[Rick Parker]

Ponchos from bike shops??? Save your $$.......large black garbage bags with holes cut (or torn) for head and arms works just great. Improvise! Put a good coating of Rain-X on the glass, it is great stuff.
Couple of cans of fix a flat, fan belt, fuses, tools (correct sizes for tune up related repairs, knife. Some sort of scissor jack, sun block, and lip balm (two "Must Haves").
Go over the car completely front to back, top to bottom!
Generally, if you thouroughly check the car before you leave and eliminate any compromising elements you should be trouble free. These cars do not have very may operating systems so check them completely.
Check all fasteners, nuts & bolts and screws. This goes for the suspension, engine, water pump, valve covers (maybe replace those leaky valve cover gaskets?). Bell housing, U joints (lube them before leaving). Wheels nuts and or Knock offs and safety wire them on correctly. Differential cover bolts and any attaching hardware. Transmission attaching bolts. Check hoses and hose clamps. Wipers (?) (No rain in California!) Spark plug wires & boots; keep them off the headers.Check radiator for any leaks (take a can of stop leak with you, a good size rock can ruin your day.)
Pull your distributor (or have someone do it) and check the drive gear for any significant wear, now is the time to address it not while out on the road far from home. Some folks even cary a spare distributor. On this length of trip I would reccomend taking a spare ignition module (the part inside the distributor) because if "IT" fails you are going nowhere. They are not expensive and can really save the day.
LASTLTY: Have a list with part numbers (very important) of unique parts used throuout your car. Such as radiator & heater hose numbers, distributor cap, spark plugs, fuel filter, IGNITION MODULE (the part inside the distributor) voltage regulator, alternator and most importantly the fan belt and water pump.
This may sound like a little over the top for some of you but if you have to attempt repairs while in a hotel parking lot, beside the road or have them done at an unfamiliar repair shop, it will be of some comfort that you are getting and using the right part (THE FIRST TIME) and using what you would at home.
The time to find a problem is at home, not out on the road. Increase your odds for a good time and check it over before you leave. Once I'm on the road the only thing I want to consider is a puncture in a tire. I like those odds..........have a good time.

Rick