How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

[Scott S.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

Mark, Great information for all of us that drive on the National Road Tour with our 50 year old cars. WE hope to have you on the National to San Antonio next year.
Scott and Kay Sinclair

[Gene M.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

A vintage Corvette that has been rang out, WELL MAINTAINED or restored should not require extensive tool kit nor spare parts just to drive it. Being a vintage car over night theft should be of a major concern rather than break down. Most people would not consider a tool kit for a newer car. My cars contain a small assortment tool kit of less than 10 pounds total. But the security chain and locks weighs 35 pounds. Volume and weight are the limiting factors while traveling across country in old Corvettes so choose wisely.

[Mark E.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

A space saver spare leaves more room for spares.

Great compromise. I had this idea about 20 years ago when preparing a '73 coupe for a road trip from Dallas to the Black Hills event. I searched bone yards for a space saver but never found one that fit... at that time most would not clear the C3's brakes.

Which space savers fit? I'm asking which cars should I check for spare tires in bone yards?

[Mark E.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

A vintage Corvette that has been rang out, WELL MAINTAINED or restored should not require extensive tool kit nor spare parts just to drive it.

Yes, condition of the car is a consideration for tool and spare parts selection. Each case is different. In my case, it's a restored car with about 1,000 miles of local "ringing out" as you say. It runs and looks great, but I don't trust it like a new car. It's loaded with unproven rebuilt, restored, reproduction, original and old NOS parts. For example, the water pump is restored, but it blew a gasket last week. The PS system is rebuilt, but should I trust all the seals and hoses are reliable under sustained use? It has a rebuilt, lifetime warranty alternator from Remy... but I consider its reliability to be unknown (good so far... knock on wood).

A long time ago, I did a mechanical restoration of a '72 SS El Camino (a neat car with 4 speed and cowl induction). On its maiden trip, the lower radiator hose blew off on the highway. I had to walk back a half mile to retrieve it. Apparently I didn't tighten it properly. So it's the small, silly stuff I worry about, even with "restored" cars.

Being a vintage car over night theft should be of a major concern rather than break down... the security chain and locks weighs 35 pounds.

Agreed. I worry about security while on trips also. I rest a bit easier when I find a motel where I can park in front of my room. But sometimes I'm in an urban hotel with parking that's a fair hike away.

What do you do with the chain and locks? Chain a half shaft to a light pole?

For security overnight I use a locked car cover, kill switch (push in the cigarette lighter), OEM alarm, simple two wire aftermarket alarm with motion/shock and current sensors, front tires turned to lock (slows down towing a bit) and CarGard column lock. I figure the greatest remaining threats are accidental collision/door strikes, vandalism, wheel theft, and a repo-style tow truck quickly pulling the car away while the alarm is sounding.

[Keith W.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

Great thread and comments - however one tool I always carry up and above some of the ones mentioned is the hood release stick - been caught out twice before.

[Frank D.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

A vintage Corvette that has been rang out, WELL MAINTAINED or restored should not require extensive tool kit nor spare parts just to drive it. Being a vintage car over night theft should be of a major concern rather than break down. Most people would not consider a tool kit for a newer car. My cars contain a small assortment tool kit of less than 10 pounds total. But the security chain and locks weighs 35 pounds. Volume and weight are the limiting factors while traveling across country in old Corvettes so choose wisely.

I'm with you - I'm surprised some of these cars mentioned can lumber out of the driveway with the load they're carrying.

A charged cell phone, a AAA card, a can of Slime Quick Spaire for flats, a couple of screw drivers, a set of the smaller size SAE wrenches, some blue quick release tape for rainy days, a jumper wire with alligator clips, a 3-pack of road flares, fire extinguisher, and, that's about it for me.

If I can't get going from a roadside breakdown in 5-10 minutes its rollback time. The distracted clowns on major highways will kill you...while your futzing around under your hood.

[Richard M.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

I'm with you - I'm surprised some of these cars mentioned can lumber out of the driveway with the load they're carrying.

A charged cell phone, a AAA card, a can of Slime Quick Spaire for flats, a couple of screw drivers, a set of the smaller size SAE wrenches, some blue quick release tape for rainy days, a jumper wire with alligator clips, a 3-pack of road flares, fire extinguisher, and, that's about it for me.

If I can't get going from a roadside breakdown in 5-10 minutes its rollback time. The distracted clowns on major highways will kill you...while your futzing around under your hood.

