“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” asked the gas station attendant as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon is a full-service state, and I knew I’d have to show him the fuel filler location on my classic car. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I said, with a touch of confidence, hoping karma wouldn’t prove me wrong as I started the engine again.
The truth is, I had put considerable thought into potential mechanical issues for this trip. I’d assembled a well-chosen tool kit and packed a few essential spare parts. Having a long-term “relationship” with this car, like many vintage car owners, means I handle a lot of the maintenance myself. This gives me a good sense of what might cause trouble on the road.
Sure, owning that pristine, factory-original tool set in its reproduction pouch, meticulously gathered from swap meets and eBay, is a point of pride. It’s great “trunk candy” at car shows and weekend meetups. However, the real joy of owning a vintage car comes from driving it, not just showcasing it.
Most of us don’t use our classic cars for daily commutes or errands. We take them to club events a few hundred miles away, explore winding roads, or embark on longer journeys. Like my trip up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland – a scenic 1,000-mile coastal route perfect for a week-long vintage car adventure. There’s a unique pleasure in these extended drives, a more engaging experience than modern highway cruising in a family car with all the distractions of AC, stereo, and personal media devices.
So, leave that factory tool kit for display in your garage. Let’s focus on building a practical tool kit for travel, one that’s effective without being too bulky or heavy. Some essentials are obvious, others less so. We’ll create a travel tool kit that’s genuinely useful without taking up all your trunk space.
Consider your typical journey: Is it a short weekend trip close to home, covering a couple of hundred miles total? Or are you planning a more ambitious, multi-thousand-mile tour? The length and type of trip will influence what you should pack.
Screwdrivers: Obvious, yes, but essential. A couple of sturdy flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers are perfect for tasks like tightening a loose fuel line clamp. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set – those with interchangeable bits in the handle – for minor fixes, even eyeglasses repairs.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While seemingly small, a ¼” drive socket set is surprisingly versatile for many common roadside issues, like battery terminals. They are compact, but ensure you include various extension lengths. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle are also invaluable – the flexible extension is excellent for reaching those hard-to-access hose clamps. Consider adding a selection of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, for added versatility.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Include a 3/8” drive ratchet and sockets specifically for your car. Keep it focused: a spark plug socket is a must, along with a deep socket for your lug nuts, and a 3/8” to ¼” adapter plus an extension or two. Check the accessibility of your most difficult spark plug. If a universal joint is needed for removal, pack one.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches covers most needs efficiently.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip the spark plug boot, not the wire itself, when removing spark plug wires. This prevents damage to the wires by pulling on the wire itself and separating it from the connector.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, paired with a socket that fits your lug nuts, makes tire changes much easier. Plus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can serve as a deterrent if needed!
Tire Gauge: Another essential no-brainer. A can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime is also a good idea, and I often carry a small 12V air compressor for inflating tires.
Water Pump Pliers: I highly recommend 10-inch Knipex pliers – they offer excellent grip and are surprisingly versatile (I’ve even used them to clear a clogged shower head in a hotel!).
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle-nose pliers with crimping capability are particularly useful. If you carry a Leatherman tool, it often includes needle-nose pliers and crimping functions.
Pliers or Vice Grips: Or both. A set of Vice-Grips is a valuable addition to any tool kit for clamping and temporary repairs.
Wrenches: Pack a selection of combination open-end/box-end wrenches in specific sizes relevant to your car. For example, German cars often use odd sizes and 10mm. For Japanese cars, a 12mm wrench is essential. You likely don’t need a full wrench set, but ensure you have the sizes needed for specific components on your vehicle. To keep wrenches organized, use a ¼-20 bolt, a couple of fender washers, and a wing nut. Stack the box-end wrenches on the bolt with a washer on each end, and secure with the wing nut for a compact and rattle-free bundle.
Wiring Supplies: Always include sharp diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper tool, along with a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of quality electrical tape. An inexpensive test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues.
Utility Knife: Modern folding utility knives are incredibly handy. Useful for trimming fuel lines or opening packaging. In a pinch, you can cut a plastic bottle to create a funnel for adding oil or water, avoiding spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper Cables: Even with a relatively new battery, pack jumper cables. They make jump-starting your car or assisting others much easier. You might even make a new friend by jump-starting someone else’s vehicle!
Gloves: Include a pair of mechanic’s gloves and a pair of leather work gloves. Adding a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves is also a good idea for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to keep your kit organized and tailored to your car’s needs. Be creative with your bag choice. I use a surplus military bag, but a friend once used a vintage Louis Vuitton bag until he realized its collector’s value!
While it’s impossible to cover every conceivable tool, this list provides a solid foundation for your travel tool kit. Remember to include any specialized tools specific to your car. We’ll discuss essential spare parts for your classic car in a future article.
