Cross-country capable?

[dmwhiteoak]

If it were me, I would pull all the routine maintenance on it , load some spare parts, fuel pump and points for sure, and go for it. Follow the advice on contacts along the way, I'm in Texas so if your in my area count on me. I love a good story so write it well. I'll follow.

[fiat218]

I traveled some long distances with a drop top Firebird as a kid, yeah the noise and wind get to be a drag. But why not throw the top up every now and then?? And I am one of those guys that thinks it's wonderful to cruise down the Hwy in my Fiat at 60mph, sometimes even less,the gas mileage and the enjoyment factor go way up---for me anyway.
Life is supposed to be an adventure. Go for it. Blog. Bring your Visa
Keith

i like going 85,plus in mine

[FordPrefect]

I traveled some long distances with a drop top Firebird as a kid, yeah the noise and wind get to be a drag. But why not throw the top up every now and then?? And I am one of those guys that thinks it's wonderful to cruise down the Hwy in my Fiat at 60mph, sometimes even less,the gas mileage and the enjoyment factor go way up---for me anyway.
Life is supposed to be an adventure. Go for it. Blog. Bring your Visa
Keith

i like going 85,plus in mine

I haven't pushed mine much past 60-70, it sounds like it's gonna fly apart at those speeds. And at anything past 40, I'm pretty sure a malfunction will be fatal. When I had it up there, I felt a noticeable effect when drafting anything larger than a Crown Vic. Maybe it was my imagination, but it passed the time trying.

[fiat218]

I traveled some long distances with a drop top Firebird as a kid, yeah the noise and wind get to be a drag. But why not throw the top up every now and then?? And I am one of those guys that thinks it's wonderful to cruise down the Hwy in my Fiat at 60mph, sometimes even less,the gas mileage and the enjoyment factor go way up---for me anyway.
Life is supposed to be an adventure. Go for it. Blog. Bring your Visa
Keith

i like going 85,plus in mine

I haven't pushed mine much past 60-70, it sounds like it's gonna fly apart at those speeds. And at anything past 40, I'm pretty sure a malfunction will be fatal. When I had it up there, I felt a noticeable effect when drafting anything larger than a Crown Vic. Maybe it was my imagination, but it passed the time trying.

i guess u need to get your car fixed then

[RRoller123]

LOL, I have never had mine over 55mph. Scares the beegeezus out of me thinking what a major "issue" would lead to at higher speed. Maybe after more experience with the car and a better feel for the reliability. Although now that the front end is done, I have to admit I am throwing it really hard into corners...

[MIGHTY 8]

I would recommend it, however with a few stipulations. In the end though it is a personal decision, like others said before only you know your car and it's limitations.

I have probably put over 2000 miles on my car within the past six months driving here in upstate New York. I have enjoyed every mile and every second of it. The only time I did not enjoy it, was when driving on the highway. In other words, these cars are great for backroads, but in my opinion not so much on the highway.

If you do find yourself with time for the back roads, then not only what I recommended, but I would be jealous of the opportunity !

Good luck with your decision!

[bobplyler]

I've had mine to 100 mph, about 30 years ago. In 255000 miles, I've replaced the following that would
cause unintended decelleration.

1 Transmission
1 Clutch
2 Rear ends
3 Fuel pumps
2 Ignition modules
2 broken ball joints.

I only had to get it towed for the ball joints and transmission. I keep a spare ignition module.
It's actually been pretty reliable.

[FordPrefect]

Just as an update: due to some time constraints, I wound up not taking the Fiat.

I guess it was for the best, but man, I miss that car.

[fiat218]

Just as an update: due to some time constraints, I wound up not taking the Fiat.

I guess it was for the best, but man, I miss that car.

Well damn it huh

[kmead]

My X1/9 and my 124 Sport Coupe were driven from Los Angeles to Vermont in five and a half days. The only failure we had was the seals on my clutch slave cylinder on the X. I drove my 850 Sport Coupe from Vermont to here in Michigan in one day as well which is the longest trip I have taken in that car (800 miles). The other two also made that trip with no incidents.

My sisters preferred driving the 124 over X for what its worth.

If your car is in good shape it should be just fine for any trip you can stand to sit in. I don't know why people have much in the way of worries about driving them long distances.

Karl

[fiat218]

My X1/9 and my 124 Sport Coupe were driven from Los Angeles to Vermont in five and a half days. The only failure we had was the seals on my clutch slave cylinder on the X. I drove my 850 Sport Coupe from Vermont to here in Michigan in one day as well which is the longest trip I have taken in that car (800 miles). The other two also made that trip with no incidents.

My sisters preferred driving the 124 over X for what its worth.

If your car is in good shape it should be just fine for any trip you can stand to sit in. I don't know why people have much in the way of worries about driving them long distances.

Karl

I agree. They aren't worth a damn if u have to worry,if u are going to make it or not

[happybeachgoerm]

Fordprefect, What part of Arkansas are you from??

[joelbert2k]

I don't drive my spider much out of town. But, I used to drive the wife's Miata a lot. As lots of folks mentioned you should give it a test run, say 100-200 miles. I think the driving position would get to me what with the arms almost straight out and the right leg bent. Cruise control would be nice.
And don't forget LOTS of sunscreen SPF1000 or higher.