I'm going to Classic Le Mans, what should I take?

[TVTrev]

I am going over to Classic Le Mans for a full weekend of spectating, and a nice trip up the coast on the way back.

Having never done a long trip before in the Chim I am not sure what the essential emergency parts I should take. I guess some tools at the very least?

[Yex 450]

Basic tools are essential, various gaffer tapes, fuses, one or two spark plug leads (especially the longest one), throttle cable and all the normal stuff to keep the French Plod happy (bulbs, warning triangle, yellow jacket, breathalyser etc.)

These are the basics I can remember from my last trip but there will be a few more experienced folks along to help you out soon

[Pupp]

Loads of dosh - beer was 9 euro a pint and cooking champers 80 a bottle at the 24 !

[Richard 858]

Waterproofs! What crossing are you on Trevor ?

[Mellow Yellow]

Only two essentials are Passport & credit card!

More seriously, I take basic toolkit, WD40, cable ties (plastic & stainless), Gaffer tape, insulating tape, cable, switches, fuses, jubilee clips, Rain-X, Radweld, tyre gunk. Used to always carry a spare throttle cable but not sure if I still have it. I do have a space saver but only worth carrying it if you have room to carry a full sized spare for when you've taken the knackered one off - Also of limited use on a long trip.

Another obvious one that people often forget is a spare set of keys - loose them at Le Sarthe and you have a big problem if you don't have a spare set.

[ChimpOnGas]

You need to take 10% more money than you would have done yesterday

[TVTrev]

Thank you all for your replies,

I am crossing from Portsmouth to Caen on Brittany Ferrys at 22:00 on the 6th Richard. Are you going that early?

I got my Euros on Wednesday night at 1.30 to the pound, so not so bad.

I shall get a throttle cable just in case and pack all the other helpful suggestions thanks you.

The campsite Im staying on is providing all the food and beer at €1 a bottle so thats a result!

Never been before so looking forward to it.

[sgrimshaw]

I'd add 100amp fuses and a main drive belt ... plus breakdown cover of course

ETA - Surrey Roof ... if you don't have one, be worth offering someone £50 to borrow theirs. Absolutely the best £500 I've spent on mine, massive difference to the touring experience.

Edited by sgrimshaw on Tuesday 28th June 07:28

[ClassiChimi]

sgrimshaw said:

I'd add 100amp fuses and a main drive belt ... plus breakdown cover of course

ETA - Surrey Roof ... if you don't have one, be worth offering someone £50 to borrow theirs. Absolutely the best £500 I've spent on mine, massive difference to the touring experience.

Edited by sgrimshaw on Tuesday 28th June 07:28

Interesting,, so the experience was enhanced by the Surrey roof,
I'm assuming that's because you could carry more stuff?

I'm of the view I either carry almost every spare part or non at all.

I'd mainly go for ignition parts, and belts, fluids and tools.
Tape, and all the other good suggestions on here but where do you stop, Sod's law you'll carry everything but the kitchen sink then that's what will leak.

I'd have thought most parts could be sourced abroad of even fast tracked from the uk to you destination so I'd fill her up, get the roof off and get going.
Enjoy

[TVTrev]

I think I might take a few bits but not the whole shebang. Surely if the kitchen sink leaks then you just put in the Plug

I did look at the surrey roof, as it gives so much more room in the boot for the camping gear. If anybody does have one they can lend me that would be most appreciated.

I have classic line insurance which come with European break dow, but would prefer to be bale to fix the minor things as I go along.

The car goes in for a thorough looking over and 4 wheel alignment tomorrow, so I am going to get them to check the fuels lines as I have heard some horror stories about leaks and fire.

Anyway thanks for all your advice, and wish me luck.

Trev.

[thicksliced]

This year you will need to take lots of sun cream

[TVTrev]

thicksliced said:

This year you will need to take lots of sun cream

Oh I hope so!

[Pupp]

And wellies!

[TV8]

For France, you need copies of ownership and insurance paperwork. Also, warning triangle and a spare set of bulbs in the boot, plus a high viz waist coat thing for each passenger inside the car plus first aid kit. On the occasion the group I was with got a pull, it was paperwork that the police were interested in.

Assuming the car is reliable and you have sensible bits with you for all journeys, then I would take sun tan cream, light weight water proofs, euros, cards and mobile phone.

Enjoy!

[AdriaanB]

I always carry water in the car - handy for when you get stuck somewhere (not even necessarily because of your car), and alternatively handy to top up coolant in emergencies. Additionally I always carry a set of jump leads in the car!

[Richard 858]

TVTrev said:

Thank you all for your replies,

I am crossing from Portsmouth to Caen on Brittany Ferrys at 22:00 on the 6th Richard. Are you going that early?

I got my Euros on Wednesday night at 1.30 to the pound, so not so bad.

I shall get a throttle cable just in case and pack all the other helpful suggestions thanks you.

The campsite Im staying on is providing all the food and beer at €1 a bottle so thats a result!

Never been before so looking forward to it.

We're on the 0720 eurotunnel on the 7th but returning 1700 Cherbourg to Portsmouth on the 11th. It's our second time and really looking forward to it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it, good weather would be a bonus. I reckon all suggestions for what to take have been covered, just check internet for definitive list for driving in France. Enjoy!