How reliable are old coils?, Getting her ready to travel! Options

[Jamie]

I am trying to keep my 73 1.7L as stock as possible yet very reliable for extended travel. Recently had professional first engine removal to address several minor oil leaks and other concerns, to prepare for a 5 day tour event in June. The original coil is still in place and seems to be working fine, what is the usual life expectancy for a 50 yr. old coil? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[BillJ]

Dwell. Funny.

If you are really worried pick up a spare and store in the frunk. But probably fine.

[Superhawk996]

Dwell. Funny.

If you are really worried pick up a spare and store in the frunk. But probably fine.

People seem to like this idea but where would you stop?

Trip list
Spare coil
Spare points
Spare wires
Spare plugs
Spare condenser
Probably should have a spare distributor
Don’t forget about the voltage regulator those things go bad randomly!
A week ago our Belgian friend had a fuel pump relay fail - bring a handful of those.
Some swear that you should have a spare relay board - just in case.
Going to need a spare alternator - just in case. When a diode or the brushes fail you’re screwed.
Bring a small generator warning light bulb. If that burns out and goes open, the alternator can’t start the field winding and you’ll be SOL!
Those 3 port fuel pumps were a recent topic of conversation - random leaks and all. Bring a spare!

I’m just getting warmed up on what “could” fail. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

Don’t forget all the tools you’ll need to fix all the things that could fail.

I trust you see where I’m going with this - in good humour. How did we survive in a pre cell phone - pre credit card era. Some would tell you it can’t be done. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)