Vehicle Preparation
Know Your Car
Mechanical assistance crews are available to all entrants from the start of the rally to the finish. Our superb experienced staff has an incredible track record of keeping vintage cars “on the road.”
The responsibility to keep vehicles in proper and safe running order rests with each owner. We strongly recommend that your car be subjected to a thorough and complete service before arriving at the event. We further suggest that you bring sufficient spares and tools. Spares will help our assistance crews expedite any needed repairs, returning you to the driver’s seat as quickly as possible. Should any special parts be necessary for the repair, the owner will be expected to bear those associated costs. Our lead mechanic may also render an opinion as to whether a particular vehicle is beyond repair, as safety is a priority.
Vehicle preparation is always the best protection against breakdowns and lost time. A majority of mechanical breakdowns could have been anticipated, and can often be traced back to a need that was not addressed in the safe environment of your garage. Double check and correct mechanical issues before loading your vehicle for transport to the rally, because relying on Lady Luck will more often than not result in a breakdown. To ensure the most pleasant of driving experiences we have provided the following guideline for preparation. At day’s end, the fellowship of participants is better enjoyed with shared stories of a great drive than with laments over a failed vehicle.
Vehicle Checklist
- Installation of a battery cut-off switch is recommended
- Tires: proper inflation, no visible bruises, cracking or uneven wear, lug nuts, knock-offs torqued. Download our Tire Information Sheet to find out how to make sure your tires are "Rally Ready".
- Brakes: linings, wheel bearings, hoses not cracked, no fluid leaks
- Steering: check for looseness, fender to tire interference, alignment
- Engine: no visible oil leaks
- Cooling System: proper antifreeze, all components functioning, no leaks
- Seatbelts: properly installed, no fraying or rubbing on sharp edges
- Fire Extinguisher: electrical shut-off switch easily accessible
- Windshield: line of sight unobstructed, wipers functioning
- Vehicle Documentation: valid registration & insurance card
- Emergency Communication: radio, cell or CB, signaling mirror, road flares
- Spare Tire: inflated, installation equipment (2 cans “inflate-a-flat”)
- Navigation Aid: Compass, GPS, Copperstate route book
- First Aid kit: including aspirin, motion sickness pills and any needed medications
- Light Check: all lights (headlights, taillights, signal and dash)
- Gauges: all functioning correctly
- Battery: full of water, cables cleaned and tight
- Gas tank: no copper lines, all hoses good
- Exhaust: isolated from cabin, no leaks
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Spare Parts
- Fan belts
- Coolant hoses
- Distributor cap and rotor
- Points and condenser
- Ignition coil
- Spark plugs and wires
- Brake pads/shoes
- Brake caliper seals
- Brake cylinder seals
- Fuel pumps
- Speedometer cable
- Engine gaskets
- Light bulbs and fuses
- Extra oil and oil filter
- Wheel bearings & seals
- Puncture sealant
- Functional spare
- Proper size inner tube
- Jack and Lug Wrench
- Portable water – distilled and drinking
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning triangles/Flashlights
- Misc. Tools / Standard or Metric
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