Tips on protecting car interior when packed for Le Mans

[q1aqza]

After many years of dreaming about it I have finally managed to scrape up enough funds to buy a 911 (a 996 C4S).

The interior is immaculate and I'm really looking forward to taking it to Le Mans this year but really worried about causing any scrapes or scuffs with all the gear we need to cram in.

It feels like a silly question but I'm sure there are some great tips out there that can make you think "that's so obvious why couldn't I think of that".

So far the most imaginitive thing I have come up with is lining the rear seats/shelf with a large duvet cover but I'm open to any better ideas, especially practical suggestions on protecting the columns, backs of the front seats, etc.

Cheers

[Soovy]

Rent a roofbox.

[SEE YA]

911 and a roofbox

[Nick M]

Towels work quite well, and perhaps rather more manageable than a duvet.

Although you might appreciate your duvet if it's chilly at night...

Also, take less than rather than more - you can survive (just....) without a gazebo, disco lights, bar with beer cooler, etc., and there are plenty of things like disposable BBQs which you can get when you're down there.

[leyorkie]

Sometimes it's better to protect the items that you pack - just in case your duvet slips.
If there are no sharp edges then nothing can be damaged.
Use boxes to hold stuff in place.

[q1aqza]

Funnily enough the salesman pointed out that it had mounts for roof rails!!

Yep towels will be thicker than the duvet cover so good tip, thanks. My girlfriend is half expecting me to be taping bubble wrap all round the inside LOL.

Im sacrificing the camping picnic table this year and managed off load the beer cooler into one of the other's cars who can just about fit it in.

I guess I'm worried about what shunts around under braking for the N138 roundabouts! ;-)

[q1aqza]

leyorkie said:

Sometimes it's better to protect the items that you pack - just in case your duvet slips.
If there are no sharp edges then nothing can be damaged.
Use boxes to hold stuff in place.

Yep good one. I'm terrible for using just ikea bags and carrier bags and then hearing them spill over on bends and stuff.

[LWT RSR]

A Volvo estate always comes in handy?

[SEE YA]

When I went I also used my sleeping bag, to pack things in as well.

[Zed Ed]

errr roofbox?

[YRRunner]

q1aqza said:

After many years of dreaming about it I have finally managed to scrape up enough funds to buy a 911 (a 996 C4S).

The interior is immaculate and I'm really looking forward to taking it to Le Mans this year but really worried about causing any scrapes or scuffs with all the gear we need to cram in.

It feels like a silly question but I'm sure there are some great tips out there that can make you think "that's so obvious why couldn't I think of that".

So far the most imaginitive thing I have come up with is lining the rear seats/shelf with a large duvet cover but I'm open to any better ideas, especially practical suggestions on protecting the columns, backs of the front seats, etc.

Cheers

Typical Porka owner! Seemingly, owning one means you have to suddenly adopt the Germanic tendancy to pre-plan and over execute everything in a fastidiously, meticulous and super efficient manner. Just get over there, chill out and go with the flow. You're not invading Poland FFS! Most of us on here have very nice cars and want to look after them, but you're in danger of taking all the fun out of what should be a memorable and stress free occupation.

[q1aqza]

YRRunner said:

Typical Porka owner! Seemingly, owning one means you have to suddenly adopt the Germanic tendancy to pre-plan and over execute everything in a fastidiously, meticulous and super efficient manner. Just get over there, chill out and go with the flow. You're not invading Poland FFS! Most of us on here have very nice cars and want to look after them, but you're in danger of taking all the fun out of what should be a memorable and stress free occupation.

I'm sure I will be less anal about it once the new car novelty has worn off but I have always looked after my cars very well and Le Mans trips are probably harshest most peoples cars get treated all year!

I did look at some newer ones and the interiors we quite shocking. Maybe the previous owners had the same carefree attitude as you ;-)

[YRRunner]

q1aqza said:

I'm sure I will be less anal about it once the new car novelty has worn off but I have always looked after my cars very well and Le Mans trips are probably harshest most peoples cars get treated all year!

I did look at some newer ones and the interiors we quite shocking. Maybe the previous owners had the same carefree attitude as you ;-)

Apologies if my last post came across as sounding/reading a bit harsh. What I should have said is: Don't worry too much. Your car will go through worse (cosmetically) once down in Le Mans, so I wouldn't get too anal about the propriety of your packing. The camp sites can be muddy after torrential rain, or dusty and grimey if dry and hot. Either way, you'll wish you'd packed a valet! I hope your Le Mans visit is a memorable one. Bon voyage!

[5potTurbo]

SEE YA said:

911 and a roofbox

I saw a Geneva registered 997 C4 in La Clusaz a few weeks ago with a roofbox and skirack.
It's not as ridiculous as you may think.


ETA: I use the folding plastic crates with an old brlanket under and at each side to save scuffing.

[Rs2oo]

If there are 2 of you in the 911 and you are camping, you will have to think very carefully what you are taking. I have been in a Toyota Supra, a RenaultSport Clio and a Mini Cooper, 2 up each time with everything we need for 5 days. Each year the car was jammed full and all cars had more room than your 911. A duvet is not a good idea as it takes up too much room especially if there are 2 of them. Put all hard items in boxes then pack round the outside of the boxes with soft thinks like socks, sheets fleece etc etc. Dont for get, it can get very cold at night if the weather is crap. Planning is essential for a good trip, you will regret it if you dont.

[Soovy]

Deeply cool.

[Garlick]

SEE YA said:

911 and a roofbox

I think that would look really cool (seriously)

[turbo-ww]

q1aqza said:

After many years of dreaming about it I have finally managed to scrape up enough funds to buy a 911 (a 996 C4S).

The interior is immaculate and I'm really looking forward to taking it to Le Mans this year but really worried about causing any scrapes or scuffs with all the gear we need to cram in.

It feels like a silly question but I'm sure there are some great tips out there that can make you think "that's so obvious why couldn't I think of that".

So far the most imaginitive thing I have come up with is lining the rear seats/shelf with a large duvet cover but I'm open to any better ideas, especially practical suggestions on protecting the columns, backs of the front seats, etc.

Cheers

Top lurking...

[q1aqza]

YRRunner said:

Apologies if my last post came across as sounding/reading a bit harsh. What I should have said is: Don't worry too much. Your car will go through worse (cosmetically) once down in Le Mans, so I wouldn't get too anal about the propriety of your packing. The camp sites can be muddy after torrential rain, or dusty and grimey if dry and hot. Either way, you'll wish you'd packed a valet! I hope your Le Mans visit is a memorable one. Bon voyage!

No worries, I did read it as a bit harsh but thanks for clarifying! Maybe I'm getting it wrong but I'm less worried about the exterior as it is nothing that a bit of valet or even worse case some paint but interior issues tend to either never get fixed or cost an arm and a leg to sort out properly. Cheers

[-Lummox-]

Put stuff inside your sleeping bag.

Secure what you can with the seat belts is it's likely to slide about.

Try not to take too many pointy sharp things?