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Mechanical troubleshooting is part of the joy of having a classic car, but being stranded isn’t. I don’t recommend you wade into traffic without a good handle on how your car works, where everything is located, and a nominal toolkit just in case.
The one thing that’s often overlooked is a working, up-to-date fire extinguisher—one of those tools that simply can’t be replaced once you realize that a fuel line wasn’t as secure as you first thought. I often see classic vehicles at shows that forego this “last-resort” item, and hope for the owners’ sake that their beloved car stays fire-free.
When you hit the road, what tools do you consider essential to bring along?
Photography by David Marvier & RM Sotheby’s
Did a very long trip in my Alfa (first one in fact). Had combination wrench set (8-19), box socket set (8-19) with ratchet, extra fuel pump, alternator belt, wires, zip ties, wire tape, epoxy glue, screw drivers, multi-meter, extra relays, brake fluid and set of jumper cables. All fit in one cardboard box. Glad I did not have to open it.
I tend to carry around an emergency bag, with warning triangle, hi-viz waistcoat, gloves, tow hook, tow hope, starter cables, compressor and gunk kit, duct tape and a Leatherman. In winter I add the snow scrapers, snow shovels and a can of gravel, which can be really useful to help you get going again, if there’s ice. Plus phone, chocolate, torch etc.
My ”Emergency” tool kit consist of :
– A good Jack
– A lug wrench with a set of sockets
– A spark plug socket
– Screwdrivers
– Pliers and vise grip
– Swiss army knife
– WD-40
– Duct Tape
– Some coverall ( You don’t want to put grease on that new jacket)
– Flashlight
– Rags
And of course some determination and patience to get that Bug back on the road!
Every breakdown usually result in a good story around a pint so stay positive guys.
Coveralls ? Oh come now . If you’re toodling around in your classic .. especially if its a Bug ( Bugatti I assume [ just what in the name of St GearHeaditis are you doing wearing that good jacket you’re so afraid of spoiling anyway ?
Driving cloths Mssr . Veilleux ! Leaving the ‘ good ‘ jacket you’re unwilling to get greasy [ ahhh … the joys of an old and in the way yet ever so classic tweed always able to be cleaned in a jiffy assuming one knows how ] in the boot assuming for some reason you’ll need it .. or at home / in the hotel etc . As to much of your list thats covered much more compactly by my Leatherman tool suggestion . My coming from a history of climbing / bicycling etc where compact and light weight are necessities … not a luxury … learning to get by with as little as possible
As far as every breakdown having a good story ? Hmmm … depends on your definition of …. good ! More than a few needing something a whole lot stronger than the suggested pint … like a Bourbon straight … or three
Flattering of you to think its a Bugatti But, I don’t have the money nor the mechanical knowledge to properly maintain a Bugatti.
It was more along the line of a VW Beetle Bug.
That beeing said, Its my Daily Driver so I don’t always have the choice of ”Driving attire” but I appreciate the Tweed Jacket nonetheless.
I also like to think that making a good out of a bad situation about fixing our beloved classics sets us appart from the regular driving folks.
But you are right sometime bad is bad ahaha.
On top of the tools needed to change the tire and a spare wheel – as well as a couple of spare wheel nuts …. at absolute minimum ;
Leatherman multi tool
Adjustable crescent wrench of reasonable size
Roll of Duct Tape
Ball of bailing wire
Can of what ever brand ‘ Fix Flat ‘ you prefer
Two empty containers .. one for acquiring water … the other for holding that emergency dollopo f fuel you just purchased cause y’all ran out due no doubt to a faulty fuel gage [ a common malady amongst all classics ]
And err … a couple of energy bars [ I prefer protein bars ] and drinking water …. to keep your energy up while either enacting the repairs or waiting for the tow truck to arrive