27 States in an Old Car....

[JPSmit]

How are you handling the possible breakdown issue? Maybe there's something I'm overlooking that could encourage me to take my trip after all.

Thanks.
Tom

I think the thing you are overlooking is the availability of friends and acquaintances and other car guys ready to help. Last year as folk were getting ready for the Midget 50th, there was talk of publishing a list of people willing to be called around the road. IIRC, someone (MGB register maybe?) had this list at one time. I would certainly be willing to be on such a list. However, I would not be willing to just hang that info out on the Interweb for everyone to see. I suspect that these boards might be the beginning of a great list but I also think we would need to find a way to keep it secure. Perhaps a perk of paid membership might be enough motivation for our grand poobah to assemble such a list (hint hint) or some such variation. I could even see this as a chance to cross into something like the the MGExperience. (who knows)

 

[AngliaGT]

The North American MGB Register has a booklet with just
such a list.I have that,+ the one I received from Tony Barnhill.

- Doug

 

[rick_ingram]

How are you handling the possible breakdown issue? Maybe there's something I'm overlooking that could encourage me to take my trip after all.

Thanks.
Tom

I think the thing you are overlooking is the availability of friends and acquaintances and other car guys ready to help. Last year as folk were getting ready for the Midget 50th, there was talk of publishing a list of people willing to be called around the road. IIRC, someone (MGB register maybe?) had this list at one time. I would certainly be willing to be on such a list. However, I would not be willing to just hang that info out on the Interweb for everyone to see. I suspect that these boards might be the beginning of a great list but I also think we would need to find a way to keep it secure. Perhaps a perk of paid membership might be enough motivation for our grand poobah to assemble such a list (hint hint) or some such variation. I could even see this as a chance to cross into something like the the MGExperience. (who knows)

As Doug points out, this list already exists and is published once a year by the North American MGB Register. All one needs to do is be a member of the organization. NAMGBR has provided this service since the early 90's to its members.

We tried to do an all-MG Register "Mutual Aid Directory" for MG2011...we did manage to get a copy of NAMGBR's 2011 edition, which included the NEMGTR, the AMGCR, and GoF West, to each registrant of MG2011. Two registers opted out.

 

[NutmegCT]

Hi J-P. Thanks for the reply.

In my own case, there are 800+ owners around the country who have cars like my old Mercedes. But only about five of them - all on the west coast - have any mechanical knowledge. These cars are often owned by folks who trailer them to car shows, who like to discuss where to buy shinier bumpers and trade "original" rear view mirrors, who send them across country for repairs, or own their own shops. Certainly not me I'm afraid.

So making an M-B "owners list" would be easy. But making a list of knowledgeable M-B wrench guys along the way is much more problematic.

argh.
T.

How are you handling the possible breakdown issue? Maybe there's something I'm overlooking that could encourage me to take my trip after all.

Thanks.
Tom

I think the thing you are overlooking is the availability of friends and acquaintances and other car guys ready to help. Last year as folk were getting ready for the Midget 50th, there was talk of publishing a list of people willing to be called around the road. IIRC, someone (MGB register maybe?) had this list at one time. I would certainly be willing to be on such a list. However, I would not be willing to just hang that info out on the Interweb for everyone to see. I suspect that these boards might be the beginning of a great list but I also think we would need to find a way to keep it secure. Perhaps a perk of paid membership might be enough motivation for our grand poobah to assemble such a list (hint hint) or some such variation. I could even see this as a chance to cross into something like the the MGExperience. (who knows)

 

[JodyFKerr]

Doug,

The pull out couch is ready and waiting for you down here in Phoenix. We may actually pass your way again this summer. the family fell in love with the Seattle area last year.

I'll second the earlier comments about doing some test runs first. You've got so much beautiful coastline up there that I can't imagine finding weekend runs is a hard thing to do.

I know that Tom and I have discussed his breakdown concerns in the past. In my world it's a matter of plan as best you can, and treat anything else like an adventure, and have fun with the folks you meet along the way.

I would recommend starting out in late summer across the upper portion of the US to catch the last of the northern warmth. Then when you turn southward it's not blazing hot anymore.

Jody

 

[Steve_S]

How are you handling the possible breakdown issue? Maybe there's something I'm overlooking that could encourage me to take my trip after all.

I deal with the possibility of breakdown the same way I would deal with it in a newer car. If you can't fix the problem on the side of the road, you pick up the cell phone and call AAA. They will tow you to the nearest repair shop of your choice. If the parts aren't available then you wait a day or two to get them shipped.

You run the same risk in any car, new or old, but if it happens in an old car then there is a greater possibility of being stuck for a few days, or having to be towed a bit farther to find a shop that can deal with it.

If this would prove too much to deal with then I'd suggest leaving the classic car at home. If you look at it as part of the adventure then go ahead and hit the road. Realistically, if a car is reliable enough to drive hundreds of miles around town over the course of a year then it should be reliable to drive a couple thousand miles on a trip. Highway miles are far easier on a car than city driving. I don't know the condition or history of your cars, but this is my feelings on a car that has been properly sorted.