Pre le-mans checklist

[FFMan]

Planning on making it to classic le-mans this year in my 1994 Griff 500.

To minimise risk of breakdown whats a sensible checklist for a car that hasn't turned a wheel for 18 months (due to building project) apart from the obvious likes pads and discs etc and giving it a few local runs before we set off.

I'll check the fuel pipe all the way through, where are the particular problem areas ?

Spares list:-

alternator belt
ignition amp
dizzy cap
bulbs
fuses inc 100amp

any ideas welcome

[Colin RedGriff]

If it's not been run for that long I would get it serviced and on the road as soon as you can and the do some visual inspections.

Things may works initially after the lay up but start to fail shortly after so as much use as you can get in before the trip would be good

Things that might need attention outside the normal service items
Dampers and suspension components may have seized, developed leaks
Tyres will probably benefit from changing
Fuel in the tank may be stale, fuel filter would probably benefit from changing
Earth points worth cleaning up

[Mellow Yellow]

Spares:
Throttle Cable

As for general “get you home” stuff:
Cable ties (plastic and stainless)
Gaffer tape
Insulating tape
Cable, switches, electrical connectors
Jubilee clips
Assortment of short lengths of plastic tube/hose connectors
Rain X
Radweld (You might not want to use it but when you're sat at the side of the road with water dripping from you pride'n'joy, you might change your mind)

…and most important of all:
Good European recovery insurance!

[GlynMo]

Many (many) years ago, my wife and I drove to Italy in my first Griff. I decided it would be wise to have it serviced before we left, and when I went to pick it up, the mechanic asked me where I was going. I told him, and he said "I hope you've got breakdown and recovery insurance". Such faith! Needless to say, the car ran faultlessly.

ETA - I still carry essential spares with me though!

[bubblehead]

All the above plus a length of wire long enough to hot wire the fuel pump.........saved me when I was stuck outside Brussels with 2 hrs to catch the last ferry. Oh and a correct fuse box diagram for your car and a decent head torch and needle nose pliers. This was the only time I have had an issue but they are simple cars and a few bits and pieces carried in the boot mean you can jury rig something to get you home.