Prepping 911 for long trip

[Intheshop]

Any advice on what things to do before a long trip? Or what to take with me? I am leaving Orange County for the Olympic penninsula in Washington... going up the coast the whole way and i am camping. I am driving my 1971 911T Targa. I know the basics (oil change, fuse kit, tire pressure, etc).

But I was wondering -- of those of you who have taken a long trip -- can you share your story about a particular item you found useful? A roadside repair? I have done several 900+ mile trips in the car (OC to San Francisco), but this is 2,500 miles, with some lonely stretchs, so I am a bit nervous. For instance, I was debating what I would do if the 911 breaks down in say... Gold Beach, Ore. FIrst, i hope the cell phone works and I call info and ask for AAA? Then the flatbed drives it to the nearest auto shop and I see if the Chevy mechanic can fix it? Should be fun. Thanks for any advice.

[kenikh]

I just did a central CA coast to Seattle drive. Take a full toolkit (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, brass brush, etc.) and all of the usual disposables: plugs, dizzy parts, oil, a belt, lubricant, carb cleaner, etc. If the car grenades beyond what these items will resolve, you'll need long haul towing anyway.

[boxster03]

Yes you might want to upgrade your AAA card to premier so you can get the 100 mile tow without charge, that would likely get you to a decent repair center along most of your route or at least minimize tow charges as a last resort. I think it is maybe extra $15 yr or something. Really worth it IMO. Have a great time. Wish I had the time to make the trip myself.

[a911s]

Good list from Kenik. In addition, make sure your spare is at correct pressure or take AAA card/Fix-A-Flat. Bring flashlight, spare fuel pump relay (red), duct tape, spare headlamp, turn signal and brake bubs, WD-40, scissor jack, jack stand (or find a big rock). I also take along a Euro 911 triangle warning sign, spare CD, spare coil, spare fuel pump and additional tools, including a regular jack insert.

For those with MFI bring along MFI belt and tools.

[Shoe Dog]

Maybe getting a copy of the 356 Registry breakdown help guide. If I remember correctly, the Registry offers this list of volunteers around the country for traveling 356's.

There are also quite a few members of this board along your route, too.

[pwd72s]

Hop on over to Pelican...do a search on "Big Ride" posts made by RoninLB. (Ron in Long Beach, NY) This guy is the master of long rides & camping out with supplies carried in a 911.

[CurtEgerer]

Have you driven your Targa in the rain? I hadn't, until my first long trip a few years back. Sure enough it rained, and sure enough the top leaked. So, I now carry a small tarp and bungee straps to cover the top when it's parked in rain. I think your car will surprise you as far as reliability. I've had mine on 4 long drives and some nasty weather (to New York, to Daytona (+2600 miles), and to Dayton twice, all from Michigan). No problems whatsoever. I do carry a good assortment of tools, a tow strap, a good jack, throwaway overalls, good flashlights, etc.

[dhopkins]

I suggest you take a cell phone charger that plugs into the cig lighter so you can be sure the battery stays charged.

don

[Intheshop]

Thanks for the excellent advice -- i am adding your suggestions to my list, including checking out pelican's board for more tips. I am excited about the long drive -- i am taking 18 days, so there should be lots of time for beer around the campfire and easy days on the coast. One of my brothers is meeting me in Crescent City in his 1969 912 and another brother is joining us in Cannon Beach in his 1963 356B. So it should be a fun Porsche caravan. The only thing on the 911 that worries me is the little stuff -- a clutch cable, a pedal bushing, an ignition short... things like that. The engine is strong, the trannie was rebuilt just 5K ago and I put Webers on it about 10 years ago and have had no trouble since (the Zeniths were a bitch). Again, thanks for the tips and I will post some pictures upon my return.

[Soterik]

I've been on quite a few long trips.....one item has gotten me on 3 different trips (3 different cars)...wheel bearings! If you can't document the last time they were done, then do them, or have them done.

All the other stuff listed applies....take it all and you're guaranteed to not have any problems!

E