Cross-country tool kit?

Remember, you don't have a whole lot of room in a 328 for storage. What you've listed is good, along with the usual general tools. Assuming that you've had a PPI and the belts are in good condition, the most likely candidate for a failure is going to be a radiator hose or a fuel line. Be sure to check all the hoses, especially the ones up front and down low on the radiator. Wouldn't hurt to carry some spare hoses and clamps, just in case something decides to let go. And if the coolant hasn't been changed in a while, consider having the system flushed, fresh fluid put in (50/50 mix) plus a bottle or two of Red Line Water Wetter.

Then go out and drive it like you stole it. Enjoy the new car!!

 

p.s. Consider taking along a lightweight aluminum racing jack (Harbor Freight has one on sale for $79 right now). The scissor jack in the tool kit is worthless, and if you break down and need to change a tire, you'll appreciate having a real jack in the car. Maybe a breaker bar and socket for the wheel bolts also.

Speaking of which, be sure to check the DOT code on the tires. If the tires are more than 7 or 8 years old, I would not want to be driving cross country on them, even if they look like they have good tread.

 

I'd add: extra fuses, mechanics gloves, some rags, several quarts of 20W50, gal of 50-50 antifreeze, the phone numbers of ferrari parts suppliers, the phone numbers & addresses of any ferrari service shops along the way, your AAA Plus membership card, a cell phone & charger, a cheap car cover for those nights in not-so-nice motels, a small halon fire extinguisher, make sure the spare is inflated properly.

Oh, and a spring in your step and tune to whistle for when everything is going well.

 

I'm looking at putting together the same kind of kit for some of my regional road trips. So far I have about what you have already listed as well as: About 12" of radiator hose and a razor blade to cut it to length. A length of heater hose. Several different sizes of hose clamps. A detailed printout of the electrical system showing what fuse or relay drives what accessories as well as spare fuses. A 6" piece of #12 wire with a spade connector crimped to both ends for jumping acorss relay swiches. Spare water pump belt. A very low profile hyd jack. And most important, A cell phone and a list of phone numbers to Fchatters on your route! lol Everytime I do something new to the car I think of throwing a spare part in my bag. Good luck. Joe

 

Relays or did the 328 use them?? A blown fuel pump relay or cooling fan one can leave you stranded. They're cheep and don't take up much space. A coil may come in handy too.

 

Laughed my *ss off that one but that seems about right to me! Great post! "Now where is that new credit card application I just got in the mail?" Joe

 

And don't forget a cell phone, either.

 

Roll back tow truck chase vehicle to follow you. Better yet, enclosed trailer so you can lock it up at night. Don't forget, good insurance and upgraded membership to AAA.

 

I was just going to say AMEX CC (unlimited) and AAA card and last a Cell phone and charger.

PS you may want to keep a container of your favorite beverage handy.

 

I asked my mechanic once about what I should take with me on a drive from San Diego to Monterey. His answer, without hesitation was: A tow truck.

 

Tow slings are good,few towing company's have them. Prevents any damage underneath. Stored them in the spare tire
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I would add to the already extensive lists above:
Set of coveralls,
Roll of towells and plastic bag for trash
Pair of mechanics gloves,
flashlight/LED worklight.
Small first aid kit, (you WILL give blood).
Flask of Single Malt, (in case things don't go well).

A few more things i would be looking for in the PPI:
Sufficient brake pad thickness, coollant in good condition, Pressure check coolant system when car is hot, make sure coolant pipes are not almost rubbed through, like at the oil filter mount or by the pulleys, No SOFT?WEEPY Fuel hoses, no leaky cv boots, top up or change gear oil/engine oil, no significant leaks, (check when hot). no loose wheel bearings, make sure all lights are working properly. If tires have any unusual wear patterns, i would have the alignment checked and the suspension gone over for any loose bolts /tie rod ends/ bushings.

hth,
chris

 

laptop so you can access F-chat for help/suggestions and order parts from Ricambi. Just kidding....sort of.

 

The towing thing is more of an issue with the Ferrari vs American muscle cars. Just about any mechanic over 40 can work on a 69 Camaro but you're going to have a pretty decent tow to someone to work on the Ferrari. In a pinch I'd shoot for someone that works on Audi's or Porche since they used similar fuel injection and share a lot of parts. The tow slings are an excellent idea and I've been meaning to pick up a set to keep with me in my 328 just in case I need a tow. I don't want some redneck tow truck driver putting a metal hook around my suspension to strap onto a flatbed.

 

Tires today are pretty bulletproof, flats are so rare most cars no longer have a spare. If the car had good rubber starting out, flats would be farthest thing from my mind as far as trouble. Thats what the AAA and credit card is good for, the "just in case". I also doubt there is very much your likely to be able to fix out on the road except an accessory belt or some minor electrical problem. Looking back over the years ive watched and read these forums, and from personal experience, only a couple things really stop these cars dead on a regular basis. The dinoplex system is the #1 trouble spot IMHO followed by the electrical system. The CIS fuel injection is almost bulletproof, as is the engine itself if its had any reasonable care, but do a search and see how many cars suddenly lost a bank of cylinders, set the cats on fire, backfired, blew flames out the muffler, etc.. Sometimes all those things in unison. Sometimes far worse.

If the electrical system is functioning well and in good physical condition you should be able to run quite a while without any trouble. But in long running situations electrical circuits can overheat fuses and relays and begin to burn contacts, where just running around on short trips you would never see a problem. Once the contacts begin to fail, they can overheat so bad as to do damage such as melting the fuse box itself or burning wiring. It wouldnt be a bad idea to clean all the fuse contacts and replace ALL the fuses just to be safe, and make use of some stabilant 22 as well as have a few spare relays along with. Make sure the ignition is in top shape by having all the plug wires and extenders carefully inspected, check the caps, look the coil leads over, new plugs, etc.. and hit the road. But I would definately know of sources to find readily available dinoplex components if needed. Having seen several 308s that have overheated the ignition switch contacts, that is another area I would check. There is considerable power going through there in the run position.

Sorting the car out before the trip will pay off in spades later down the road.

 

I suggest a reasonable quality digital multi meter.
A good DMM will have a cover and can go in anywhere. Mine has a temp probe too.
Has saved the drive for me on several occasions with older cars.

 

Mondial travel items in addition to regular stuff:
TWO of each type of fuse, one of each type of relay, tool to remove fuses and relays, Radio Shack electrical contact cleaner spray, trickle charger

 

If you're in San Antonio - let us know!

 

Tools to bring along: NONE!!!!

I just did 3000+ miles in two weeks. Amsterdam - Italy - Monaco - Spain - Amsterdam in my 328GTS.
Highway trips at a constant 5000rpm/110MPH.
Day one: 950miles in one go.
Last day: 950 miles in one go.
A lot of high rev italian country roads in between.

Make sure she is 100%. Replace the parts you doubt before you go, leave all your tools at home.

You only need to bring a huge smile on your face.

Enjoy!!

Jeffrey