August 29, 2008 - Preparation goes beyond working on the car.
I need to pack enough tools to deal with any job I should be expected to do, from the nightly nut-and-bolt to a rebuild of one corner of the car. But I want it all to fit in my super-cool wheely toolbox with extendo-legs so it's easy to deal with. Thanks to the recent track visits, I have a basic tool load figured out - I started taking notes about what I commonly packed so it's easy to duplicate in 15 minutes before leaving.
In this case, though, I'm also packing a smaller toolkit to go in the car. It'll include emergency tools, the sort of thing I need to perform roadside repairs until I can rendezvous with the mothership. Radiator stop-leak, a test light, duct tape (and the superior foil tape as well as electrical tape), the Holy Trinity of Miata wrenches (10, 14 and 17mm), zip ties, etc. The toolbag also includes the required tow strap. I'm apparently the first person to ask how long it should be!
So, almost ready then. I've been going through the tech inspection required before leaving, and just to be sure I changed the front brake lines which had a little damage to the cosmetic colored sheath. So I need to bleed the brakes and then cornerweight the car with the correct tool and people load in it. I'm trying to decide if I should scrub in all six race wheels or if I should just take them as virgins. Maybe I'll stop by the track on Wednesday and give them a few laps to get the initial scuffing done. But even if I do that, I'm almost ready to go. It's getting close!
tags: preparation |
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