driving from east coast to west coast

[ParrotHeadNation]

okay so I'll be buying the sky, but with in a year of buying it, im' moving to San Diego from Baltimore Maryland. SO...... what precuations should i take to make sure it doesn't get damaged driving from Baltimore to Cali. I'm getting the clear 3m front film... splash guards? anything else..

[GetAboutRL]

Those are both important items to save your car from many scratches, dings and even hard to remove bugs. Since I am on the road often I bought a key locking fuel cap. Their are many vandals or jealous types out in the real world, it is something to think about. I am sure you checked the tire pressure but think about buying a tubeless tire repair kit. If you do get a nail, you can plug the hole and then inflate with the air pump that came with your car.
Oh, I moved my air pump into the motor compartment. It sits perfectly on top of the battery. I placed some soft form around it to reduce it rubbing or bouncing. That opened up that whole trunk corner for storage.

On a safety trip side, I really encourage everyone to travel with a GPS. Nothing like getting lost in a large city in their more dangerous section. Plus with construction and sudden rerouting that GPS pays for its self fast.
One final note. As you go west, gas stations are spread out more. Sometimes even if there is a exit for fuel ... you may drive miles to actually find it. So fuel up at the half tank mark to be safe.

And as strange as it sounds ... a weapon of your choice. If you do find yourself cornered you will thank me.

Happy trails!

[Gunny's GXP]

I just recently did the oppiste. SF Bay area to Michigan but I trailered mine. In addition to what has been said so far I recommend a tire warantee/service plan. Free replacements if you get a flat and at about 300 plus a pop the plan can pay for itself with just one flat. May want to look into upgrading the alarm also since your going to Cali.

[bigdog]

Originally Posted by GetAboutRL

. . .
Oh, I moved my air pump into the motor compartment. It sits perfectly on top of the battery. I placed some soft form around it to reduce it rubbing or bouncing. That opened up that whole trunk corner for storage.

Would you do me a favor and post a pic of the new air pump location? I've heard of someone else relocating it to the engine compartment but alas, no pictures

Thanks

[GetAboutRL]

No picture needed. Just take the pump out of the trunk, remove it from the straform storage package, open front engine hood, place air pump on top of battery. Done.

I placed mine upside down and wrapped some soft pliable cheap form around it to keep it for rattling. On top of that you will find my tubless tire repair kit. That blocks pictures of both my air pump and battery of course.

[Celt03]

First - I would take it to a good paint shop and have several extra clear coats added to it. I should have put extra clear coat on it at the get-go but didn't.

The factory paint and clear coat are way too thin.

So now - there are multiple chips to repair on the hood & BEFORE I can have that done.

After that is done - I will be getting a 3M Clear Bra put on it.

This winter is when mine will probably get it's "treatments".

Another thing is to throw away those useless, undersized Sky Mudguards and replace them with the Solstice ones (at least on the front)!

[Riddla]

Im from PG county MD, and recently moved to TX. I drive back to the east coast to visit family and such about once a year. I currently hold the record for Dallas to DC in 18hrs :P

Hold on to your wallet though, the sky's small fuel tank tends to gobble up gas way too fast...then again, im usually traveling twice the speed limit

[vfx]

If you jump down to I-10 in Arizona, just pay attention to the road. That stretch seems to have the roughest patches on the interstate.

[ParrotHeadNation]

thanks for all the help folks, about the extra coats of clearcoat, is that possible to be done after the regular paint has hardened? i've never heard of doing this to a new car... and i have a gps, probably will get a new one, i've thought about trailoring it, but i dont have a truck to pull it with...


i'm not sure where i'm going to be living in response to the alarm statement, i have a girl im seeing who lives in Temecula, Ca. and i'm flying out to find out where i really want to call home, i know i15 sucks, but i dont like city life, and i wont live anywhere without a garage or carport... we'll see, i gotta pay off the sky first, which should be with in the first year easily.. which isn't bad for a 21 year old just out of college

[swieck]

Iv"e lived in so ca since 1954 and have been in temecula many times, nice area and not much to worry about in the crime area. Wine country, hot air balooning and tourists. Thats about it. Unfortunatly the state is broke, so you will be driving on some worst roads in that part of the world. As far as car paint protection goes-----the clear bra works great. Two years of driving the sky in so cal in all kinds of traffic and no paint chips yet. Probably the best defense against rock chips is to stay back from the vehicle in front of you. Not always easy to do, but it sure makes a difference. ENJOY.

[Celt03]

Additional clear coat can be added at any time.

We have restored & repainted cars numerous times - and it is not a problem.

Clear coat is way easier to repair than paint.

And paint shops that tells ya different is just trying to get extra $ from you.

[SKY 07]

Are you the one who just turn 21? Wow what a big trip? Drive safe. T.

[enkymion]

Could you just have the car shipped?

[Riddla]

Originally Posted by enkymion

Could you just have the car shipped?

that kinda takes the fun outta it ya know

[Wind Restrictor]

We drove from Dallas to Vegas and back recently. I would have to say you got the best part covered. Bugs suck!

Watch out for crazy drivers too and others that want to race.

[ParrotHeadNation]

Originally Posted by enkymion

Could you just have the car shipped?

boring!!


and yes im 21 i just turned it, but as i stated above, i'm not getting the car till January 09, and i wont be driving until probably Jan 2010 or so, something like that, so i'll be used to the car and almost 23

[saf0775]

I drove back and forth from Seattle to Los Angeles 3 times in a month and a half. Thats about 6,000 miles total in less then 60 days. I didn't have a sinlge complint about my Sky, she was a total pleasure to drive each time. I did get premature seat cushion flattening, but it was just replaced under warranty.

Just make sure you relocate your wallet...long road trips can make it dig into your @ss. Besides, you'll have to get it out about every 280-300 miles to fill her up (assuming your driving between 65-75 mph).

[AshliSKYYY]

Parrotheadnation-- You may want to talk to Endisky about Temecula... He knows the area pretty well if I'm not mistaken I know he does a lot with his car out there too if you're interested...

[ParrotHeadNation]

Originally Posted by saf0775

I drove back and forth from Seattle to Los Angeles 3 times in a month and a half. Thats about 6,000 miles total in less then 60 days. I didn't have a sinlge complint about my Sky, she was a total pleasure to drive each time. I did get premature seat cushion flattening, but it was just replaced under warranty.

Just make sure you relocate your wallet...long road trips can make it dig into your @ss. Besides, you'll have to get it out about every 280-300 miles to fill her up (assuming your driving between 65-75 mph).

sounds like a good stretch break though anyway