[colonel1961]

Have finally decided to take my 430 on an extended trip. I have a conference in Williamsburg, Virginia in early November and it's about 750 miles away - a 1,500 mile round trip. All services were up-to-date (including brand new tires) before I took delivery of the car about two months and 496 miles ago. Another consultant (and car nut) who is attending the conference is flying up from Orlando to join me as co-pilot!

Great roads en route - the only drawback is the strictness of the Virginia State Police for a hundred or so miles of the trip...

Other than the obvious preparations (fluids checks and tire pressures) and returns (returning the toolkit, tire kit, and manuals to the luggage compartent) - is there anything else I need to do to be prepared? Concerned about leaving it out in uncovered parking for five days - thinking about buying a 'UV-reflective' car cover - don't want to use the satin cover outdoors.



p.s. Williamsburg has some of my favorite architecture in the 'new world' and look forward to taking some great photos of the car in situ.

[Boxer]

I would pick up a liter of motor oil and coolant and drop them in the boot. Also take a tire pressure gauge and a 12v tire inflator which you can run off the cigarette lighter if need be.

I would not worry to much about parking it out doors for a few days. You should see how they park up the finished cars at the factory.

Have a great time.

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by Boxer

I would pick up a liter of motor oil and coolant and drop them in the boot. Also take a tire pressure gauge and a 12v tire inflator which you can run off the cigarette lighter if need be.

I would not worry to much about parking it out doors for a few days. You should see how they park up the finished cars at the factory.

Have a great time.

Good call on the oil, coolant and gauge. I'm assuming the tire kit (inflator) that came with the car is acceptable? I have not used it, other than looking at it when I got the car home...

How long do they leave them outside at the factory? I assumed they put them into a sensory deprivation tank at completion?

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by colonel1961

Good call on the oil, coolant and gauge. I'm assuming the tire kit (inflator) that came with the car is acceptable? I have not used it, other than looking at it when I got the car home...

How long do they leave them outside at the factory? I assumed they put them into a sensory deprivation tank at completion?

The inflator that came with the car should be fine (just check it to make sure it works). I would also toss a bottle of window cleaner and a roll of paper towels in the car. Makes getting all the bugs off the windshield easier.

On the cars at the factory, no idea how long they sit out for but there are always a bunch parked outside.

[Barry]

Originally Posted by Boxer

On the cars at the factory, no idea how long they sit out for but there are always a bunch parked outside.

When we were in the factory in 07 there was a load of 430s literally abandoned in one corner what was basically a car park. Nice layer of dust covering them all, and some smart employee had written the usual "Wash Me" with his finger on one (interestingly enough written in English!)

[Granucci]

You might want to get one of Greg Calo's front license plate holders that screw into the towing eye: Pays for self as it's < $35 IIRC delivered. Take that through the tough areas for 'fixit tickets'. SF has a policy to get a quick $50 bling ticket every chance they get, and, reason I don't like driving in the city any more..that and the 456 tubi are a big problem.

[colonel1961]

Great advice, all - thanks!!

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by colonel1961

Great advice, all - thanks!!

When do you leave?

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by Boxer

When do you leave?

Sunday, November 1st...

[Andrew]

Be sure to hit some of the great roads in the Appellations Mts and get off the highway.

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Be sure to hit some of the great roads in the Appellations Mts and get off the highway.

Absolutely - on the way back, we'll have a little easier pace and will take the better driving roads. The Tail of the Dragon is in the Knoxville/Maryville area and we will pass by there. We'll most likely give it a try...

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by colonel1961

Absolutely - on the way back, we'll have a little easier pace and will take the better driving roads. The Tail of the Dragon is in the Knoxville/Maryville area and we will pass by there. We'll most likely give it a try...

Great idea. Schumi used to run his bike along the Dragon.

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Great idea. Schumi used to run his bike along the Dragon.

A solid recommendation! I will have to keep my hot-rod building co-pilot in the right seat for the Dragon run!