This entry won't be another "I wish I wasn't here" post, it will be a goal. It will also be a list. The goal is to drive my 50 year old Coronet somewhere far. I want to give the old girl a good birthday present, exercise the old 318 before she gets a heart transplant. I'm all about driving your cars. What is the point to buy these rad rides and storing them away? I love driving the old girl. I look up to those people who drag race their L88 Corvettes or their 1970 HEMI 'Cuda. A few months ago I was on the good old internet and I saw a one of a kind 1962 Ferrari 250 "Breadvan". This car was competing in a vintage race and got its front end a little smacked up. I have all the respect in the world for these people.
So back to the road trip. I want to go somewhere a few hours away and test the car as well as myself to see if I can mend whatever decides to break. So what should I bring?
Fluids: I think you can never be too safe with the extra fluids. Old cars leak and drip all the time. They burn fluid and spit it too.
-1 gallon of coolant
-1 gallon of water
-2 quarts of SAE 30 oil
-1 quart of ATF+4 transmission fluid
-1 quart of power steering fluid
-1 pints of DOT3 brake fluid
Parts: The list could be immense if I was going to go somewhere days away but I'm thinking this trip will be a day at the most, so I'll need just the basics.
-Extra belt: They could blow out of wiggle off at any second.
-Thermostat and gasket: Just in case the current one decides to go, I'll be prepared.
-Distributor cap and rotor: This may seem a little excessive but they are small enough to pack away.
-2 extra spark plugs: Maybe the car fouls one out, but they are tiny so no big deal.
-Extra bulbs and fuses: Just something to toss in the glove box.
-Some extra fuel hose: You never know what a good hose can do for you.
Tools: Without tools, you might as well not even try leaving.
-Basic socket set
-Various screw drivers
-Wrenches in common sizes
-Vise grips
-Big channel-lock pliers
-Needle nose pliers
-snipping pliers
-Lug nut wrench
-2 Ton bottle jack
Extra shit: These are the essentials for any quick fix.
-Duct tape: Obviously.
-Zip ties: Duhhh!
-Gasket shellac: I love that stuff.
-Electrical tape: A useful, cleaner alternative to duct tape.
-Black RTV: The universal goop.
-A variety pack of nuts and bolts: You never know what size you'll need.
-A few large and small hose clamps: Cheap valuable little nuggets of hope.
Now that I look at this list, its pretty obnoxious. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Besides, old cars have big trunks so all of items will only take up about half. I'm ready to go, any suggestions?

No comments:
Post a Comment