A vintage Corvette that has been rang out, WELL MAINTAINED or restored should not require extensive tool kit nor spare parts just to drive it. Being a vintage car over night theft should be of a major concern rather than break down. Most people would not consider a tool kit for a newer car. My cars contain a small assortment tool kit of less than 10 pounds total. But the security chain and locks weighs 35 pounds. Volume and weight are the limiting factors while traveling across country in old Corvettes so choose wisely.

You got it all wrong guys .....Remember the 6 "P"'s ? ..... "Prior Planning Prevents Pizz Poor Performance" (My buddy Chuckie taught me that one)

I think the best method is put a trailer hitch on the Corvette and get a big box trailer and load it up with a parts car Corvette.

[Mark E.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

A charged cell phone, a AAA card, a can of Slime Quick Spaire for flats, a couple of screw drivers, a set of the smaller size SAE wrenches, some blue quick release tape for rainy days, a jumper wire with alligator clips, a 3-pack of road flares, fire extinguisher, and, that's about it for me.

If I can't get going from a roadside breakdown in 5-10 minutes its rollback time. The distracted clowns on major highways will kill you...while your futzing around under your hood.

Thanks for sharing the minimalist's strategy, Frank. I guess we each have a different risk tolerance and level of confidence in the car. My only suggestion with your list is to consider LED flashers instead of flares. Lighter and safer, plus most can double as a work light.

Excellent reminder about roadside repairs. I never do roadside repairs. Never. If I can't pull off the road to somewhere safe, it's AAA time. I've read too many news stories about fatalities while on the side of the road.

Just the other day I saw a disabled car on the side of Central Expressway in Dallas, a busy freeway with a narrow shoulder and median. As I passed, I was shocked to see a man lying under the front of the car. Traffic going 65 MPH was passing by him no more than 10' away. It was like he was signing up to be a short-timer in life.

[Gene M.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

Yes, condition of the car is a consideration for tool and spare parts selection. Each case is different. In my case, it's a restored car with about 1,000 miles of local "ringing out" as you say. It runs and looks great, but I don't trust it like a new car. It's loaded with unproven rebuilt, restored, reproduction, original and old NOS parts. For example, the water pump is restored, but it blew a gasket last week. The PS system is rebuilt, but should I trust all the seals and hoses are reliable under sustained use? It has a rebuilt, lifetime warranty alternator from Remy... but I consider its reliability to be unknown (good so far... knock on wood).

A long time ago, I did a mechanical restoration of a '72 SS El Camino (a neat car with 4 speed and cowl induction). On its maiden trip, the lower radiator hose blew off on the highway. I had to walk back a half mile to retrieve it. Apparently I didn't tighten it properly. So it's the small, silly stuff I worry about, even with "restored" cars.




Agreed. I worry about security while on trips also. I rest a bit easier when I find a motel where I can park in front of my room. But sometimes I'm in an urban hotel with parking that's a fair hike away.

What do you do with the chain and locks? Chain a half shaft to a light pole?

For security overnight I use a locked car cover, kill switch (push in the cigarette lighter), OEM alarm, simple two wire aftermarket alarm with motion/shock and current sensors, front tires turned to lock (slows down towing a bit) and CarGard column lock. I figure the greatest remaining threats are accidental collision/door strikes, vandalism, wheel theft, and a repo-style tow truck quickly pulling the car away while the alarm is sounding.

Not knowing who or what kind of rebuilds one gets as he pays his money is an issue for most. I do all my own rebuilding as in nothing sent out. So I have control on the parts going in and the workmanship. I see many on this board are more interested in sending a problem part out and receive it back "restore". Not always with the "quality" one expects. But I could suggest all work performed by one's self be rechecked by a buddy. And I do mean everything. Put the car up on a lift and set out the tools and check away.

I prefer a mental check list as I assemble a car. And make sure every fastener is tight before going on to the next piece. Do not assemble every "snug" then figure on later tightening it down...... bad process. Complete everything then go on. Your hose issue was preventable. For it to dislodge from the car both ends had to be loose, inspection process would prevent major mishaps. Do your tasks in the garage not out on the road.

As far as security electronic devices are well known by thief world. They may slow their task of stealing your car but not stop them. Also roll backs don't require the Corvette be "powered up" 5 minutes and it's gone. Yes, I use a big high grade chain and equal heavy lock around a flag pole or big tree. Heck you can even chain two cars together. Stay in well lit populated by people coming and going area detour from your car being a target.

