Preparing for the O.O.T.T.T.

The T Series car is uniquely qualified for a long trip such as the Ocean to Ocean Tourist Trophy.

Take, for example, atypical TD. With a5:125 rear axle it will run at approximately 60 MPH at slightly over 4,000 R.P.M. which figures out to about 2,500 feet per minute piston speed. This, while actually exceeding the nation’s speed limit, will not cause undue stress or wear on the engine.

A well prepared, properly maintained T Series car should make the trip a pleasant experience.

I plan to do the following to my car prior to the trip:

1. Flush brake system.
2. Check for leaks, sticking wheel cylinders, worn brake, deteriorated flexible hoses and corroded or damaged steel brake lines. I plan to flush and refill the system with fresh silicone brake     fluid. Check handbrake.
3. Repack wheel bearings and install new seals.
4. Examine U joints. Replace if any sign of wear.
A. Driveshaft–check that the forked yokes on both shafts have their axis parallel to each other.
5. Examine and replace any shock absorbers showing signs of deterioration or leakage
6. Thoroughly check front suspension for worn bushings.
A. Align front end.
7. Check condition of all tires including spare–install new tubes.
A. Balance 5 wheels.
B. Replace coupling rubber set connecting steering inner column with steering rack flange pinion. (Moss #281 -368 )
8. Replace all light bulbs with new 1st quality bulbs. Headlight, parking and signal lights, marker light and interior light bulbs.
A. Align headlights.
9. Thoroughly check electrical system, wiring, wiper motor, horn, charging circuit, etc. Clean up fuse box and be sure spare fuses are in place.
10. Change all fluids, oil, coolant, gear box, rear axle.
Drain fuel tank to remove sediment.
A. Flush cooling system after cleaning using ‘Arm and Hammer’ washing soda according to directions on box. Check and     replace hoses and fan    belt, cylinder block core plugs as required.
B. Use a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze.
11. Check engine for any external oil leaks, repair required.
12. Major engine tune, adjust valves, etc
A. Check engine mounts, front & rear.
B. Check exhaust system.
C. Check carbs for leakage, clean fuel bowls, filters and pump filter…
D. Check condition of fuel flex lines, renew.
13. Visually inspect clutch linkage for wear–replace necessary clevis pins; lubricate entire car.
14. Check tightness of every nut and bolt on car–check jack, jack handle, crank and tool kit.
15. Physically check all mountings of seat belts, check belts for deterioration.
16. Fit fire extinguisher—join Triple A (AAA).
17. Thoroughly clean car. Wax. Rain X windshield.
18. Enjoy a once in a life time trip across the country with my friends in the New England M.G. ‘T’. Register.

P.S I’m fitting a cruise control to my car!!!

By Dave Raymond

Thanks to Scared Octagon and Dave Raymond.