In a message dated 5/1/2005 7:34:08 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
yellowtr@adelphia.net writes:
I would take a spare generator complete with pully. In my experience that is
the one Lucas component that may be the weakest link.
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Big problem there is that now you're starting to really load up on baggage
that takes room and adds weight. Probable worst case scenario is that a typical
Lucas generator might well be on the shelf at any number of places en route,
or you can find someone in most areas who could rebuild it within a day, or
you could spring for Express shipping of a rebuilt and "see the sights" while
you await next-day delivery. Or you could simply motor on during daylight
only and get pretty far on nothing but battery...and then charge your battery
overnight or even stop at Walmart (as I did during my trip to/from VTR 2002 in
Minnesota) and pick up a cheap extra battery.
I like the idea of carrying enough basic tools to handle 85-90% of "normal"
roadside fixes, and maybe some lightweight spares (ign. stuff, fuel pump kit,
etc.), and maybe the laptop computer with list and personal addresses. In
this day of cell phones, ATMs and the Internet, the idea of carrying half of
TRF's inventory in the trunk "just in case" makes a lot less sense than (as
Teri Ann suggested) making sure your car is truly ready for the trip and being
willing to "improvise" if absolutely necessary on a temporary fix such as
splicing an electric fuel pump in or even crimping or otherwise blocking off a
leaky hydraulic line.
Not that I recommend it, but I once made it back from Central PA to the
Albany NY area (300+ miles?) with only the front brakes working on my Ford
Explorer (oh, and I was towing a trailer with a Standard Pennant saloon on it),
because I could find NO ONE on a Saturday afternoon that could handle replacing
the rusted steel brake pipe to the rear cylinders. It was a bit harrowing, but
all ended safely. If I'd bothered to check the Explorer over thoroughly
before setting off on this jaunt, I'd likely have found and corrected that
problem beforehand. :-)
--Andy Mace
*Mrs Irrelevant: Oh, is it a jet?
*Man: Well, no ... It's not so much of a jet, it's more your, er,
Triumph Herald engine with wings.
-- Cut-price Airlines Sketch, Monty Python's Flying Circus (22)
Check out the North American Triumph Sports 6 (Vitesse 6) and Triumph Herald
Database at its new URL: _http://triumph-herald.us_
(http://triumph-herald.us/)
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