Preparing for a Long Road Trip in an LBC

by Bruce Rauch

First, do the normal maintenance things like adjust valves, set timing, oil change & lube, replace plugs, points, condenser and rotor. Top up the shocks, transmission, rearend and pack the front wheel bearings. Check and balance the tires. Then replace all the rubber fluid transmission items like brake & clutch flex lines and water hoses. Check the exhaust system and hangers. Do this several weeks in advance so that the car can be fully tested. Also, I rigged my car to accommodate a small (Facet) electric fuel pump which I carry as an emergency spare to replace the larger, heavier stock pump.

Then choose the spare parts you want to take along. I select the things that will get me to a repair shop and ones that I can't get at a local parts store.  Stow these items in a plastic container in the second battery box or flat ones under the seat.

Cooling System:

   Fan Belt

   Heater hose with clamps (approx. three feet)

   Heater Control Valve Gasket

   Radiator Hose (one upper and/or lower)

   Radiator stop leak

   Water Pump and Gasket

Electrical System:

   Brush set & Brass Bushing for Generator

   Brush set & Brass Bushing for Starter

   Distributor cap, Points, Condenser & Rotor

   Electrical Tape

   Electrical wire (six feet, 14 or 16 gauge)

Electrical wire with alligator clips (about three feet long)

   Feeler gauge

   Ignition Coil

   Spark plugs (two pre-gaped)

Spark plug wires with terminals (two lengths equal   to the longest plug wire)

   Solder-less connectors and crimping pliers

Static timing light (does not work with electronic ignition)

   Voltage regulator

Hydraulics:

   Brake Master Cylinder repair kit

   Brake Wheel Cylinder repair kit

   Clutch Master Cylinder repair kit

   Clutch Slave Cylinder repair kit

Fuel System:

   Accelerator Cable (inside wire only)

   Accelerator return spring

   Carburetor float

   Carburetor float bowl needle & seat

Fuel Line with clamps (equal to the longest      run)

   Fuel Pump

Mechanical & Engine:

   Engine Expansion Core Plug (1-1/4")

   Gasket Cement (High-Tack)

   Gasket Material

   Head Gasket

   Intake/Exhaust gasket

   Valve Cover gasket

   Wheel Bearing, front (one set)

   Wire Wheel hub puller (as needed)

   U-Joint (one)

   Tie Rod End (one)

Miscellaneous:

   Air in the Spare

   Duct Tape

   Emergency Flares/Light/Reflector

   Fire Extinguisher

   First Aid Kit

   Flashlight

   Large Trash Bag

   Paper Towels

   Ponchos

   Moss Catalog

   NAMGAR/NAMGBR Members Directory

   Repair Manual

   Small Tool Kit (and a spark plug socket)

   Small Tube of Grease

   Small tube of RTV sealant

   Swiss Army Knife

   Tire Inner Tube (wire wheel cars)

   Tow Rope

   Waterless Hand Cleaner

   Zip Ties

Happy Motoring!  Safety Fast!