What tools etc does everyone carry with them on trip
thanks Tony
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AAA
In Another Thread 3 days ago... Stan Galat, '05 IM, 2276, Nowhere, USA posted:So, in my experience with long trips: it isn't the big stuff that will stop you, it's the little things. Cables rubbing on something and fraying, a leaky hose, even a jet-stack coming loose in one of the carbs. I once had the nuts come loose on one of the J-pipes, and had it drop off right on the interstate highway.
The key to making it work is to take the right tools and parts. You'll need wrenches and sockets, some pliers, a few screwdrivers (I like the 6-in-1 stubby and regular to save space), and what-nots. You don't need to go nuts, but you do need a way to jack the car up (I carry a scissor jack). Zip-ties, good tape (which doubles as a cup-holder), some emory cloth, a length of wire, fuses, and the like are something you should carry. I take a spare distributor, spark-plugs, and a fuel pump because they are small and if something goes on the road, I don't want to be stuck. I always have 2 qts of oil in the car-- you can buy more on the road if needed (it won't be Brad Penn, but VR1 gets me close enough to get me out of a jam). A spare tire is a good idea, but they are huge and eat a LOT of luggage space. At a minimum, I'd carry a can of fix-a-flat and a small 12v compressor. If you have wide-5s, take an adapter plate. You aren't trying to fix things 100% on the road, you're just trying to keep from sitting on the side and waiting for a flat-bed, then spending 3 days in a hotel waiting for parts.
I like to keep rolling when things are going well. Stopping seems to bring out the gremlins. But you need to be ready to stop if "something isn't right". Small stuff will become big stuff unless it's addressed.
My wife has 1 rule when we're in the car together-- "no tinkering". The J-pipe incident occurred because I heard the exhaust leak, and didn't stop (because of the rule). The leak became worse and worse, and eventually the J-pipe actually fell off. I learned that sometimes rules are made to be broken-- knowing when that is is the hard part. If you have no such rules, stop and look around when something doesn't seem right. There's not a lot that you can fix from the top-side, so that's where the scissor-jack comes into play.
Traveling in an air-cooled car is not like a modern road-trip. The car runs on it's own timetable, and you need to listen to it and come to an understanding. I like to target a destination and a time I'd like to be there, and fill in the blanks on the road. This is why I will not caravan with other people-- it just never works. Their car will almost always run on a different clock than mine. "Cruising" is different-- that's fun with other cars, but getting there is a solitary endeavor for me.
That's how I do it. Your mileage may vary, but forewarned is forearmed.
The search tool is useful.
I had a clutch cable bolt get loose and no clutch pedal on I5 at 10pm... pull over check the cable and voila it's loose. County mounty stops and he has pliers I have no tools duh!... He was a great guy to help out... He helps me tighten it and I drop in the next exit and walmart 24hrs was my friend. tools later ... lock nut at the Orange store in the AM and we are off. Stan is right the little things....
This group is amazing. Great advice. Bought a small canvas case for tools and now I now how to fill it. Thanks from a newbie but old VW guy
Tony- All said, it's just like travelling with an old Beetle; if everything is in good shape and it's maintained properly there shouldn't be many issues, as bugs are pretty dependable cars. THAT SAID, since these are custom built cars and parts and the mechanics that know the aircooled platform are no longer on every corner, what Stan said; be prepared for the little things and carry the obvious. Gas and clutch cables, 2 fan belts (the idea of having to use the spare belt on a trip and then travelling on with no spare never felt right), brushes if you've got a generator, regulator if it's a separate piece, spare bulbs (especially a headlight bulb if you're running halogens) and everything that our good buddy mentioned. Ray mentioned keeping your AAA membership current, and that's a good one as well.
For anybody, Stan's "you need to be ready to stop if "something isn't right". Small stuff will become big stuff unless it's addressed." says it all. For those new to the aircooled world, sometimes "I'll take care of it when I/we get to doesn't cut it; recognize that some things have to be dealt with now (that light on the dash that's telling you the car's not charging any more could possibly also be telling you the fan belt's shredded and not spinning the cooling fan, for example).
