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Tool kit for the Road

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mdionne

mdionne

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After 2 years of fun in the garage I'm getting close to going on the road. Currently I go down my driveway and turn right for a test drive. Why right? Because that's uphill and I can roll back home.

Anyway......I need to be prepared for the open road. What do you have in your permanent toolbox and wouldn't be without on any trip? Also what is your toolbox?

I'm looking to build the ultimate toolkit for the road. If this has been done in another thread please point me to it.

Thanks!
 
Spritenut had such a list, if available from the archives, but he could fix anything on the road. He had even figures out where to carry spare axles up in front fender area.

That said, there are three ways to go.

One is to try to have everything you need for anything that goes wrong, in which case you pack a lot of extra weight, but could easily drive cross country.

Another is to just carry the simple stuff that often goes awry, including a fuel pump, points, spark plugs, a couple of spare spark plug wires, dizzy cap, rotor, front brake hose, fan belt, radiator hose (and coolant), some wire and connectors, plus WD-40, tie wire, and duct tape, along with the tools to fix that stuff,---open end wrench set, socket set, wire stripper/crimper, and screwdriver(s).

The minimalist approach is Cell Phone, Credit Card, and AAA+ Membership.

The more you carry, the less that goes wrong.
 
Pythias said:
The more you carry, the less that goes wrong.
Click to expand...


Ain't that the truth.

m
 
I put this tool kit together when I had my Bugeye, and was pleased to see that it was still just what I needed for the MGB (even down to the same points as the distributor is the same). For the Sprite this all fit in a small bag that lived in the trunk. In the MGB, this all lives in spare battery box that was freed up when the car was converted to a single battery.

My philosophy is to carry the tools needed to do most everything, as well as a few limp-home items (like the wire and duct tape). I'm not planning on rebuilding the car on the road, just to be able to get to the next large town where other parts can be shipped in.

mgbtools1.jpg


1qt oil, small can WD-40, duct tape, spool bailing wire, spool electrical wire, rag, flashlight, pocket knife, set 4 spark plugs (pre-gapped), new points/condensor plate set (from Jeff at advance, ready to be screwed right in place) and rotor.

mgbtools2.jpg


Tools: Screwdriver handle and all the bits needed, small flat blade screwdriver, electrical tester, 3/8 ratchet handle, socket set including small extension, spark plug socket, and sockets from 3/4" - 1/4" by 1/16, needle nose pliers, pliers, small vise grips, tire gauge, points file, SU wrench, feeler gauges, two open end wrenches (9/16"-1/2", 7/16"-3/8"), adjustable wrench.

Tool roll is a Wolfman tool rool, nice strong roll made in Colorado.

mgbbattery4.jpg
 
Mine usually consists of a cell phone and a AAA card......
 
Westfield_XI said:
Mine usually consists of a cell phone and a AAA card......
Click to expand...

Generally what mine is. I carry tools but usually find I don't have what I need.

Drew I've owned a couple of B's and have to admire your battery box and storage box treatment. I like it!

Continuity tester is probably a good addition. I know the systems well enough that I don't carry that but can see where that and a wiring diagram could definetly come in handy.
 
Cell phone and AAA+ (100 mile tow option) is really the main tool kit, the other bits are just handy to have around.

That battery box storage area is just the perfect size for what I want to carry. Nicely out of the way as well. (Comes from Clark & Clark, btw.)
 
I carry the usual suspects.
Combination wrenches, 3/8 socket set, screwdrivers, pliers/dykes, a continuity tester, wire, a few odd nuts and bolts, jumper cables, fuses, a nylon tow strap.
I also have a cell phone, credit card, and my Hagerty club number.

I have never had AAA. Hagerty Club is a bout $15/ yr. for unlimited tows up to 50 miles, versus AAA at over $100/yr. (you do the math). On my "other" cars, my State Farm policy has roadside assistance/tow for pennies a year.

Phil
 
Just remeber a shorty adjustable box wrench to turn the Bendix back in when it gets stuck. 3 times in 10 years turn the key and nada. Bendix stuck. Wind it back in and on the road. Knock on wood has noy happened since I replacd the starter two years ago.
 
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