“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, where full-service stations still exist, meant I’d be showing him the fuel filler location. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I said, hoping karma wouldn’t punish my slight overconfidence.
The truth is, I had given considerable thought to potential issues on this journey. I had assembled a well-equipped Tool Car Kit, packed a few essential spare parts, and, importantly, I had a deep “relationship” with this car. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I handle much of my own maintenance, giving me a solid understanding of what might cause trouble.
Sure, owning that pristine factory tool kit in its perfect reproduction pouch, meticulously assembled from swap meets and eBay finds, is a point of pride. It’s fantastic trunk candy at car shows and coffee meets. But the real joy of owning a classic car isn’t just showing it off; it’s driving it.
You probably don’t use your classic car for daily commutes or grocery runs. Instead, you take it to club gatherings a few hundred miles away, seek out winding roads for spirited drives, or perhaps, like me, you believe a road trip up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland – a stunning 1000-mile coastal journey – is the perfect way to spend a week with your beloved machine. There’s an unparalleled joy in long journeys in a vintage car. The experience is far more immersive than in a modern car, where you’re often isolated with windows up, AC blasting, and media distractions, cruising on the interstate.
So, leave that factory-original tool kit proudly displayed in your garage. Let’s focus on assembling a practical tool car kit for travel, one that’s effective without adding excessive weight or consuming valuable trunk space.
Consider your upcoming journey. Is it a short weekend trip, a couple of hours from home and a few hundred miles in total? Or are you embarking on a longer adventure, covering thousands of miles? The scope of your trip will influence the comprehensiveness of your tool car kit.
Screwdrivers: Obvious, perhaps, but essential. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps or adjusting minor fittings. A small precision screwdriver set, with interchangeable bits, is also invaluable for tasks like fixing eyeglasses or delicate interior components.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While seemingly small, a ¼” drive socket set is surprisingly versatile for common roadside fixes, including battery terminals and small fasteners. They are compact and lightweight. Ensure you include various extension lengths for reaching recessed areas. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle further enhance accessibility, especially for those hard-to-reach hose clamps. Consider adding a selection of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, for added versatility in your tool car kit.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Include a 3/8” drive ratchet and sockets for car-specific tasks. Prioritize essential sizes like a spark plug socket and a deep socket for your lug nuts. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands the versatility of your socket collection. Always check access to your most challenging spark plug. If a universal joint is needed for removal, make sure to pack one in your tool car kit.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches covers most common sizes and is conveniently compact for your tool car kit.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip spark plug boots, not the wires themselves, preventing damage when removing spark plug wires. Protecting these wires is crucial for maintaining engine performance on the road.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar paired with a socket for your lug nuts significantly eases tire changes. Its added length provides leverage for breaking loose stubborn nuts. Plus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can serve as an impromptu security tool if needed.
Tire Gauge: Another no-brainer for your tool car kit. Regular tire pressure checks are vital for safety and fuel efficiency. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for minor punctures. A small 12V air compressor is also a worthwhile addition for inflating tires on the go.
Water Pump Pliers: Ten-inch Knipex pliers are a personal favorite, offering excellent grip and versatility. Beyond automotive uses, they’re even handy for unclogging shower heads in hotels!
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle-nose pliers with a crimping function are particularly useful for minor electrical repairs. If you already carry a Leatherman or similar multi-tool, you might already have this capability covered in your tool car kit.
Pliers and Vice Grips: Include both standard pliers and Vice-Grips in your tool car kit for a range of gripping and clamping needs. Vice-Grips are particularly useful for temporarily securing hoses or acting as a makeshift clamp in emergencies.
Wrenches: Pack a selection of combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For German cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. For Japanese cars, 12mm is essential. Avoid packing a full, heavy set. Focus on the sizes you know you’ll need. A simple organization trick is to use a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, a couple of fender washers, and a wing nut to neatly bundle your box-end wrenches.
Wiring Essentials: Always include diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper in your tool car kit, along with crimp connectors and electrical tape. A basic test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues.
Utility Knife: Folding utility knives are incredibly versatile. Use them for trimming fuel lines, opening packaging, or even fashioning a funnel from a plastic bottle for adding oil or coolant, eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel in your tool car kit.
Jumper Cables: Even with a relatively new battery, pack jumper cables. They are essential for jump-starting your car or assisting others.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves and heavier leather work gloves in your tool car kit. Adding a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves is also a good idea for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to organize your tool car kit. Consider army surplus bags for ruggedness or explore unique options like vintage luggage for a touch of classic style.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it provides a solid foundation for your travel tool car kit. Remember to include any specialized tools specific to your classic car. We’ll delve into essential spare parts in a future article.
