• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

Alaska!

Share this page

NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
Bronze
Offline
Has anyone driven up to Alaska recently? Wondered what the road is like.

Back in the olden days the only through highway was mostly gravel and stone. Is it still? or now paved? or ...?

Any recommendations or warnings?

Here's a good general overview of the Alaska Highway, but I'm wondering if any BCFers have personal experience.

https://www.milepost.com/features/driving_the_alaska_highwayfaq

Thanks.
Tom
(just thinking ahead in case my body hasn't completely fallen apart by next year)
 
Ah- remember the fate of "la Poderosa"?
 
I made the trip in 94 or so, it was still gravel/stone then. My buddy went a few years ago and I believe he said its all paved now but don't hold me to it.
 
HealeyRick said:
I sold my bugeye in 1968 to two guys that made that roundtrip from Massachusetts on ... wait for it .... a Royal Enfield and a Norton Commando. :scared:
Click to expand...

Too bad the bugeye is gone but if they made it then on those bike I'd go now if you have the inclination. There is always a rental, tell um your going to Tacoma.

NutmegCT said:
Ah- remember the fate of "la Poderosa"?
Click to expand...

No? Movie, good guy lives I hope.'
 
Tom,
This sounds like a trip you need to make. What are you going drive there? The MB is gone, and it would be a long trip in the TR3.
 
TR3? they don't call me Iron Butt for nothing. (or Jello Brain either ...)

That's why I'm asking about recent experience on the drive up there.

Yes - I should be locked in a padded cell. But if my left leg gets better ...
 
Dude that thing better be 200% sorted and straight and have room for extra spares of everything and 10 gallons of gas. I wouldn't make that run in my Midget and it's very reliable. That about as nutty of a run as you could make in a LBC. Better be pulling a trailer full of stuff you need and hope a moose doesn't run out in front of you.

It can be done but I'd have backups for my backups.
 
Yes, I was going to add... make sure you can go at least 400 miles between re-fueling.
If it breaks down (in a large open stretch) you'll have to effectively abandon it (and that happens). Serious.

EDIT: there are some good websites about the drive (in its current state) with advice.
 
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage you, it just needs to be a well planned out trip if you take the TR.
 
recalculating.jpg
 
LOL, you can do it but its 400 miles between ANYTHING in some parts.
 
Tom...Carla and I grew up in Alaska. I lived there for 50 years and have driven the highway several times. First time was in 1957 and it was 1,200 miles of gravel !! We drove it last in 2007 when we moved to Kentucky. It's all paved and very good road. There are some very steep climbs and descents in the mountains though. It's a beautiful drive.
 
Gary - I really appreciate the first hand experience. Driving up there in 1957 must have been quite an experience. What car were you driving back then?

There's still lots to think about, but I'm still thinking positive.

(hmmm - wonder if I can rig up a Saxomat clutch on the TR, or a Hydrak, like I had on the Mercedes ...)
 
NutmegCT said:
(hmmm - wonder if I can rig up a Saxomat clutch on the TR, or a Hydrak, like I had on the Mercedes ...)
Click to expand...

Why, it's all highway and very little shifting. Besides, you want to build up at least one leg for your 200 mile walk bac to town. :wink-new:
k
 
NutmegCT said:
Gary - I really appreciate the first hand experience. Driving up there in 1957 must have been quite an experience. What car were you driving back then?

We drove a 1952 Buick Roadmaster up there from Texas. I was only 10 years old so I did no driving :smile:. We stayed there and I moved to Kentucky in 2007.
Click to expand...
 
52 Buick Roadmaster? We had a Century in 54. My folks were Buick people also. Gary, you do remember that there is no comparison in the ride between a Buick and an MGT! :highly_amused: But, we would all agree that the MG is much more fun if your butt and back holds out. :encouragement: PJ
 
You're correct about the butt and the back. Those both kill me after a long drive.
 
Back
Top