[Mark E.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

What do you do with the chain and locks? Chain a half shaft to a light pole?

For security overnight I use a locked car cover, kill switch (push in the cigarette lighter), OEM alarm, simple two wire aftermarket alarm with motion/shock and current sensors, front tires turned to lock (slows down towing a bit) and CarGard column lock. I figure the greatest remaining threats are accidental collision/door strikes, vandalism, wheel theft, and a repo-style tow truck quickly pulling the car away while the alarm is sounding.

This shows that for a comprehensive list of what to pack, in addition to tools, supplies and spares, we need to consider security, car cover, and the all important cleaning/detailing kit. Considerations and suggestions of what to include and how to pack them would be an interesting "Restorer" article by someone who's done it a few times and learned the hard way. Maybe one of the Road Tour veterans...

[Edward B.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

Depending on the length of the trip the kit should include a number of $20 and $50 bills.

[Gerard F.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

Mark,

In all the threads above, I didn't see a timing light or distributor wrench. Did I miss it?

Get one of those setback timing lights to easily read your timing.

I remember on the Denver Road tour from California last year, one of the C2's (65) was having problems. We were doing a lot of cruising at high elevations.

The group pulled into a gas station in Utah to try to figure out the problem. Did anyone have a timing light to check the timing?
Yes, I did? I even had a spare distributor for my 67 along with me and all the tools necessary to time and change the distributor.

Well the problem did get somewhat fixed. Same thing happened at a Chapter meet in Tahoe last year, one of the C2's (not mine)
had a problem. A simple retiming fixed it, to get the guy home.

So I would recommend that you bring a setback timing light and all the tools necessary to retime on the road. These days with all the electronics, a simple timing light is hard to find at auto parts stores and auto shops.

Having fun,

[Mark E.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

Mark, In all the threads above, I didn't see a timing light or distributor wrench. Did I miss it?

Get one of those setback timing lights to easily read your timing... I even had a spare distributor for my 67 along with me and all the tools necessary to time and change the distributor...

So I would recommend that you bring a setback timing light and all the tools necessary to retime on the road. These days with all the electronics, a simple timing light is hard to find at auto parts stores and auto shops.

Having fun,

Gerald,

It sounds like you're the go-to guy on road tours when trouble strikes!

It's just my preference, but I don't use a distributor wrench, even though I have a couple. I prefer a combo wrench, so the packed wrench set covers it. This saves space too.

I really like the idea of packing an extra distributor. It's relatively compact and can save a lot of trouble shooting time. Is it the points? Condenser? Rotor? Primary wiring or ground? Doesn't matter! Just jab in the spare distributor and move on! This also covers the possibility of a cross gear failure. Ideally, the spare already has the dwell set beforehand. An extra cap can be used to protect the internals while stored, and gives the option of changing that too.

I'm on the fence about a timing light. Assuming the timing is dialed in when leaving home, when would it need to be checked/adjusted?
- Pre-ignition occurs. Maybe bad gas or an elevation change affects the engine's requirements.
- Points go south. This requires checking the timing as a final step.
- Mechanical failure. Maybe the distributor fails or there's a need to R/R the intake.

This stuff happens, but I've become pretty good at getting initial timing close after distributor R/R, and timing the car by ear from there. So unless I decide to change the timing curve or VAC while traveling, I wouldn't need a timing light.

A dwell/tach/volt is packed because it's a lot harder to check/adjust those things by ear.

[Gerard F.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

Mark,

If you are going to bring a spare distributor, then bring a timing light.

You never can tell on a road trip. Things happen. The timing may drift with these old cars. I would never install a replacement distributor without checking the timing. You will never be sure.

There were six guys at this lonely Utah gas station trying to troubleshoot this recently restored 65, all scratching their heads. That is, until I lent them my timing light. Then they knew for sure what the problem was.

It happened again at a Chapter event in Tahoe. They tried to find one at a parts store, nada. When they asked me, I pulled out the timing light.
And it got one of the drivers home.

[Michael J.]

Re: How to Organize the Perfect Tool Kit for Road Trips

Jerry, I thought you might tip Mark off on the snazzy blue wire and luggage belt to include in a tool kit in case your top latch breaks........