibly affecting the TOD is also a good heads up....many owners have heard some nasty grinding sounds when any of these are too far off (and yet, others have NOT had this occur in those circumstances :_thinking)
  

• ROUGH RIDE- remember, this thing is a rough rider, any way you look at it...so expect a really clunky, harsh, vibrating ride on anything other than smooth pavement. And you'll likely get some good hard clunks going over road joints etc... Might want to take a peak at the rear bump stops ahead of time so you know how much clearance is there...and how slamming a ride you can expect in the rear.
  
  
• WINDOWS: Probably won't need to worry about the windows since it's cold...can do that when you get home.
  
  
• DOOR HANDLES: As these things have gotten older, many people are having problems with the door handle mechanism breaking. Don't think you can do anything about it, just be aware....and always open the door handles GENTLY so it doesn't slip off your fingers. One VXer got some gritty strips and cut them to fit up under the outer door handle so our fingers don't slip off the plastic handle and possibly break it. Think it was VCrossFan that did it...he sent me 2 strips, they work great, never have the handle slip out of my hand.
  
  
• SEAT BACK RELEASE - the little black knob that makes the seat back come forward to allow access to rear seats....HANDLE THAT KNOB with care...it's old and dried out too and fragile!
  
  
• CVs- After having a CV boot split this past summer, and seeing all the grease that leaked out...and what damage I COULD have done if I hadn't found that early......I'd at least want to take a peak at the CV boots to see what condition they're in.
  
  
• CAREFUL WITH THE DOOR LOCKS....those things somehow end up locking themselves when you're outside the truck....ALWAYS KEEP A KEY WITH YOU...ON YOUR BODY! It's happened to me at least twice! :goof:
  
  
• MIRROR: Might want to buy 2 small convex mirrors stick-ons to take with you...it will likely have one already stuck on, but it's really helpful to have. Most put it on the lower, outer corner of the mirror....but for some reason, my oblong shape ones were most useful in the lower, inner corner.
  
  
• BLIND SPOT...OR HUGE BLIND SPOT....Get familiar with that big hawnkin' blind spot before you roll out.....it's not a C-pillar...it's a C-WALL!!!!!!
  
  
• CD PLAYER- DON'T EVEN BOTHER...it'll most likely just eat your CDs....stick with your temp stereo....

See ya when ya get home! :thumbup:

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Originally Posted by jeeperkate

Anything else to watch out for?

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Watch out for other cars, the VX come equipped with some nice blind spots :thumbup:

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Originally Posted by VXorado

Watch out for other cars, the VX come equipped with some nice blind spots :thumbup:

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x2...OEM equipment all 3 years!

I'm with you Sue! Seriously, wiper blades? Those can be gotten anywhere enroute, IF NEEDED... All doomsday BS aside, bring some basic mechanics tools and a rudimentary understanding of basic auto mechanics and you should be fine. Check your fluids before departure and pick up any as needed along the way. You're traveling major roads and highways, so it's not like you're going to be caught miles from anywhere with no access to basic auto care products or services. Keep the tunes turned down and your ears turned up to any "peculiar noises". After the first 50-or-so miles, pull into a station and check everything out, sooner if you suspect anything "unusual". Having the VX Shop Manual downloaded on your PC along for the ride could prove to be priceless. Good judgement, a keen ear, and a little luck go a long way towards a successful road-trip! Best of luck, and if you need any assistance, we're here...:cool!:

Thank you everyone!

Here is what I have so far: PCV Valve, Duct Tape (never know when you might need that), Air Cleaner, flashlight, first aid kit, aftermarket stereo, and little mirrors. I am not going to be able to bring tools since I am flying with carry-on luggage only, so I am praying I won't need them. Although, I will probably pick up a few wrenches at the same place I pick up all the fluids once I arrive in GA. I also have the shop manuals on my computer, just in case (good idea). Winter stuff is taken care of!

Anyone else have anything to add?

A Saint Christopher medallion for SURE, and perhaps a plastic Jesus for the dash; that should do it!

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Originally Posted by TheGanzman

A Saint Christopher medallion for SURE, and perhaps a plastic Jesus for the dash; that should do it!

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All I have is a dancing flower and a little buddha - geeze I hope I make it!! ;)

You'll do fine, you've got the duct tape for anything that moves that's not supposed to; now just ad WD40 for anything that doesn't move but IS supposed to! Have a safe trip and best of luck...:_steering

I am with scott in regards of loading your self with stuff that you really don't need to carry with you.
Screw drivers,plyers,jumper cables and a flash light is what you really need to carry because if happens that the VX breaks down ( God's spare you ) is more likely you may need to have tow it to the nearest mech-shop anyways

1rst aid kit ? .......seriously ?

