“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” asked the attendant as I got out of my car. Oregon is still a full-serve state, and I knew I was going to have to show him where the filler is on my vintage Porsche. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I could say, reasonably sure that karma wasn’t going to smite me for hubris upon start up.
The truth is, like many vintage car enthusiasts, I had put considerable thought into potential issues on this trip. I had prepared a well-equipped tool kit and carried a few crucial spare parts. Having a deep “relationship” with this car, and performing much of the maintenance myself, gave me a solid understanding of what might cause trouble. For owners of classic automobiles, driving isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey, the connection with the machine, and the preparedness for any eventuality. And while a pristine factory tool kit might look impressive at a car show, a truly useful travel kit is what separates display pieces from road-ready classics. This is where understanding essential tools, potentially including a Rivet Tool For Old Cars, comes into play.
While those original tool pouches are great for show, they often lack the practicality needed for real-world vintage car adventures. We own these cars to drive them, to experience the open road, and sometimes, to tackle minor repairs ourselves. For longer journeys, or even just peace of mind, a carefully curated toolkit is indispensable. Thinking about the specific needs of your old car, and perhaps even considering specialized tools like a rivet tool for old cars for body or trim work, elevates your preparedness.
However, most of us don’t use our classics for daily commutes. Instead, we relish taking them to club meets, exploring winding backroads, or embarking on memorable road trips. Like my journey up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland, these trips are about immersing yourself in the drive. It’s a visceral experience far removed from the insulated, media-saturated travel in modern cars. But with this older technology comes the responsibility of preparedness. Beyond the basics, for vintage cars, you might even consider carrying specialized tools depending on your car’s age and construction – perhaps even a rivet tool for old cars if you anticipate needing to address any loose trim or body panels on the go.
So, leave that factory-perfect kit for display and let’s focus on building a practical travel toolkit. We’ll aim for functionality without excessive weight or bulk. Think about the nature of your trip: a short weekend jaunt versus an extended cross-country adventure. This will influence the scope of your toolkit and whether specialized tools like a rivet tool for old cars are truly necessary.
Screwdrivers: Obvious, yes, but crucial. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are perfect for tightening hose clamps or adjusting minor fittings. A small precision screwdriver set is also handy for delicate tasks, even fixing eyeglasses.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: Surprisingly versatile, a ¼” drive socket set handles many common tasks like battery terminal adjustments. They are compact and efficient. Include various extension lengths, a flexible extension for awkward angles (like those pesky bottom hose clamps), and a screwdriver-style handle for added leverage. Consider ¼” drive bits, including Torx, for broader compatibility.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Supplement your ¼” set with 3/8” drive sockets for car-specific needs. Always include a spark plug socket, a deep socket for lug nuts, and a 3/8” to ¼” adapter. Extensions are vital. Assess spark plug access – a universal joint might be needed for those hard-to-reach plugs, so pack one if necessary.
Allen Wrenches: A folding Allen wrench set covers most needs efficiently.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers grip the plug boot, not the wire, preventing damage when removing spark plug wires.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar with a lug nut socket significantly eases tire changes. Its substantial build can also serve as a deterrent if needed.
Tire Gauge: Essential for tire pressure checks. Consider tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime and a small 12V compressor for inflation.
Water Pump Pliers: Ten-inch Knipex pliers are excellent – versatile for hoses, and even handy for unclogging hotel shower heads!
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle nose pliers with crimping capability are ideal. A Leatherman tool also covers this function.
Pliers and Vice Grips: Include both. Vice grips are invaluable for clamping and temporary fixes.
Wrenches: Select a few combination wrenches in sizes specific to your car. German cars often use odd sizes and 10mm, while Japanese cars frequently use 12mm. A full set isn’t always necessary – prioritize frequently used sizes on your vehicle. Organize wrenches neatly using a bolt, washers, and wing nut.
Wiring Tools: Always carry diagonal cutters, a crimper/stripper, crimp connectors, and electrical tape. A simple test light is invaluable for diagnosing electrical problems.
Utility Knife: Folding utility knives are incredibly useful for fuel lines, packaging, or even fashioning a funnel from a plastic bottle for adding fluids.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, pack jumper cables. They are essential for jump-starting your car or assisting others.
Gloves: Mechanic’s gloves and leather work gloves are essential, along with nitrile gloves.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact tool bag tailored to your car. Military surplus bags or even repurposed vintage luggage can work well.
Considering a Rivet Tool for Old Cars:
For classic car owners, especially those with vehicles from eras that heavily utilized rivets in body construction or interior trim, a rivet tool for old cars can be an invaluable addition to a more comprehensive toolkit. While not needed for typical roadside repairs like hose clamps or spark plugs, a rivet tool for old cars becomes essential for:
- Body Panel Repairs: Older cars often have body panels joined with rivets. If corrosion or damage occurs, a rivet tool for old cars allows for more authentic repairs compared to screws or bolts.
- Interior Trim and Fittings: Many classic car interiors utilize rivets for securing trim panels, upholstery, or even dashboard components. A rivet tool for old cars enables you to refasten these elements securely if they become loose or detached during travel.
- Restoration on the Go: For dedicated enthusiasts undertaking partial restoration or maintenance during longer trips, a rivet tool for old cars expands repair capabilities beyond basic mechanical fixes.
Types of Rivet Tools for Old Cars:
- Hand Rivet Gun: Manual rivet guns are compact and portable, ideal for a travel toolkit. They are suitable for smaller rivet sizes commonly found in automotive trim and bodywork of older cars.
- Pneumatic Rivet Gun: For more extensive riveting tasks or larger rivet sizes, a pneumatic rivet gun offers greater power and efficiency. While less portable, it might be considered for a more comprehensive garage or workshop toolkit supporting your classic car hobby.
When selecting a rivet tool for old cars for your travel kit, prioritize a hand-operated rivet gun with a selection of rivets appropriate for your vehicle’s make and model. Ensure you also include appropriate drill bits for removing old rivets if necessary.
While this list provides a strong foundation for a travel toolkit, remember to tailor it to your specific car. Consider any unique tools your classic might require. Spare parts are another crucial aspect of vintage car travel preparedness, which we will explore in a future article.
By thoughtfully assembling a travel toolkit, potentially enhanced with a rivet tool for old cars, you ensure that your classic car adventures are enjoyable and, most importantly, that you are well-prepared for whatever the road may bring.