More for those new to the aircooled world- travelling in your Speedster will be the ultimate motoring experience if the car is properly maintained (yeah, I know I said that at the top of this post, but it's important). That means spending some time checking everything over before the trip. This is technology from another era, and as much as we like to think of this as a "jump in and drive anywhere at a moment's notice" experience... Al
Big and medium screwdrivers, basic socket sizes and ratchet, wrench set, light, high temp silicone, extra belt, electrical tape, extra fuses, extra set of ignition electronics, hustler magazine, torque wrench, needle nose pliers, extra idler jets, a few more things... - I've only needed a few things here on the road.
Best tool that I have that gives me the most peace of mind and that I have used the most... AAA Premium.
Rusty S posted:...extra belt, electrical tape, extra fuses, extra set of ignition electronics, hustler magazine, torque wrench, needle nose pliers...
Lol. I had to stop and reread. Just nonchalantly slipped it in there. 
I find my iPad movies are more enjoyable than a Hustler magazine. 
plus it keeps my hands free.
https://www.speedsterowners.com...-spares-for-the-road
I think Jack Crosby has a modified version of this list for his long-distance VS trips.
Rusty S posted:Big and medium screwdrivers, basic socket sizes and ratchet, wrench set, light, high temp silicone, extra belt, electrical tape, extra fuses, extra set of ignition electronics, hustler magazine, torque wrench, needle nose pliers, extra idler jets, a few more things... - I've only needed a few things here on the road.
Best tool that I have that gives me the most peace of mind and that I have used the most... AAA Premium.
And a small bottle of Jack!
Why small?
IaM-Ray posted:You might go blind from .... the screen
...or grow hair on your fingertips.
Lane Anderson posted:Why small?
Your volume may vary. What's small for some may not be small for all.
Tony - I've logged 100,000 miles on my previous VS (local and interstate), and 20,000 + on my current VS. There were several areas (desert crossing and isolated mountain roads) where AAA (or cell reception) probably would not have been very helpful or timely.
That being said, I found that I needed relatively few tools (small & medium common & phillips screwdriver, needle nose pliers, electrical tape, 4" & 8" crescent wrench, medium vice grip, 13mm & 10mm wrench (combo open & ratchet), scissors jack & 4" blocks of 2x4 (my car is lowered). Extra parts include throttle & clutch cable, coil of 18 gauge wire, wire coat hanger, 1qt oil.
Here is a pic of how I stowed these items (click on pic to enlarge); 
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Thanks. That is helpful. I have plenty of tools just need to get a couple spares to have on hand.
Hey El Guapo, tell the truth now and post the REAL travelling packing Video ...I saw that packing video and you carry much much more. Here have a look here...
So my plan of a hammer and circular saw is not sufficient? OK I'll throw in some duct tape....
Is the hammer to use on you. My last job was I was hitting myself in the head with a hammer. Once I stopped it felt better
Love that trip loading video including the corgi Jim.
True story:
I went to the local 356 meeting several years ago. Nice group of people. One guy showed up with his Carrera coupe. After breakfast the guy with the Carrera fired up the four cam and discovered his exhaust was loose. He had no tools in the boot. I told him I had what he needed. He asked everyone standing around their beautiful 356s in all styles and colors, not one person had a tool roll to share. Reluctantly, Mr. Carrera accepted my offer and unrolled the ample supply of wrenches, sockets, clamps, drivers, etc., and proceeded to repair his exhaust. Several of the guys standing around, mutual friends, spent the time ribbing Mr. Carrera about having to use the "fake" guy's tools. Mr. Carrera was good natured but clearly uncomfortable. He thanked me for my help but never talked to me again.
I realized at that moment that I was of a different cut of cloth, as we replica owners are. We appreciate nice things but are drawn to practicality. We recognize the fact that things break and we prepare for it. We are usually the first to offer help and advice.
Moral of the Story? Replica owners have their schidt together.
Sad story, Terry, that those guys' egos hold them back from humanity that way. Imagine going through life with that mindset. That the tools have some sort of taint. How can one live like that?
edsnova posted:Sad story, Terry, that those guys' egos hold them back from humanity that way. Imagine going through life with that mindset. That the tools have some sort of taint. How can one live like that?
