ADVANCE RALLY CAR PREPARATION
by Steve Gordon of Vintage Auto Services
In order to avoid some problems on the rally, here are a few tips on prepping your vintage car for this 1000 mile extended trip:
- Change all fluids and filters (engine, transmission, differential, coolant, brakes, clutch, windscreen washer, etc.).
- Consider the temperatures you will encounter on the Rally when choosing oil viscosity and coolants. Most of our driving will be during the day in temps f rom the 50’s to 70’s, but we will see cooler temperatures at night.
- In addition, the altitudes at which we are driving will range from 5 thousand to 10 thousand feet. If your carburetors have adjustable jets or diaphragms, make sure the linkage is in good working order and bring any extra sets of jets and any special tools to make the adjustments. Bring 2 extra sets of spark plugs incase yours foul up.
- Check the tires and spares for age, wear and pressure. Regardless of the amount of tread, tires older than about 6 years can get very hard and their driving characteristics unpredictable. One minute they grip and the next they are sliding without the usual warning.
- Make sure your windscreen wipers work and the blades are in good shape. This c ould be very important because of bugs hatches, thunder showers and possible snow flurries.
- Check all belts, hoses, and fuses.
- Change or clean fuel filters and sediment bowls.
- Do a complete chassis lube and don’t forget the steering box or rack fluid.
- Pack and adjust the wheel bearings.
- Check the condition of your shocks and sway bar bushings. Replace if necessary.
- Make sure your seat belts are comfortable and in good condition.
- Make sure your valves are adjusted.
- Check front end alignment.
- Carry a fire extinguisher, tool kit and road side emergency pack – flares, etc.
