By Jeff Walker, Chubb Collector Car Insurance So, you’ve decided to sign up for a multi-day classic car tour. Maybe it’s a low-key tour with a local club or rally organizer. Or maybe you’re ready for one of the better known North American tours like the California Mille, Colorado Grand or the Copperstate 1000. Or are you bold enough to take your favorite touring car overseas to ride in an international tour through countries you’ve never visited before?
No matter which event you choose, you can be sure you’ll rack up significant mileage and take in some breathtaking scenery. Are you ready? Is your co-driver ready? Most importantly, is your classic car ready? Now that you’ve invested considerable time and money, make sure neither is wasted.
I have worked as part of the mechanical support crew on the California Mille and this year’s Orange Blossom Tour in Florida, and I witnessed firsthand how simple malfunctions—like a dead battery or a small fuel leak—can ruin a ride. Pre-Rally Checkup
Be honest with yourself about the capabilities of your classic car. How well do you know it? How much do you drive it now? If you’re planning to put 1,000 hard miles on a car over four consecutive days, be aware that it may behave differently than it does during a 20-mile Sunday drive. Here’s a list of some things you or your mechanic will need to look over before you go:
Engine health: Does it leak, smoke, stumble or cough? Try to address any of these symptoms as they could be indications of a serious problem.
Brakes: If you haven’t had a look at your brake pads, rotors, drums, lines or cables in a while, now is the time. If any of these components look tired, it’s time to change them. Fresh brake fluid also helps.
Electrical system: No spark, no fun. Check the output of your alternator/generator. Make sure all wiring is in good order and your battery is fresh.
Tires: Make sure the air pressure is where it should be, and look for signs of dry rot.
Spare parts: If you can carry a few spare parts, do so—things like water pumps, generators and fan belts.
Speedometer and odometer: You’ll likely be given a route book that has directions down to the tenth of a mile. You can get by with an inaccurate speedometer, but your co-driver will have to be on top of your location.
If your car has any other quirky systems that are critical for its operation, be sure to have them checked. What to Bring
I won’t go over the obvious things you’ll need, like proper attire and trip itinerary, but instead focus on a few “Oh, yeah” items to keep you comfortable and out of trouble:
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