Am I underestimating this (newby RBRR entrant)

[Eagerbeaver]

I keep looking at the countdown to the RBRR, hearing about the preparations others are making and I'm starting to worry if I've done enough.

I've only had my TR6 for about 18 months and the car has served at times as daily driver, weekend toy and holiday transport. The car suffered from under use from before it came into my ownership so I've had a few things to do such as replace rubbers here and there but the car has never let me down.

On motorways, I'm often passing modern traffic and the car never misbehaves.

My preparations so far have been to check the lights and wipers, plan an oil change and put the footwell padding back in that has always been loose.

The standard sealed beams are better than some modern cars (OK, modern cars with crap headlights but the TR6 headlights are fine on even pitch black roads).

Do I really need to put a relay on them when the car has gone 40 years without one?

My one concern is the fuel pump and maybe the alternator, oh and the coil, and the water pump, maybe the overdrive and possibly wiper motor. Other than those, what could go wrong?

Oh, yes, the other one is the nut behind the steering wheel.

Over 2000 miles in 48 hours sounds a lot , it is a lot but am I missing something. I don't want to spoil my first RBRR by underestimation.

[32valves]

I wouldn't worry to much but relays on the lights are a good idea. Remember, when was the last time your car was driven all night two nights running. That's over 20hrs of continous use, let alone any bad weather during the day. As regards spares, if it's small and will fit in the boot, take it with you. A spare alternator is a good idea. Petrol injection is well catered for by lots of other entrants. If you are concerned about it now, change it while you have the time and space to do it properly (why are you concerned about these items, are they giving any trouble at the moment ?). You can also take a cue from the spares list for other entrants.

Don't spoil your enjoyment of the event by worrying to much about breakdowns  ;) It's all part of the fun.

[Russell]

My experience with sealed beams on the RBRR is that they burn out, especially if they're getting elderly. The weather is likely to be bad and they may be on for most of the 48hours.

2004 I got through both my dip lights on the 2000 and ended up running on the main beams with tape over them to try and reduce the dazzle to other drivers. I did have spares but had lent one to another team earlier, and the other was faulty. :-(

The advantage of bulb conversion is the spares don't take up so much precious space. As others have said, relays are a good idea, but none of my cars have them, and I haven't had issues with the wiring.

For other prep, just think what you normally have to do to your car in 2000 miles, and don't forget to do it on the run. For example a leaky diff or gearbox you have to top up regularly can soon run dangerously low.

Russell.

[thescrapman]

pack a tested spare fuel pump or 2. and a PRV if you have one. My pump burnt out after 9 hours in 2008.

Change to halogen headlights.

pack a spare (tested) alternator.

By testing I mean fit them now and put the others in the boot. That way they get 5-odd weeks test.

You can live without an Overdrive, just gets thrashy.

If you have not done it, remove the wiper rack and fully re-grease it, the wipers may be running for many hours continuously.

Or buy a bottle of Rainex... :-)

Cheers

Colin

[thescrapman]

Oh, and wheel bearings. TR6's have pissy little front ones, so pack some spares. Even better, pack a ready built hub and a stub axle. Quick change then.

Whether you want  to pack a complete rear drive shaft is your decision.

Cheers

Colin

[Eagerbeaver]

Wheel bearings? Stub axle ? Drive shafts!!!

This is what I mean. I've not done many miles in the TR6 but in m GT6 I've done 5000 miles in a single tip with the only failure being an O/d solenoid which turned out was faulty before I set off and the water pump that packed up 2 miles from getting back home.

When I was using the GT6 as my daily driver, I'd go between MOTs with just basic oil changes and oiling trunnions.

The one thing I have learned is not to fix what ain't broken.

Re wheel bearings, I've never had to replace a wheel bearing in 30 years of Triumph ownership.

I can see I'm setting myself up for a huge fall here so the TR6 is going up on the ramps this weekend and getting out and about for a more serious shakedown.

Well it is supposed to be a challenge. :)

[andy thompson]

The absolute worst thing you can do is to fit poorly made repro parts a couple of weeks before the event  (replacing good original parts for the sake of it quite often) and then finding they are only good for 500 miles somewhere in Scotland - read wheel bearings / alternators / rotor arms
Reckon it is worth fitting relays for the headlights and Rainex is a must

Worth giving things a good grease etc

[James]

The best cars are usually the ones that are used on a regular basis - not the ones that have just been put together or taken out only a few times a year.

For daily drivers 2,000 miles is hardly anything.

As for sealed beams — they aren't as good as a decent set of halogens — fit decent or updated bulbs of you can. A couple of hours driving at night is very different to the potential 24 you'll do on the RBRR.

The special prep you want to do for the RBRR above the normal checks are ones that allow you to survive better. Make sure you're comfy, fit reclining seats if you don't have, additional or uprated lighting to make the night driving easier and more relaxing, decent wipers and rainx so there's less strain on your eyes too.

I worry less about the car and more about myself.

[Richard B]

Give it an oil change with good oil beforehand.

If you are running points make sure you have an ignition kit packed (points, condenser, rotor arm, dizzy cap).

[Eagerbeaver]

Many thanks, I feel a bit better now.

I've just ordered some halogens and the relay makes sense anyway.

I'm a bit worried that I have  after market electronic ignition. The kind that's about £15 off ebay.

Maybe a set of points and condenser as a back up is a good idea.

[Howard]

Eagerbeaver wrote:

I keep looking at the countdown to the RBRR, hearing about the preparations others are making and I'm starting to worry if I've done enough.

Oh, yes, the other one is the nut behind the steering wheel.

