“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked, admiring my vintage Porsche. Oregon’s full-service stations always lead to this ritual, showing them the hidden fuel filler. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I answered, hoping karma wouldn’t immediately prove me wrong.
The truth is, I had put considerable thought into potential mechanical issues for this trip. I’d assembled a well-considered tool kit and packed a few crucial spare parts. Having a deep “relationship” with this car, like many vintage car owners who handle their own maintenance, I had a good sense of what might cause trouble.
Sure, that pristine set of factory-reproduction tools in its elegant pouch is perfect for showing off at concours events or local car meets. They’re undeniably cool trunk candy. But the real joy of owning a classic car isn’t just displaying it; it’s driving it.
Most of us don’t use our classics for daily commutes or quick errands. We take them on longer journeys – club meets hundreds of miles away, spirited drives on winding backroads, or perhaps, epic road trips like my coastal adventure from Los Angeles to Portland. There’s an unmatched thrill in these long drives with your vintage beauty. The experience is far more engaging than cruising in a modern car with all the distractions of modern media, isolated from the road.
So, leave that factory-perfect tool kit for show. Let’s focus on building a practical, travel-ready tool kit. One that’s effective without adding excessive weight or consuming precious trunk space. This is about equipping yourself with the essential Classic Car Tools For Sale that will keep you on the road.
Planning Your Classic Car Toolkit: Trip Length Matters
First, consider the nature of your journey. Is it a short weekend jaunt close to home, or an extended multi-day, multi-state tour? The length and remoteness of your trip should influence the scope of your classic car tools for sale considerations. A longer, more ambitious trip warrants a more comprehensive toolkit.
Must-Have Classic Car Tools: The Essentials
Here’s a breakdown of essential classic car tools for sale that should form the backbone of your travel kit:
Screwdrivers: Flathead and Phillips
“Duh!” you might say, but a couple of robust flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are indispensable. They’re perfect for simple tasks like tightening a loose fuel line hose clamp. A small screwdriver set with interchangeable bits is also handy – you never know when you might need to fix your sunglasses or adjust small interior components.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets and Accessories
While seemingly small, a 1/4-inch drive socket set is surprisingly versatile for many minor repairs you might encounter. Battery terminals, hose clamps, and various small fasteners are often within this size range. Ensure you include several extension lengths. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle are also invaluable for reaching awkwardly placed components, like that stubborn bottom hose clamp. Consider adding a selection of 1/4-inch drive bits, including Torx, to broaden your toolkit’s capabilities.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Car-Specific Selection
A 3/8-inch drive socket set and ratchet are crucial for car-specific tasks. Prioritize sockets that fit critical components on your classic. A spark plug socket is essential, along with a deep socket sized for your lug nuts. Include a 3/8-inch to 1/4-inch adapter for added flexibility, and one or two extensions. Before you pack, check access to your car’s most challenging spark plug. If a universal joint is needed for removal, make sure to include one in your classic car tools for sale list.
Allen Wrenches: Folding Set for Convenience
A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most of your needs for Allen head fasteners commonly found on classic cars.
Ignition Wire Pliers: Protecting Delicate Wires
Ignition wire pliers are designed to grip the spark plug boot, not the wire itself, when removing spark plug wires. This prevents damage to the wire by avoiding pulling directly on the wire and separating it from the connector – a crucial tool for maintaining your ignition system.
Breaker Bar: Leverage for Stubborn Fasteners
A 24-inch breaker bar paired with a socket that fits your lug nuts makes tire changes significantly easier. The added leverage is invaluable for breaking loose stubborn lug nuts, especially roadside. Plus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can serve as a less conventional, but effective, self-defense item if needed!
Tire Gauge and Inflation: Maintaining Correct Pressure
A tire gauge is a must-have for any car, classic or modern. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency puncture repairs. A small 12V compressor can also be a worthwhile addition, allowing you to reinflate a tire after using sealant or to adjust pressures for optimal handling and comfort.
Water Pump Pliers: Versatile Grip and Reach
Water pump pliers, particularly 10-inch Knipex pliers, are incredibly versatile. Their adjustable jaws provide a strong grip for various tasks, from hose clamps to general adjustments. As a humorous aside, the author also finds them useful for adjusting shower heads in hotels!
Needle Nose Pliers: Precision and Electrical Work
Needle nose pliers are essential for delicate tasks and reaching into tight spaces. Electrician-style needle nose pliers with a crimping function add extra utility for basic electrical repairs. If you already carry a Leatherman or similar multi-tool, you might already have this function covered.
Vice Grips and Adjustable Pliers: Secure Clamping
Consider including both regular pliers and Vice-Grips in your toolkit. Vice-Grips are particularly useful for clamping and holding components securely, offering a hands-free solution for certain repairs.
Wrenches: Specific Sizes for Your Classic
Pack a selection of combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For example, German cars often use odd-sized metric wrenches and 10mm. Japanese cars frequently require 12mm wrenches. Avoid carrying a full, heavy wrench set. Instead, identify the specific sizes commonly used on your vehicle and include only those. A simple tip for organization: use a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, a couple of fender washers, and a wing nut to stack and secure your box-end wrenches neatly.
Wiring Essentials: Electrical Troubleshooting
Always carry basic wiring tools and supplies. A sharp set of diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper are essential, along with a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of good quality electrical tape. An inexpensive test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues and tracing power problems.
Utility Knife: Versatile Cutting Tool
A folding utility knife is incredibly useful for various tasks, from trimming fuel lines to opening packaging. In a pinch, it can be used to cut a plastic bottle to create a makeshift funnel for adding oil or water, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper Cables: Battery Assistance
Even with a new battery, pack jumper cables. They are a simple solution for a dead battery and can also be used to assist other motorists, potentially making a new friend in the process!
Gloves: Hand Protection
Include a pair of mechanic’s gloves and a pair of heavier leather work gloves. Adding a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves is also a good idea for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Compact and Organized Storage
Choose a small, durable tool bag to keep your kit organized and compact. Consider repurposing a bag from an army surplus store for a rugged look, or get creative – a friend famously used a vintage Louis Vuitton bag before realizing its value! The key is functionality and portability within your classic car.
Building Your Classic Car Toolkit: A Starting Point
This list provides a solid foundation for assembling your classic car travel toolkit. Remember to customize it based on your car’s specific needs and your mechanical expertise. Consider any unique tools your car might require. Stay tuned for a future article discussing essential spare parts to complement your classic car tools for sale and complete your roadside readiness.
