Planning for France and Italian trip

[Constantine]

I am planning a trip into France and Italy this summer, in my 1970 original UK TR6 and would be grateful of some help, advice and tips. The car has just been serviced, gearbox and diff oil changed and is running really well. But, what spares would you recommend for my trip which may be up to 90 days. I have a distributor cap, distributor leads, points. ( no electronic ignition), condenser, spark plugs and ignition coil.

I am going to get a spare fuel pump and one /two injectors, but what else would you recommend?? I would welcome your replies and advice. Thank you.

[rhino_mac]

Kevo_6 kindly sent me a great list for a Le Mans trip he did in his 6 which I hope he doesn't mind me copying here.

 

Boot Upper:

Warning Triangle

1/2 Drive Socket Set

Trolley Jack

Boot Bag:

2 Lts 50/50 Water

2 X H4 Bulbs

Light Bulb Set

Spanner Set

Boot Lower:

Coil

Fan Belt

Bottle Of Radweld

1/2 Lt Brake Fluid

Emergency Tape

Solder Iron

Overalls

Torque Wrench

Foot-Pump

Tow Rope

Scissor Jack

Assorted Screwdrivers

Electrical Crimping Tool

Pipe Clamp

Meter

Tyre Gloves

Jump Leads

Tool Roll:

Brake Adjuster Spanner

Adjustable Spanner

Mole Grips

Magnetic Pick-Up

Feeler Gauges

Stanley Knife

Large Pliers / Wire Cutters/

Tape / Long-Nose Pliers

Under Spare Wheel:

Injector Push In

Adaptor Seals

Mu O Rings

Red Drive Gear For The Mu

Oil Gauge Pipe

Fuel Pressure Gauge

Large Cable Ties

DD Dizzy Cap

DD Rotor Arm

DD Condenser

DD Points

Lead Set

Spark Plug Set

Brake Bleed Kit

Flasher Relays

Relays

Throttle Cable

Oil Gauge Pipe

Radiator Hoses

Jubilee Clips

Wire & Connectors

Brake Light Switch

Battery Screw

Copper Eaze

Side of Fuel Tank:

Rad Cap

Universal Joint

Wheel Bearing Kit

Water Pump & Gaskets

Sealant

Thermostat & Gasket

Head Gasket

Dip Switch

In Car:

2 X High-Vis Jackets

2 X Breathalyser’s

First Aid Kit /Scissors

Fire Extinguisher

Beam deflectors

Engine Bay:

2 Lt of 20/60w Oil

1 Lt of Gearbox Oil

Glove Box:

Assorted Fuses

Assorted Cable Ties

Manual

Phone Leads etc.

Edited May 24, 2017 by rhino_mac

[barkerwilliams]

Constantine,

 

As you are there for up to 90 days you will probably be loitering and I would guess covering only three to four thousand miles. I would suggest you are not Apollo 13 and do not need to carry too much that you do not carry normally other than a parts manual and if you have one a repair manual, and credit card!!

 

What you do need is the co-operation of a knowledgeable friend in the UK who you can leave details of your car's configuration, engine serials numbers etc. who is willing to co-ordinate any issues you may have. He would also need a parts manual so that if you do have a problem you can discuss it on the phone each with other and he can organise and ship items to you / your garage.

 

I have read other posts when Moss have provided a terrific, rapid response if they hold stock.

 

 

 

Alan

[Constantine]

Thank you Rhino Mac, that is a good list and my starting point. Interesting point of view from BarkerWilliams and it would be great to have a friend to ring for help, but without spares, what help could as friend give. I am happy to fill the boot with spares and have clothes in a suitcase on the boot rack.

[Mark69]

With the amount of people who travel far and wide. Would it not be a good idea to have a list of reputable garages world wide that could look after the needs of touring cars.

[Constantine]

What a great idea Mark. I have carried out a few test runs from Derbyshire to Dorset and Devon, in readiness for my France and Italy trip. But, if the TR club had contacts and phone numbers of members, specialist garages and enthusiasts in France and Italy, this would make such it so much easier to plan such trips!

[Constantine]

I would be happy to add my name to a list of people who would try and help TR owners from any country, who decide to tour the UK. If only such a group existed in France and Italy.

[Rod Thomason]

Hi

Don't forget a head gasket set

 

Have a great trip

[Tim D.]

In some ways if it is a longer trip you almost need fewer spares.. For a short trip like one to LeMans the issue of having a trivial issue that strands you on the side of the road is a big one as you'll probably miss the event that you have looked forward to all year..