More important make sure all electrical are working,especially the brake,parking,headlights & hazard

Check that all caps are tight close ( engine.radiator,brake,steering,etc )

Before hitting the H-way check all fluids,especially the engine oil and make sure is fresh oil in there,also the tires should be properly inflated ( for TOD purposes )

Grab 1 or 2 quarts of engine oil and take it along with you.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT >>>>Since you don't know yet how much oil the engine may consume i'll suggest you make a 10 minutes stop @ every 100/150 miles to check the level,that can help you figured out @ which amount of miles you need to add more oil again.

I wish you the best ride back home and above all a safe ride.

PS: Welcome aboard kate

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Originally Posted by Gussie2000

1rst aid kit ? .......seriously ?


PS: Welcome aboard kate

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:p I find a way to hurt myself all the time :p I pretty much have a first aid kit where ever I go....it is necessary...seriously :bgwo:

Thanks!

Take a bunch of lemons to suck on.:(:yesy::yeso:

With 1200 miles to drive that smile will make your face ache.

Suck on a lemon to ease your aching facial muscles.:winkgray::p:p

PK

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Originally Posted by jeeperkate

:p I find a way to hurt myself all the time :p I pretty much have a first aid kit where ever I go....it is necessary...seriously :bgwo:

Thanks!

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For a minute i thought you had plans to put up a fight with the VX :p

HAVE FUN! I love road trips. :grino:

Jesus on the dashboard....everytime I hear that I think of this killer tune by
Clutch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88HJnar9e8w

Today is the day! I should be meeting my VX in about 9 hrs! :-) Wish me luck!

best of luck on trip i sure it will be a blast. i bought my vx from a guy in hinckley MN with a really bad rod knock and drove it back the 1200miles home to Calgary and made it. and as if that was not pushing my luck enough i now have bought another one with a rod knock in canton OH and will be trying to drive it the 2000miles home.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. WARNING: contains gory information!

I picked up the VX today - she looked as expected and ran as expected. I have noticed that it does eat some oil, probably near the engine specifications.

All my excitement for the VX today was brought to a halt about 35 minutes into my driving trip :-( I was driving on I-75 into Chattanooga when a car passed me going very fast and darting in and out of traffic. Not more than 3 minutes later he lost control, hit the median and the car (going about 85mph) did about a dozen flips mid air/hitting frequently - landing on it's tires. I was only about 3 cars back in the VX and immediately pulled over and ran to the car to help. There were apparently 2 teens in the car - one crawled out of the passenger window himself and looked at me and said "where is Tony?" I said "there was another person?" Tony was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected during one of the rolls and when everything stopped he was about about 150 ft from the car. Unfortunately, the car was on the road and he was in a water filled ditch down a big slope - I was the one that spotted him and was the first by his side. We got him out of the ditch but he was too badly hurt, gushing blood from his nose and mouth. He never responded to us and only once actually coughed or opened his eyes. We tried everything including CPR, but Tony died at the scene....with me standing right near him....not exactly the day any of us had planned :-( My heartfelt prayers go to Tony's family and friends, may he rest in peace.

http://www.newschannel9.com/news/cra...ly-cleard.html

PS - I made it to Louisville - no problems so far with the VX. Tomorrow to Madison, WI.

:freek: that's just so awful, sounds like he was driving really crazy....sad... :(
Good to hear the VX is doing OK and you can continue on your trip home....albeit a little more subdued than expected....

One more time the history repeats its self.....

Teenagers driving with no regards for the life of others and their own life.

@ 85 MPH without seatbelt is just playing with satan and he usually wins.

My sincere condolences to the family

Brutal way to mar what should have been a day of beautiful memories for you. Regarding the teens, do you know if it was the driver or passenger that died? For his own sake, I hope it was the driver, as he'd be spared living the rest of his life with the guilt of having killed his friend.

I see WAY too much of this kind of thing on Long Island. Makeshift shrines dot the parkways as testaments to the deadly combination of youth, recklessness, and horsepower a-plenty.

Glad things are right with your new VX though. I see it as a good omen that your trip and undamaged VX put you in a position to bring a measure of aid and comfort to those in need that day.
-V

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Originally Posted by Vendetta

Brutal way to mar what should have been a day of beautiful memories for you. Regarding the teens, do you know if it was the driver or passenger that died? For his own sake, I hope it was the driver, as he'd be spared living the rest of his life with the guilt of having killed his friend.