Over 2000 miles in 48 hours sounds a lot , it is a lot but am I missing something. I don't want to spoil my first RBRR by underestimation.

IMHO its the nut you need to worry about - my first RBRR came to an unexpected end in mid wales when was v tired and filled it up with diesel - TR7 was fine though :) and since has covered a couple of 10CR's and the RBRR without a problem. Anyway go out and enjoy the driving.

[shedmonkey]

Its a compromise between common sense and disappearing up your own arse with worry!

Def agree with Andy -don't go replacing OM parts for the sake of it

Def relay up the lights-I would fit halogen lamps as they are easy to replace quickly and the better light you have driving with tired eyes the better even fit spot lights-it  takes the strain out of the night drive in Wales,take a sealed beam unit  as a spare we hit a dear on one run smashed a halogen unit replaced it with a sealed unit

Def replace cooling hoses/clips if they are a bit suspect
Flush the cooling system
Bleed fresh fluid through the brakes

Every thing gets hot and stays hot or 40 odd hours you will hear rattles and clunks you haven't heard before -don't worry keep driving and remember the most important thing -Its a marathon not a sprint!

The other thing to pay attention to is creature comforts in the cabin extra bits of foam/padding snacks within easy reach cup holder etc sounds daft but makes a difference!

[Eagerbeaver]

Halfords beckons :)

[thescrapman]

Perhaps I was being pessimistic. Just try to use teh car as much as you can.

Mine was ready at the beginning of July, the diff and a rear bearing failed at the beginning if July whlst I was putting some more miles on it.

Halfords is where you are likely to get the shoddy points and condensors don't forget. Buy a red rotor arm from a specialist. and pack a couple of old condensors as they are likely to last longer than a modern one.

New caps are OK I think.

I would definatley check a spare fuel pump, yours has probably not run for more than a couple of hours continuously.

Regrease the front bearings. Can't do any harm, just don't overtighten them afterwards.

Check the list of previous failures, that should give a few clues.

Lamintaed windscreen (or lack of) is a killer. Lots of alternators fail. Wheel bearings as well.

Cheers

Colin

[Eagerbeaver]

I certainly won't be getting any mechanical parts from Halfords. I'm afraid those days are long gone. Halfords for the cup holders though.

The point about using the car is spot on though.

[thescrapman]

Poundland for the cup holders, and teh 4-way cigarette ligher socket.

:-)

[Radders]

Couple of points that came to light on our first RBRR:

Load you car up with your spares and crew before the event and see how it sits on the suspension. Then you'll see if you need to fit uprated springsif the car is sitting too low.

Also, if you have never done it, fill the fuel tank to the very top. Then you will find out if you have any leaks at the top of the tank or if your fuel cap seals properly when full.  

My co driver also brought along a couple of sleeping bags on our first run just in case of a break down. At least you'll stay warm then while awaiting recovery/assistance. I thought it was a good idea myself.  :)

[thescrapman]

Don't do like I did on the 10CR and fit reclining seats and not test that they can actually recline. mine hit the hood frame.

In a 2 seater try to have a kip in the passenger seat, then make adjustments to make sure you can. Pillows, eye shades, ear plugs, blanket etc.

I have heard reports of people using sleeping bags on both sides with the drivers feet poking out the bottom for the long cold night sections with the roof down... :-)

Cheers

Colin

[Tim Bancroft]

Has no one read the RBRR Advice Notes we issue?

Copy attached:

[Eagerbeaver]

timbancroft61 wrote:

Has no one read the RBRR Advice Notes we issue?

Copy attached:

This is what caused me to start the post really.  The notes sound very sensible, saying that if the car is in regular use and there are no known gremlins, then all should be OK. Then I read posts about using special oil, packing spare driveshafts and stub axles, uprating suspension etc etc and I'm thinking - is this a 2000 mile jaunt around the UK or an epic trip trying to reach all corners of the former Commonwealth by Triumph (now there's an idea).

In any case, I'm really looking forward to this, my biggest fear being not making it to the start line. Anything after that is all part of the challenge and the reason I'm doing it.

Even the misses says, the best holiday we've ever had was an epic tour of Europe in the GT6 and part of the fun was the challenge of getting a 40 year old car to complete it safely and reliably. Now I'm not comparing this to a holiday but the idea of being involved in trying to get over 100 Triumphs around a 2000 mile route is exciting.

I'm hoping the tools and spares I'm packing are to help others out - not my own car.

[James]

I'm glad Colin bought up ear plugs and eye masks — helps you get more of a proper sleep. You don't want to just snooze, you want to totally tune out so that when you wake up you forgot where you were.

Consider draughts too — especially in a soft top. That slight breeze on the back of your neck will be annoying after a few hours and in the cold of an October night.

[shedmonkey]

Dont forget lucky comfy pants and socks-its amazing changing a pair off socks can be very refreshing and wakes you up! also think about some decent driving shoes/boots makes a massive difference!

[CRAJ]

ajp wrote:

Dont forget lucky comfy pants and socks-its amazing changing a pair off socks can be very refreshing and wakes you up! also think about some decent driving shoes/boots makes a massive difference!

Two pairs of comfy shoes, mine got soaked through in the rain before we left the plough and dried out sometime during the week after the RBRR. Wish I'd had a spare pair of shoes to change into.

Colin.

[Stuart Wilson]

I'm thinking of wearing my race boots, as they are mega comfortable. But will be taking a spare pair of shoes/trainers

I might look silly in shorts and ankle high race boots but as long as I'm comftable I'm not bothered  8) :P

[Eagerbeaver]

I've completed the most important mod. Moving my seat back to let me drive with my legs a little straighter.