It is also fun to try and solve the issue in the car surrounded by lots of knowledgeable know-it-alls. My favourite being a chap taking an angle grinder to the rear wings of his MGBGT, newly restored, but his wide wheels were fowling the wing flanges.. There is also the enjoyment with helping fellow adventurers out with parts when their cars fail.

 

On a longer trip (perhaps with a more flexible schedule) if you breakdown you can see it as part of the adventure. Recovery will take the car to a local garage (undoubtedly run by some characters). Moss will deliver the parts.. And you can have an impromptu sightseeing trip in the local area.

It's as much down to philosophy.

Cheers

Tim

[AarhusTr6]

Hi

 

It sounds all a bit too much to me . . unless you enjoy prepping..

 

For me, the basics are:

 

GOOD EUROPEAN BREAKDOWN INSURANCE AND RECOVERY! One that if necessary takes you back to UK

Smartphone with lots of charge, maybe a tablet in case your ever stuck in a town and need to do emails etc

Water

Few hose-clips

Lamp/torch (one of those powerful LEDs)

Spare wheel, jack, floor mat

Thin rain coats

Triangle

Vis vest

5l fuel

Maybe a litre of oil (but how much oil does it burn?)

Jumper cables/tow rope

Spare keys

 

Much more than that its an exped and you need space for clothes, food hamper, wine & beer etc!

 

Italian and French mechanics should figure most if necessary, and if oyur stuck in a village for a few days that's part of the journey isn't it?

 

God tur!

 

Rich

[Tom Fremont]

Hi Constantine,

Here's what I posted after an X-country trip in the 'States 8 years ago. And I thought my list of spares was long!

 

Have a wonderful trip!

 

Tom

Posted 20 May 2009 - 09:59 PM

Ten days and 3720 miles later we returned home highly gratified with the voyage we made, from Ohio through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. Points of possible interest to TR afficionados:

- Average fuel consumption 29 mpg / max 31 min 26 ( Imperial )

- Spares brought along: fan belt, water pump, alternator, plugs, points, condenser, dist cap, rotor, O/D solenoid, (2) UJs, fuses, bulbs, thermostat, fuel pump repair kit, fuel line hose, heater valve, Weber jets for leaner settings, oil PRV, Kendall 20W50 motor oil and STP fuel additive. All fit within spare tyre well. Spares used: none, aside from oil and fuel additive.

- Oil consumption: 1 U.S. quart ( brought 2 thinking to use 3 )

- Cruising speed 60 - 70 mph / 2200-2600 rpm

- Max elevation: 11,150 ft ( Eisenhower tunnel west of Denver, CO )

- Adjustments to Webers necessary to cope with altitude: none. Evidently they are self-compensating

- TRs seen en route: none ( nor MGs, for that matter )

The sole operational malfunction was due to points closing up to less than 0.010". Rough running was noted only at a fuel stop and rectified within 5 minutes ( lucky 1st guess! ). The odometer stopped counting miles at 30009 and resumed about 60-70 miles later and the O/D waxed sluggish upon engagement 100 miles from home ( returning ) and cured itself, though 2nd O/D succumbed due to a broken spade terminal on the lockout switch - due to disuse, perhaps.

[pinky]

 

We are doing g Italy in sept

 

I am going to contact my tr shop tell them I am going, sort paying details out

if I need a spare I can contact them and they can send it express delivery

 

pink

[Kevo_6]

Kevo_6 kindly sent me a great list for a Le Mans trip he did in his 6 which I hope he doesn't mind me copying here.

 

Boot Upper:

 

Warning Triangle

1/2 Drive Socket Set

Trolley Jack

 

Boot Bag:

 

2 Lts 50/50 Water

2 X H4 Bulbs

Light Bulb Set

Spanner Set

 

Boot Lower:

 

Coil

Fan Belth

Bottle Of Radweld

1/2 Lt Brake Fluid

Emergency Tape

Solder Iron

Overalls

Torque Wrench

Foot-Pump

Tow Rope

Scissor Jack

Assorted Screwdrivers

Electrical Crimping Tool

Pipe Clamp

Meter

Tyre Gloves

Jump Leads

 

Tool Roll:

 

Brake Adjuster Spanner

Adjustable Spanner

Mole Grips

Magnetic Pick-Up

Feeler Gauges

Stanley Knife

Large Pliers / Wire Cutters/

Tape / Long-Nose Pliers

 

Under Spare Wheel:

 

Injector Push In

Adaptor Seals

Mu O Rings

Red Drive Gear For The Mu

Oil Gauge Pipe

Fuel Pressure Gauge

Large Cable Ties

DD Dizzy Cap

DD Rotor Arm

DD Condenser

DD Points

Lead Set

Spark Plug Set

Brake Bleed Kit

Flasher Relays

Relays

Throttle Cable

Oil Gauge Pipe

Radiator Hoses

Jubilee Clips

Wire & Connectors

Brake Light Switch

Battery Screw

Copper Eaze

 