I see WAY too much of this kind of thing on Long Island. Makeshift shrines dot the parkways as testaments to the deadly combination of youth, recklessness, and horsepower a-plenty.

Glad things are right with your new VX though. I see it as a good omen that your trip and undamaged VX put you in a position to bring a measure of aid and comfort to those in need that day.
-V

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Well said V...:yesgray:

Kate...take some comfort in the fact that you did what you could, though the circumstances were all the way to "11" on the suck-O -meter...:(

Much gladness flows from the ol' dubster, knowing you & your new truck weren't harmed...at least physically.

Don't hesitate to get some grief/trauma counseling...:yes:

You're absolutely right V.
s
I also have to witness every single day while working these kids playing around with kick ***** vehicules.

Camaros,SRT-8's,mustangs,corvettes,pontiacs,etc are vehicules that shall be banned for drivers under 21,but again,we suppossedly living in a free country...so....

Yea....Ive come around a bit but dont think I will ever be the same. Im sure it will take some time :(

It was the driver that died and they were driving a 90s honda civic. It didnt look tuned but they were definitely moving.

VX and i made it to madison. I got a CEL about 2 hrs away in illinois after turning around quickly (i may have horsed it a bit) in a snow/wet covered mud parking lot. I filled up with gas a mile away and the VX promply stalled upon leaving the gas station. I thought i was in trouble, but it started back up a few minutes later and never caused another problem. As i drove into Madison the CEL turned off. I have no idea what it was but i can tell you that i need to take a good look at the t-case. There were some funny noises coming out of there when i was playing in that parking lot! Makes me very nervous.

Only other major issue is the passenger window - it is currently duct taped up. BAD!!

Otherwise i love it! It has great road manners. 18mpg average. Burns/consums oil inconsistently - i never had to add today :-) its fun to drive - ride is better than the jeep! 5 more hours tomorrow. Duluth bound in th AM.

Sorry to hear about everything Kate. Enjoy the drive and get some pics posted when you get home. :)

Well, I am home in Duluth, MN! The drive went great today, except that I didn't want to get the VX too salty and that was NOT an option today. The whole drive was wet salty roads. The oil total after 1200 miles was only about a half of a quart - not too bad I didn't think! The running total of mpg was between 16 and 18 the whole way - including when I had a wicked wind blowing so I was pretty happy with that as well.

So, I didn't take any pictures the first two days because of the incident - I was way too mentally/emotionally upset to concentration on doing something for myself, like taking pictures, no matter how simple the task was. However, I woke up this morning feeling a bit better and took out the camera for the VX's first snow fall :-)

Here she is in the parking lot with some fresh stuff!
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7642.jpg

Unfortunately, the fresh snow means SALT - here is how she looked when we got home -
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7648.jpg
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7647.jpg

This is after a nice bath. Happy Happy!
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7649.jpg
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7651.jpg

And, lastly here is a cool rock outcropping that I saw on the trip!
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7645.jpg


I know it seems lame to name the VX Black Betty, but I think that's it. My Honda is Black and she's called Mable. My Jeep is white and named Stella. The VX is Betty for short :-) I sing the song every time I step foot in the vehicle so I think the VX picked the name, quite frankly.

The VX goes to get tinted on Tuesday, hopefully, and then she will sit until spring so that she doesn't have to see any more road salt. Meanwhile I will collect the parts to take care of the window, headlight polishing, cladding refinishing, leather seat refinishing, etc. I go to Moab with my Jeep group in May (the week before the VXers go I think), so when I get back my concentration will be the VX.

I'm happy to be home and thankful that I arrived safely. I'm still mourning the loss of the man I didn't know, but it will get easier. I want to thank all of you for your help to get me to this point!! I appreciate the knowledge and friendship of this awesome VX group!

Congrats again, Kate. Betty looks gorgeous already, and when you're done with all the cosmetics you're planning on, she'll look even better. Will you be adding a roof rack also?
-V

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Originally Posted by jeeperkate

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7651.jpg

I go to Moab with my Jeep group in May (the week before the VXers go I think), so when I get back my concentration will be the VX.

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Nice pin stripe :thumbup:

Take a 2 week Moab trip and meet the VX crew. You don't need the VX, we'll put up with your Jeep :)

Thanks V! I'm excited to get her all fixed up and looking pretty! :yesb: Jeeps are pretty too, but this VX takes the cake in Duluth if you ask me :p My Jeep is going to be jealous!

