Rally Preparation and Packing Recommendations

Rally Preparation and Packing Recommendations

Car tours and rallies are a great way to experience beautiful Colorado and your car – and being prepared will make your experience even better! Here are a few tips to maximize your driving experience…

Pre-Event Car Shakeout

Getting some miles on your car before the event is a smart way to identify possible issues and avoid rally surprises. We don’t recommend showing up to the event in a brand new-to-you car, or one that hasn’t been driven since last year’s rally. For a vintage car, we recommend driving at least 100 miles in the month before the event including at least ~30 miles in one stretch to identify any overheating or duration induced issues.

It’s always a good idea to do normal car maintenance before the event:

  • Inflate tires
  • Clean windshield
  • Oil change (check levels at a minimum)
  • Top off radiator coolant
  • Top off brake fluid, bleed brakes if they’re feeling squishy
  • Top off carburetor damper oil (for SUs, at least)
  • Torque lug nuts or knock-offs
  • Pack your Spares & Supplies kit (see below)

Spares & Supplies Kit

Vintage cars often require a bit more “stuff” to address common issues or breakdowns. We think this is all part of the fun! While you can expect other rallyers to be supportive and helpful, bringing your own spares & supplies (along with a cursory understanding of how to use them) is recommended.

  • Motor Oil – 1 qt minimum
  • Brake fluid (optional)
  • Ignition spare parts:
    • Spark Plugs
    • Points & condenser
    • Ignition Coil (these can fail suddenly)
  • Spare fuel pump (optional, but not uncommon to have a spare)
  • “Attach It” tool kit: Zip ties, hose clamps, duct tape, JB Weld
  • Mechanic’s Tool Kit
    • Combination Wrench Set
    • Flathead and Phillips Head Screwdrivers
    • Pliers
    • Feeler Gauge (for setting points or adjusting valves)
    • Scissors, pocket knife, and/or razor blades
    • Electrical Test Probe
  • Paper Towels
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Towel(s) – especially if you’re in a roadster 😀
  • Workshop manual

At a minimum, we recommend all cars carry a first aid kit and fire extinguisher!

Driver’s Kit

MGCC Rallies are informal and particular attire is not required. However, we do recommend you bring the following with you in the car for your comfort:

  • Sunglasses
  • Baseball cap or other sun hat – if you’re in a roadster, consider attaching a lanyard to the back so it can’t fly away
  • Sunscreen!
  • Warm layers to accommodate chilly mornings and hot afternoons
  • Rain jacket
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks – sweet and salty!
  • Clipboard
  • Writing utensils, highlighter
  • Stopwatch (for TSD rallies)