spares for a long trip

[tomd]

I m planning a trip across poland about 1400 miles over the summer, I drive a 2500s which is generaly good with about 90000 miles on it. I would like to take some obvious spares with me. Fan belt and hoses etc. I would be interested to here of any suggestions for handy not too expensive bits to have in the boot. It s my first year with a 2500S. Thanks.

[TedTaylor]

The second version of thee Service Notes has a list. If you don't have a copy (both editions are as essential as a workshop manual) see the other part of the web for info on ordering, or contact Allan Cruswell.

[Alan Chatterton]

After doing the club triumph Round britain run 5 times (2000 miles in 48 hours!!) I usually take with me;

Fluids (oil, water, brake and ATF fluid)
Fuses
Some bulbs & a spare headlight unit
Belts (normal and a PAS)
Points/condensor and a coil
Some HT leads (just carry 2... one king lead and a long one....... fits anything then!)
spare driveshaft assembly (just because I have it!!!)

Then, its your tin of "stuff"...........

Wire
Connections
Cable ties
Gaffer tape
Instant gasket goo
Selection of nuts/bolts/screws etc for bodging things together
Radiator sealer

Don't forget to check your spare tyre!

After years of carrying this stuff........ never needed any of it, but if you do have a problem, the bit you need is the one you decided to leave at home!

Obviously, beforehand give the car a good going over.......... checking everything, especially wheel bearings, brakes and U/J's

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

[wild bill]

When I went to this year's national event,I raised a few chuckles at the bootful of spares,all that alan had above(except drive shaft,)but also-core plugs,rear brake cylinders and shoes,caliper repair kit,exhaust flange screw,nut & gasket set(2 of),brake and clutch cleaner,disposable overalls,high- vis vest,(compulsory abroad,I believe)etc.,etc.,etc.Oh,and a spare tyre AND the spare wheel.Didn't need any of them,but that's my theory of carrying them!!Wonder why I was using more petrol?.I have a friend who travels the country showing a Mk1 lotus cortina,says the only spares you need are a mobile phone and a recovery membership card!!!.Best of luck and a safe journey,Bill.

[Mike Stevens]

Excellent lists above and I think the only thing I'd add is a petrol pump diaphram and carb ones for Strombergs, (your 'S' will have SUs so not applicable). Maybe also a PAS rack outer ball joint (track rod end). I have found they are not the longest lasting part with PAS and easy to change!

If your car is regularly used, then you will know about its reliability and everything should be well 'shaken down'.

Enjoy the trip. I'm sure with this much preparation you'll have no problems.

Cheers,
Mike.

[Poole_A]

Two further major cheap spares are a distributor cap and a plentiful supply of rotor arms.

[tomd]

thanks very much for your advice . I`ll do a bit of shopping to be on the safe side. I m heading for the masuren lakes in the north eastern corner of Poland.
regards
Tom

[Dave B]

Two further major cheap spares are a distributor cap and a plentiful supply of rotor arms.

Re. the rotor arms, invest in a "red" rotor arm from either Chris Witor or the Distributor Doctor without delay !!

My two little darlings, a 2500 with a 45D dizzy, and a 2000 with a 25D dizzy, had such reliability problems, especially when hot, with "new" black rotor arms, that it was nearly 'a box of matches & an insurance claim !'

Thankfully, the red rotor arms have resolved this, and at about £5-6 each with a 3 yr warranty
should be first on your list !

Good luck, Dave.