Newbie

[oddbod]

Oh yes,after reading up about Moggie problems,probable rust issues,buying guides, do's and donts we've bought one blind off ebay! The seller was kind enough to say if I felt the car was misrepresented by him ( he pointed out faults as well as good bits) he wouldn't hold me to the purchase.Me & my Mrs. have decided to teach 2, of our 4 , teenagers to drive. In a Moggie.
OK I have a return trip with our new? car of some 250 miles,what emergency kit would anyone recommend, I am going on the train so massive tool kits wont happen,no af spanners ( previously "borrowed") I have a multi-meter. I've driven 60's and 70's vehicles before,just no idea of the specific common probs with Moggies! Any input welcomed ( I know, I know I should have viewed first!)

[ASL642]

Congratulations on your purchase! On collection I suggest you drive the car around the block to get yourself acquainted with it's handling /brakes etc to start with. Don't be tempted to just head for the nearest motorway!

A few lightweight spanners (in case a wire comes loose) If the petrol pump should stop these can always be used to give it a thwack .

A valid membership to RAC AA or equavalent is probably the best tool for the first journey home with a car of unknown ability.

Hope this helps - have a safe journey. Don't forget to post us some pictures when you get home

[oddbod]

Cheers, my Mrs found out that Relay cover comes as standard with our Classic Insurance, I just want to make it home under my own steam if I can! It'll be an adventure whatever, I'm hoping my son can show me how to use his new fangled Digital Camera so I can take some photos, I dont have any commitments,other than the car, 'till Saturday Noon so I reckon I could have pushed it a good way by then!!

[simmitc]

I would recommend a large container of water - easy to carry when empty, and you can fill it up when you collect the car. There probably is not anything wrong with the cooling system, but if it does overheat, then it's handy to have the water with you. Perhaps a small can of oil might be a good idea too. A selection of screwdrivers will always be useful. Once you have owned the car for a while and have confidence in it, then there won't be any issues. It's just that first journey, but then you would have that with a modern car as well.

BTW, welcome to a fantastic club.

[robedney]

Have fun! That first trip is always memorable!

An easy thing to forget: Make sure it's got a spare tire in decent shape and inflated. Also make sure the jack and a lug wrench are in the car. You can make a stop early in your journey and pick up a couple of quarts of oil and some brake fluid (type 4) as well. It's always a good idea to stop after the first twenty miles or so and check all the fluids -- including (and importantly) the brake fluid (master cylinder is under the driver's feet -- a decent Crescent wrench will get the cap off). Stop again when you're bottom gets sore and recheck the fluids -- after that you'll know if it's using scary amounts of anything. You might turn on the heater initially and make sure it's getting hot -- that let's you know that coolant is actually circulating. You might use your meter to give a quick check to the charging system. A moggie will start and run very nicely on a fresh battery even if not charging -- and keep running till the battery runs down in the middle of nowhere.

[brucek]

Did you make it home OK?

[oddbod]

Sorry for not posting on this thread as soon as I got back,too bloomin' excited!!! Got home fine, no breakdowns,no hassle, the car ran better than I could have hoped,the heater works, the gearbox seems great only problem was needing to stop every hour to stretch a cheek!! Although most "everyday runners" I have seen pictures of have "adjustable lumbar supports" installed on the drivers seat, I got mine from Tesco Value Range pillow section. If our Moggie carries on driving as well as it is now I probably wont need any advice as its ......... fine! I took some pictures of the journey home and will post if I figure out how to get them from the camera to computer!!