Side of Fuel Tank:

 

Rad Cap

Universal Joint

Wheel Bearing Kit

Water Pump & Gaskets

Sealant

Thermostat & Gasket

Head Gasket

Dip Switch

 

In Car:

 

2 X High-Vis Jackets

2 X Breathalysers

First Aid Kit /Scissors

Fire Extinguisher

Beam deflectors

 

Engine Bay:

 

2 Lt of 20/60w Oil

1 Lt of Gearbox Oil

 

Glove Box:

 

Assorted Fuses

Assorted Cable Ties

Manual

Phone Leads etc.

That's no problem Rich, I did take all these spares on our tour, it was from Santander in Spain and then right the way up the west coast of France taking in Angoulême with hotel bookings done all the way up. I'd previously had a few problems with my gearbox/clutch and head gasket amongst other things and I did panic a bit before going. As it turned out the car did not miss a beat and I didn't need any spares or tools at all.

The original list was kindly supplied by Andrew Smith and I then kept adding and adding to it.

Edited May 25, 2017 by Kevo_6

[Alfrom]

Don't forget that the TRR has a European Breakdown Guide available from the website, listing lots of garages that claim to be able to help TRs. It's a bit dated now but could be very useful to you.

In addition, it would be worth contacting the TR clubs in France and Italy (if there is one), to let them know you'll be there. It's almost guaranteed that they will offer you a few contact numbers should you have a problem.

[KOB]

In my honest opinion, junk the Lucas PI, it does not matter how reliable you believe it to be, the very smallest issue will be a catostrophic failure, and NO ONE in Europe has any idea of how to deal with Lucas PI.

 

I am tired of the so called experts saying otherwise, I live in France near Angouleme and had a pal come out after having his Pi "sorted" by an expert, only have to spend hours getting him collected and his car collected.

 

Why expose yourself to this, NO ONE will understand how to remedy an issue and even if they do there are no spares that are available on the mainland, at best days waiting for something to arrive.

 

Sure it may only be 5 days before parts arrive, 5 days when your holidat clock runs away.

 

Cynical ? yes I have owned PI triumphs since 1974 and am realistic

[Austin Branson]

Hello Constantine, I live in France, about halfway between Ouistreham and Le Mans, I can offer a few spanners, manuals, cold beer, bed for the night......

Also, don't bother with the breathalysers, but DO carry a set of replacement bulbs.

Austin

[Ben Freer]

Drive it lots before you go. It was a bit extreme but we did the RBRR to test the car before our upcoming Paris to Prague rally. As to spares list I am working on the principle that I will carry spares that I can fit in a car park. Anything more serious and it goes home on a trailer! (I have given it a stiff talking to ????). You can guarantee that if you carry a spare the original will be fine ????.

[Tim D.]

Isn't that a bit of. Risky strategy.. I am sure I could fit a gearbox or engine in a car park, but I am not sure I want to bring spares with me :-)

But seriously, I agree with having a couple of long runs before a big outing. RBRR is a bit extreme but a daylong drive on a range of roads soon highlights issues. To me having a things that are hard to get hold of but simple to replace is key. For example I have a spare plastic drive for the MU, takes no space and if it went it would be soooo frustrating as It takes 10 minutes to change but without one you are out of the game for 2-3 days. Same with injectors (always have a spare and have had to use them twice on long European runs). Fuel pump is also in the same class and some bring a fully functioning spare MU. I'd say the Dizzy is the same. Alternator would be in the same list as it failing seems to be quite common on many of the long runs I have done with others and it is trivial to replace. Trouble is it is quite hefty to carry.

 

Things like bearings and UJs are less of an issue in my opinion as these are general engineering consumables and probably easy to source wherever you are. Otherwise bringing things to do a temporary fix on the road is a good idea, adhesives, tapes, epoxy putty, radweld, RTV, wire, hoseclips have all been used to keep cars going in ways that they were not designed for.

 

Cheers

Tim

[nowtelse2do]

Gaffer tape, a few tools, credit card and tell your bank roughly where you will be and for how long, and like Aarhus above said...breakdown and recovery home insurance, EHIC card plus health insurance is a must.....oh! definatly jump leads. You must carry a warning triangle (2 in some countries, check) spare bulbs, high vis coats for you and passenger(s) a fire extinguisher and 1st aid kit. If you are doing high altitude it might be a good idea to take a couple of lightweight thermal capes and a flask. Full service on car.

 

Have a good trip

 

Dave