I'm planning to take the TR7 to Triumphest this year in San Rafael California, which is about a 1,800 mile round trip. So the wife & I decided we needed to do a bit of a road trip before that, just to make sure the car was up to such a long drive.
Eight days and 1,385 miles later, I can say YES!
Started highway driving to Portland, Oregon for a crawfish boil.
Then off the Interstate, to the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood (where the outdoor parts of the Jack Nicholson movie The Shining were filmed).
A day of whitewater rafting,
Then south through the high desert to Crater Lake.
After that, over the Cascades and back home following the coast.
Average mileage: 27 mpg
Oil used: 0
Coolant: 1 pint
The only big mechanical problem started a few days into the trip. After the car was hot the trans did not like going into reverse without grinding gears. After that, every day it was the same; it shifted fine when cold, but didn't want to go in reverse after it warmed up. I suspect the plastic clutch hose may be softening up, but have been concerned about the state of the clutch. I hoped to make it through the season without having to change it, but it might have to happen before Triumphest.
Two other minor irritants; the washer pump made all the right noises, but won't pump. Not even when disconnected with a clear suction tube. The other thing was a popper that pulled out of the trim behind the passenger door, so the front of the hood had to be held in place with a cable tie when the top was up. Pretty minor stuff.
On the whole a fun trip!
[/img]
1980 Pageant Blue DHC with removable hardtop.