I do think eventually I will put a roof rack on the VX, but I'm not sure if that is going to be at the top of my priority list. I already own a YAKIMA rack for my Honda CR-V so likely that rack will fit the VX with a little modification. It would be REALLY nice if I can figure out a way to create feet on the VX that would match the feet on the CR-V so that I can go from one to the other seamlessly. I have a fabricator friend that is going to work with me on all the VX parts! Should be good! Thanks again.

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Originally Posted by VXorado

Nice pin stripe :thumbup:

Take a 2 week Moab trip and meet the VX crew. You don't need the VX, we'll put up with your Jeep :)

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You like that pin stripe? I think I am taking it off :p Not because of you :p ...because I'm not sure I like it. I was planning to take it off this summer, maybe it will grow on me before then! OR, maybe I will change it to a PINK stripe :dance:

HAHA - I would love to spend two weeks out there, but it was terribly hard to get one week off of work let alone two. Maybe next year my jeep group can go the same week the VXers go and we can all have a grand old time :) That would be fun!

Personally, I think the roof rack really finishes off the VX very nicely.

...unlike that pinstripe that I bit my tongue to not mention earlier. I'm with you, kiddo. Ditch it. ;)

And why is it that everyone here but me seems to have a fabricator friend? So jealous.
-V

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Originally Posted by VXorado

Take a 2 week Moab trip and meet the VX crew. You don't need the VX, we'll put up with your Jeep :)

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My thoughts EXACTLY...:yes:

But maybe extend your Jeep vaca by just a few days instead of a whole week...just in case you don't like us...:laughing:...as IF...:rolleyesg...:laughing:

SHE'S A BEAUTY...:thumbup:

And Black Betty is perfect...:thumbup:

As a MN saltmonger, I'm sure you gave her nether regions a good hosing too...ND doesn't use much salt, but I have to drive a few miles into MN every day...I H-8 roadsalt...:upsetgray

Glad the rest of your journey was uneventful & that you're coming to grips with the unfortunate choices made by another.

Seriously consider extending your stay in Moab...:yesgray:

Welcome home Kate and Betty! Sorry to hear of your unfortunate brush with death, stuff like that certainly puts things in perspective, doesn't it? I'm sure time will help to wash out the memory of your close encounter. Nice to see you wasted NO time in washing off the "White Curse", that stuff wreaks havoc with our formerly rust-free rides...Sweet looking VX!!:_beer:

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Originally Posted by jeeperkate

You like that pin stripe? I think I am taking it off :p Not because of you :p ...because I'm not sure I like it. I was planning to take it off this summer, maybe it will grow on me before then! OR, maybe I will change it to a PINK stripe :dance:

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I've just never seen a pin striped VX before and it doesn't look bad but I'm not sure if I like it either.

I support your decision to remove it ;)

Glad to see you home safely. You've certainly been through a life changing event, hope it gets easier with time and reflection.

I also think the OEM roof rack (cross bars) flatters and completes the look on a VX because of their oval shape.
I think you and V are right....loose the pinstripe....never liked them on a VX...the lines just don't work for me. But if you do....def make it PINK!
I saw your jeep pics! ......Awesome!
And MDwyer was giving ME grief about MY pink stuff...(http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...threadid=21872).....I only have one pink pirate kitty sticker...that's the only pink thing in/on my entire VX!.......but, er, um, um.... he didn't say P-U-R-P-L-E......:goof:...:slap:


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...rawl4cure1.jpg

Thanks everyone! The pin stripe may be removed on Tuesday by the same guy that is doing my tint, so that's a non-issue these as of right now! It has been decided :p

Kat - yeah, pink is kind of my thing. Here is a more recent picture of my jeep - new bumper (my fabricator friend made it for me) and a pink logo on the front. The boys in my Jeep club had pink logo stickers made just for me :yesgray: They support my PINK addiction because they remember before I had pink on the Jeep - I used to get asked all the time if it was my "boyfriend's Jeep." I always said "hell no, he couldn't handle this one." So, I put the pink on there and rarely do I get questions anymore :bgwb: Now I just get the guys drooling over it and saying "that's yours?!?!" haha - funny! :p

I expect to do the same to the VX - PINK ALL AROUND!! just kidding :) (although Betty will probably sport the NSW logo in PINK as well)

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5577.jpg

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5579.jpg

I've gotta 2nd/3rd..whatever, those that suggest you 'stretch' your jeep week in Moab a couple of days....if at all possible!

You'll see more and varied VX's in one place than you'll ever see....
...get some great ideas for modifying yours.

Plus, you'll meet a great group of crazies...
... and put some faces to names!


Just'do it :thumbup:

Jo