“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. In Oregon, they still offer full service, and I knew I’d have to point out the fuel filler location on my classic ride. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I answered, with perhaps a touch of overconfidence, hoping karma wouldn’t prove me wrong the moment I restarted the engine.
The truth is, I had given considerable thought to potential mechanical issues on this trip. I had prepared a well-organized car tool kit, packed a few essential spare parts, and, most 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, having that pristine set of factory tools in a reproduction pouch, meticulously assembled from swap meets and eBay finds, is a point of pride. They make for great trunk candy at car shows and coffee meetups. But the real joy of owning a classic car lies in driving it, not just parking it for admiration.
While you might not use your classic car for daily commutes or errands, the allure of club meets hundreds of miles away or exploring winding roads is undeniable. Or perhaps, like me, you believe that a road trip up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland, staying as close to the scenic coast as possible, is the perfect way to spend a week with your beloved vintage vehicle. Long journeys in a classic car offer a unique, visceral experience, far removed from the detached comfort of modern family cars with their climate control, streaming entertainment, and constant rush on the interstate.
So, leave that show-quality factory tool kit at home. Instead, let’s focus on assembling a practical and efficient car tool kit for travel. We want something that’s effective without adding excessive weight or consuming valuable trunk space.
First, consider the nature of your trip. Is it a short weekend getaway within a couple of hours of home, or a more ambitious multi-day adventure covering thousands of miles? This will influence the extent of your car tool kit.
Essential Tools for Your Car Tool Kit
Screwdrivers: Obvious, perhaps, but essential. Pack a couple of sturdy flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers in medium sizes. They are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps on fuel lines or adjusting minor fittings. A small precision screwdriver set is also handy for delicate tasks, even fixing eyeglasses.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While seemingly small, a set of ¼” drive sockets is surprisingly versatile for common roadside fixes like battery terminals and general fasteners. They are compact and easy to pack. Include various extension lengths, a flexible extension for hard-to-reach spots like lower hose clamps, and a screwdriver-style handle for added leverage. Consider adding a selection of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, for broader compatibility.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Supplement your ¼” set with a 3/8” drive ratchet and sockets tailored to your specific car. Prioritize a spark plug socket and a deep socket that fits your lug nuts. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands the versatility. Pack extensions and check if a universal joint is needed to access the most challenging spark plug – if so, include one in your car tool kit.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches covers most common needs for adjusting set screws and various components on classic cars.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to safely remove spark plug wires by gripping the boot, not the wire itself, preventing damage to the wire and connector.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar combined with your lug nut socket makes tire changes significantly easier. Its length provides the leverage needed to loosen stubborn lug nuts. As a bonus, it can serve as a robust deterrent in unexpected situations.
Tire Gauge: A must-have for any car tool kit. Regular tire pressure checks are crucial, especially on longer trips. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency repairs. A small 12V air compressor can also be a valuable addition for inflating tires on the go.
Water Pump Pliers: 10-inch Knipex pliers are highly recommended for their versatility and strong grip. They are excellent for hose clamps, and even have unconventional uses, like clearing a clogged showerhead during your travels!
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle nose pliers with a crimping function are a great choice. If you carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you may already have this covered in your car tool kit.
Pliers and Vice Grips: Include a standard set of pliers and a set of Vice-Grips in your car tool kit for gripping, clamping, and improvisational repairs.
Wrenches: Select a few 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. You likely don’t need a full set. For organization, use a ¼-20 bolt, fender washers, and a wing nut to stack and secure your box-end wrenches neatly.
Wiring Essentials: Always pack diagonal cutters, a crimper/stripper, crimp connectors, and electrical tape. A simple test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is incredibly useful for various tasks, from trimming fuel lines to opening packaging. It can even be used to fashion a makeshift funnel from a plastic bottle for adding oil or coolant, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel in your car tool kit.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, jumper cables are a must. They provide peace of mind and can be used to help others in need of a jump-start, potentially making new acquaintances along the way.
Gloves: Pack mechanic’s gloves and heavier leather work gloves for protection and grip. Include a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to organize your car tool kit. Consider military surplus bags for ruggedness and affordability. Alternatively, get creative – one enthusiast even repurposed a vintage Louis Vuitton bag until realizing its high value!
This list provides a solid foundation for your travel car tool kit. Remember to customize it based on your specific vehicle and its potential quirks. Future articles will delve into essential spare parts to carry for classic car road trips.
