How to pack for a 5 day cruise in a Cobra

[Thompson]

Did I mention that there are only 4 more weeks to go until Cruise Colorado 2005? July 20 to 24. Check it out at www.milehicobraclub.com

Got a call from one of the first timers (Someone who did not go last year) and they want some advise on how to pack for a 5 day cruise in a Cobra. So, what do you think? What do you find you need and what did you not use? Any good ideas? Let me know and I will put out an email with our hints and ideas for all to see. Might pick up some good ones for some of the other folks also.

A couple we came up with was keeping all your rain gear in the car with you so you can put it on quick. Rain gear includes rain ponchos (bought at a bike shop) and a few towels. Also dress in layers. Can get from hot to cold and wet and then back to hot real quick as you drive in the mountains. Also bring tools. I bought a little tool case at Home Depot with just about all the tools you can use in a little case that packs real well in the car.

Most important thing for me is a cell phone and either Gary or Tom or Al or Dan or Scott or Dean or Eric or Mike or Brandon or Shelby or Gus or Dave right behind me to help out if it breaks down. Also nice to know that Dan Melson is bringing his SAG wagon again this year on the Cruise.

Let me know your ideas and I will pass them on.

Dick

[Rich]

Inexpensive clear plastic drip cloths, held on with a little duct tape, make great impromptu water proof car covers.

GORTEX!!!
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...&sort=1&cat=35

[Rick Parker]

Ponchos from bike shops??? Save your $$.......large black garbage bags with holes cut (or torn) for head and arms works just great. Improvise! Put a good coating of Rain-X on the glass, it is great stuff.
Couple of cans of fix a flat, fan belt, fuses, tools (correct sizes for tune up related repairs, knife. Some sort of scissor jack, sun block, and lip balm (two "Must Haves").
Go over the car completely front to back, top to bottom!
Generally, if you thouroughly check the car before you leave and eliminate any compromising elements you should be trouble free. These cars do not have very may operating systems so check them completely.
Check all fasteners, nuts & bolts and screws. This goes for the suspension, engine, water pump, valve covers (maybe replace those leaky valve cover gaskets?). Bell housing, U joints (lube them before leaving). Wheels nuts and or Knock offs and safety wire them on correctly. Differential cover bolts and any attaching hardware. Transmission attaching bolts. Check hoses and hose clamps. Wipers (?) (No rain in California!) Spark plug wires & boots; keep them off the headers.Check radiator for any leaks (take a can of stop leak with you, a good size rock can ruin your day.)
Pull your distributor (or have someone do it) and check the drive gear for any significant wear, now is the time to address it not while out on the road far from home. Some folks even cary a spare distributor. On this length of trip I would reccomend taking a spare ignition module (the part inside the distributor) because if "IT" fails you are going nowhere. They are not expensive and can really save the day.
LASTLTY: Have a list with part numbers (very important) of unique parts used throuout your car. Such as radiator & heater hose numbers, distributor cap, spark plugs, fuel filter, IGNITION MODULE (the part inside the distributor) voltage regulator, alternator and most importantly the fan belt and water pump.
This may sound like a little over the top for some of you but if you have to attempt repairs while in a hotel parking lot, beside the road or have them done at an unfamiliar repair shop, it will be of some comfort that you are getting and using the right part (THE FIRST TIME) and using what you would at home.
The time to find a problem is at home, not out on the road. Increase your odds for a good time and check it over before you leave. Once I'm on the road the only thing I want to consider is a puncture in a tire. I like those odds..........have a good time.

Rick

[OCsparky]

You for got the most important thing. You must have the plastic to keep gas in the beast. I know that i get a whopping 8mpg so five days of driving would leave me with a worn out card.

[tryce]

Check all that you can on the car and Travel lite, bring a triple A card with 100 mile tow range on it. Sun screen and some cool glasses

[Yetiman]

Sunglasses, toothbrush, Goretex jacket, preperation H and a credit card.

[JWheaton]

Sun Screen
Sun Glasses
1 change of underwear (that should do for 5 days)
Burn kit
Wrench
Screw driver
Knife
Don't worry about a cover...the car won't melt if it gets wet
Towel to dry seats
Duct tape -- You can do a lot with the stuff
deodorant
cologne -- if you really get smelly
Tissues / TP

[ColoradoCobras.]

From a biker....sunscreen, headgear for sun protection, rainsuit, one extra pair jeans, two extra shirts including one long sleeved, "some" underwear, plenty of sox, toothbrush, bar soap, fix-a-flat, sunglasses, spare spark plugs and minimal tool kit, bottles of water, some cash, major credit card (Visa or MC....not Discover card) camera and film.

Remember: the difference between an Ordeal and an Adventure is your Attitude

Words of wisdom from Don Bayles @ S & S. Sturgis Rally rider.

[McCobra]

Dave,
I've got the lighter covered

[BLACKJACK]

THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR A COUPLE OF BOTTLES OF RAKI.

BLACKJACK

[HighPlainsDrifter]

Hi,
We had a 2 week trip to WSCB in May.
Couple more items I needed;
-digital voltmeter - had to fix an open wire to my electric fuel pump at a gas station in Mt St Helenes.
-spare hose clamps and a foot of fuel line
-spare coil
-spare fuel pump
a couple cans of oil
-tube of gasket maker/sealer
-EARPLUGS !
-towel to wipe the rain off the inside of the windshield !
Most important !!!!! - tell the wife you'll buy her some jewlery !

Perry.