Cross country drive in a 348 Spider...

Fun!

You'll have a blast.

Check the basics before you leave:
#1: coolant level and color
#2: brake/clutch fluid level (and no visible sediment/debris)
#3: Plenty of tire tread
#4: Thick brake pads
#5: No deafening bearing whines
#6: motor oil level
#7: gear oil level
#8: air filter is clean
#9: no leaks visible in puddles beneath the car

Here are some ideas for an emergency roadside kit for peace of mind: http://www.the348.com/technical/Tech/348.html#RoadsideKit

I'm presuming that you already own and have installed a fire extinguisher.

Anyway, you asked about being prepared. You'll have even more fun not having to worry because you are prepared.

 

Don't forget a small carry on bag including a good detail spray, lots of cotton wipes - diapers or T-shirts - bug remover, interior cleaner, window cleaner, paper towels, and some Q-tips. You are going to need them to keep the road crap off the finish. Spend about 30 minutes decompressing from your drive every night to clean off the road crap. It's therapuetic and will prevent junk from piling up on the finish. Limit your driving to 6 hour stints with breaks unless you don't mind a stiff back or numb butt.

 

We did this drive back in January. 2700 miles total over seven days. Take lots of breaks. We tried to push it coming back and did a 13 hour stint. Our backs were toast by the time we hit the hotel.

Oh, and get used to hearing a few "DINGS" when stones and debris hit the front of the car. After a while you just ignore it, but the first few hours drives you nuts!!

If you are coming through Houston give us a shout.

JL

 

I'm sooooo jealous!

 

this sound like a trip that needs to be documented!

you know with pictures and text.
of course what happens in vegas stays in vegas.

 

This trip will be a blast. We took our 355 Spider from Virginia to Massachusetts a couple of summers ago and the car was great on a long trip. You won't have any problem with the seats. We are in DC if you need anything when you are here

 

Great idea and perfect car for it, the 348 Spider is bulletproof if well prepared for the trip. They rent them in Vegas like crazy.

 

Awesome! I cant wait too see pics mate.
Be safe and have fun!!

 

At least someone is 'driving' their car !

 

Approx 2,000 miles thats a great trip some other people we know do not put that mileage in years of ownership!

 

i will drive the 348 spider from austria - near vienna - to maranello this june to join the 60 relay.
about 800km one way.
parking is permitted at the fiorano-track.
sounds like fun !

car gets a belt change (as every 3 years), service and new tires before.

 

Masking tape makes a great temporary bra......but I gotta say I've got more respect for a Ferrari owner that drives a car enough to have rock chips than somebody who doesn't!

 

yeah, a lot of people at the track use that blue painters tape.

 

Though I have 'refinished' mine to balance it out with the rest of the paint .

 

So what's your route and timeframe?

 

Drove mine from SanFransico to Milwaukee, Wisconsin last year. Over 2000 miles in 36 hours of driving, a 20 hour stint 4 hours of sleep in the 348 and then a 16 hour stint. 40 hours total. Cheap on gas too. A few more paint chips up front but the windshield seemed to pick up most of the "new" chips. I guess I should have taped up the windshield. We have a great glass guy in town, he will do his magic when I'm ready.

After I did my basic pre-drive checks, I drove with the sound system off, because I wanted to listen to the real music behind me, plus listen for anything that sounds like its coming apart.

Enjoy the drive!

 

If you need help in the Ft. Worth area let us know.
We did 1200 miles on our last trip and all went very well.

Jeff and Juanamaria

 

If you're gonna enjoy the car, ya gotta give up the concours condition idea and get with the drive-it-cross-country-for-the-pure-enjoyment-of-it idea! Ya bought it to enjoy it! Drive it like ya stole it!

 

Have you considered a "clear shield" laminate over the front end of the car? I just had my windows tinted (they had to REMOVE the rear window to tint it!) and the place also did something called a "clear shield" cover for the front of cars, which is something like a plastic film that looks basically invisible on the car, but protects the paint from the expected rocks, etc that will chip the paint. They say it doesn't yellow, or damage the paint, and that it is removable at any point. Only problem is that it's not cheap, maybe a few hundred bucks. Would be curious if anyone has had experience with this product.

Anyway, have a blast on the cross-country trip, and don't forget the Valentine 1!

John