Road Trip Checklist

Mobile phone & charging lead so you can call AAA if needed

 

If I do not feel the factory tool and jack kits + spare tire are enough, the car does not take up space in my garage.

Road trips are the only reason to have them. Not being able to count on it for that? That would be a deal breaker for me.

 

Duct tape

If you can't fix it with duct tape it can't be fixed.

 

I put a small detailing kit in every car. Several MF towels, your favorite detailer, Rubber protectant, glass cleaner, etc. I don't spend hours on a trip cleaning the car, but the bugs are pretty awful on paint. I also like a really clean windshield without blue splatter all over the place from the gas station squeege

Oh, I also have a set of musician's ear plugs I wear if I'm traveling with the top down/off for long periods. They allow enough sound through to be safe, but keep your ears from ringing for hours afterwards.

Franny

 

Go to Home Depot and get a Tyvek body suit? When you have to roll around on the ground for something you don't want to be all dirty for the rest of the day!

But you'd dare to use your factory tools? I think it reduces their value by $100/wrench that touches a fastener!

 

In the summer I always try to keep some extra water in the car. I found myself changing a tire once without it, and decided to never make that mistake again. I also keep sunscreen in the car for the times when the top comes off. I don't burn particularly easily, but recently, it seems driving with the top down is a pretty easy way to lose track of how much sun I'm getting.

 

I also take a small block of wood (4" x 4") in case of a flat tire. I drive onto the block of wood which now gives me the clearance to use the factory jack. Otherwise I couldn't get the jack under the 308 to lift the car.

 

Thank you Brian. My feelings exactly.

With the extensive work you recently did for me, I have the confidence in the car to drive it anywhere, anytime....

 

Glad you are having fun with it.

 

A lot of places in Texas with no cell reception. Might as well lean out the window and yell.

 

Not a bad idea. Those folks in Maranello never tried to change a flat with the factory jack.

 

I'm glad you're coming to the Grand Prix! Have you been to the event before? It's one of my favorite things that happens in Pittsburgh every year.

I'm thinking that I might put my motorcycle in the vintage bike show. But even though my 328 is filthy, I'm tempted to have the worst car at the Cortile. It really is the best way to see the PVGP. You'll meet a bunch of great folks.

 

In my Mondial I always have some extra relays of each variety, plus a spare coil power head, some tools, some wire & tape, a small bottle of Bourbon ...

 

Aaron - we will have your back this weekend.

I have done this event 3 other times in the TR as well as a round trip to Asheville, NC, and multiple tri-state area rallies and runs. My extra preparation for all of them? Zilch. (Of course I have probably just doomed myself to a failure this trip...) I keep the TR as I would any car - maintain it properly and drive it accordingly. I did the same with my former 1977 GTB and she never let me down either. The point of these cars - in my mind, anyway - is to drive them and enjoy them. Of course there are those times where ***** happens; but, realistically if it can't be fixed on the roadside with common tools, no manner of extra preparation will likely help out - unless you made a really good guess on parts to take along. If you drive the car enough that you really know it - the normal sounds, how it feels on the road at different speeds, etc. - make sure your fluids are good, check your tires, and get ready to enjoy a great trip and a wonderful event.

Curtis

I am also sending you a PM.

 

What about a spare timing belt?

 

Don't forget to leave your paranoia at home.

In 30 years I've never had a problem with my 308 on the road. Lot's of 200-300 mile jogs through northern New England.

 

Agreed. Mine has been a daily driver since May for everything from errands to road trips. Over 1000 miles. The more I drive it, the better it runs. Windows and wipers are even speeding up... Weird.

 

Did you make it out? I met George there today and his beautiful 308 GTB. I had the 430 Scuderia there as I'm still restoring the interior in the 308. Thinking about going tomorrow but not sure if I can swing it.