The Ford Barn

38 coupe · 01-19-2025, 11:29 PM

I follow the antique car trip version of Murphy's law: if I have it with me I won't need it. I carry a spare carburetor, fuel pump, water pump, generator, regulator, points, condenser, cap, rotor, spark plugs, coolant, engine oil, gear oil, tools, jack, and a big 4 way lug nut wrench. So far my theory has worked, I have driven 60,000 miles, give or take a few thousand, and my rear axle is what broke! Drove the car home after calling local V8 Club members and getting help (one member cleared his car port and helped wrench on my car, the other club member donated a third member for my axle).

Test driving your car first is crucial. I also believe in the 5, 50, 500 mile theory of antique car reliability. Drive 5 miles, and fix what goes wrong. When 5 miles provides no more drama start driving 50 miles at a time and fix what goes wrong. When 50 miles provides no more drama start driving 500 miles at a time and fix what goes wrong. When 500 miles provides no more drama you have a reliable car.

01-19-2025, 11:29 PM	#11
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,135	Re: Things I should Know-long trip planned I follow the antique car trip version of Murphy's law: if I have it with me I won't need it. I carry a spare carburetor, fuel pump, water pump, generator, regulator, points, condenser, cap, rotor, spark plugs, coolant, engine oil, gear oil, tools, jack, and a big 4 way lug nut wrench. So far my theory has worked, I have driven 60,000 miles, give or take a few thousand, and my rear axle is what broke! Drove the car home after calling local V8 Club members and getting help (one member cleared his car port and helped wrench on my car, the other club member donated a third member for my axle). Test driving your car first is crucial. I also believe in the 5, 50, 500 mile theory of antique car reliability. Drive 5 miles, and fix what goes wrong. When 5 miles provides no more drama start driving 50 miles at a time and fix what goes wrong. When 50 miles provides no more drama start driving 500 miles at a time and fix what goes wrong. When 500 miles provides no more drama you have a reliable car.