Guildbass wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26, 2024 12:48 am
I'd definitely do an oil and filter change unless you are absolutely sure it has a recent one.
I'd take a strobe gun and check points gap and timing too.
I'd also take a portable tyre inflator or a can of fixaflat if it has tubeless tyres and confirm you have a decent inflated spare and the tools to change it.
Sounds like an excellent adventure!
I am informed that the engine runs very sweetly already so I'd be reluctant to mess with it. I'm also told that the seller will do an oil change before I pick it up so that's a bonus. I'm going to change the diff and gearbox oil myself and the radiator top hose, coolant, plugs and fan belt. I've bought a spare cap & rotor arm, fluted bypass hose (that can be fitted without removing the head), condenser and points and HT leads.
I was advised to fit an in-line fuel filter as well, as the car has been standing for a few years and might have a load of crud in the fuel tank. I did wonder if it was worth doing as most of the crud would end up at the bottom of the float chamber anyway but for 3-quid it might well be a good idea. I bought a braided fuel hose too, just in case I want to remove it again.
Tyre inflator is a good shout although a foot pump might be more practical for slow punctures. Old school here, none of that convenient stuff for me.

A tyre repair kit might be useful as well, thinking about it.
I'll pop to Halford for sundries like that and a few basic tools. I hate using them but an adjustable spanner will probably be most useful.
Booked the first nights accommodation in Saint-Quentin yesterday. That's a good 110-miles from Calais allowing 4-hours avoiding motorways. Then around 120-miles (4-hours) the next day to Verdun. Then 150-miles to Colmar for the night and 100-miles the following day to Lake Constance. Then it's 150-miles home and I might be tempted to use the A96 for a bit, seeing as I don't need to pay for it and I'll be keen to get home for a nice cuppa. Reminds me, must buy teabags.