In Case

[jack]

Are these correct? What do they mean?

1. I didn't want to put the fairings on in case I dropped it before I sold it.
2. I didn't want to put the fairings on in case I drop it before I sell it.

[Casiopea]

Are these correct? What do they mean?

1. I didn't want to put the fairings on in case I dropped it before I sold it.
2. I didn't want to put the fairings on in case I drop it before I sell it.

The first one is correct. 'did' is past tense, and so 'dropped', 'sold' should be past tense. You're talking about then, not now. Also, since "fairings" is a plural noun, its pronoun should be plural: use "them", not 'it'.

By the way (chuckle), what are "fairings", and why are you wearing something you're about to sell?

[jack]

By the way (chuckle), what are "fairings", and why are you wearing something you're about to sell

Fairings are side guards to protect your bike from being scratched when you drop it.

[Casiopea]

Fairings are side guards to protect your bike from being scratched when you drop it.

Oh, I see, thanks. You wear them?

[jack]

Oh, I see, thanks. You wear them?

You put them on the bike.

[Casiopea]

You put them on the bike.

Ah, I see. Well, in that case, your original sentence is correct:

1. I didn't want to put the fairings on in case I dropped it (i.e. the bike) before I sold it (i.e. the bike).