Not sad at all, Ed. Some people have a different mindset. It wasn't about the tools, it was about who owned the tools. They invest their money and selves in a different lifestyle. They would never even think of owning anything but authentic. I'm the complete opposite. I drink fake Dr. Pepper. Mr. Carrera was probably worried my Harbor Freight wrench was going to strip his authentic Porsche nut. I totally get it and I'm not insulted by it.
It does help me realize just how special this group is.
Terry Nuckels posted:True story:
I went to the local 356 meeting several years ago. Nice group of people. One guy showed up with his Carrera coupe. After breakfast the guy with the Carrera fired up the four cam and discovered his exhaust was loose. He had no tools in the boot. I told him I had what he needed. He asked everyone standing around their beautiful 356s in all styles and colors, not one person had a tool roll to share. Reluctantly, Mr. Carrera accepted my offer and unrolled the ample supply of wrenches, sockets, clamps, drivers, etc., and proceeded to repair his exhaust. Several of the guys standing around, mutual friends, spent the time ribbing Mr. Carrera about having to use the "fake" guy's tools. Mr. Carrera was good natured but clearly uncomfortable. He thanked me for my help but never talked to me again.
I realized at that moment that I was of a different cut of cloth, as we replica owners are. We appreciate nice things but are drawn to practicality. We recognize the fact that things break and we prepare for it. We are usually the first to offer help and advice.
Moral of the Story? Replica owners have their schidt together.
For schidts and giggles after you made your offer and he turned you down and then returned to you to ask to borrow your tools you should have said, "No, I changed my mind.".
Terry Nuckels posted:edsnova posted:Sad story, Terry, that those guys' egos hold them back from humanity that way. Imagine going through life with that mindset. That the tools have some sort of taint. How can one live like that?
Not sad at all, Ed. Some people have a different mindset. It wasn't about the tools, it was about who owned the tools. They invest their money and selves in a different lifestyle. They would never even think of owning anything but authentic. I'm the complete opposite. I drink fake Dr. Pepper. Mr. Carrera was probably worried my Harbor Freight wrench was going to strip his authentic Porsche nut. I totally get it and I'm not insulted by it.
It does help me realize just how special this group is.
This reminds me of the time we all helped to fix the clutch cable of the Silver Beck in SLO. We had 3 guys with piles of tools. 2 clutch cables. People taking turns under the car... and me throwing up in the bushes.
Good bunch around here!
"People taking turns under the car... and me throwing up in the bushes."
Overindulged just a little the night before, Ted?
ALB posted:"People taking turns under the car... and me throwing up in the bushes."
Overindulged just a little the night before, Ted?
It's FREE beer Al, what'd you expect. Well a lot of other stuff on top of the free beer but trouble always starts with FREE beer.
Terry Nuckels posted:It does help me realize just how special this group is.
Oh, we're "special" all right.
Something else to consider: Some of those "original" guys probably have official Porsche tool kits in their cars; about $600 for a reproduction kit or well over $2,000 for an original kit in like-new condition. It nestles nicely in the well of the spare tire......Very pretty, but they NEVER use those tools because that might scratch them...."Heaven Forbid!" - they might lose their precious value.
That aside, the number of original 356 owners who actually work on their cars doing maintenance and fixing things is quickly dwindling. Many of them never did work on their cars, preferring to pay others to do the dirty work and just drive, so those guys who were unwilling to help the Carrera driver were probably among those who use the only tool they know how to use - the mighty PEN! To write those checks to their mechanics (at $150 bucks per hour).
I will probably do a lot of the work myself. Repairing old bugs helped me pay for my degree a while ago but I still have several VW tools hanging around
ALB posted:"People taking turns under the car... and me throwing up in the bushes."
Overindulged just a little the night before, Ted?
Someone said "we need to finish this whiskey before we can go to the bar..." I finished it and the night went down hill from there. Sorry SLO'Fuzz,,,
I have a can of Fix-a-flat (no spare tire), a bottle jack (never used), a 12v air pump (never used), spare throttle cable, spare clutch cable, spare fan belt, a 17 mm wrench to turn the engine/fan with, a few special wrenches (12mm 13mm 10 mm 8 mm, open and box end), pliers, channel locks, screw drivers, fuses, snail, special allen key for my idle jet holders, a snail, a compression tester, lug wrench (interestingly, this really is a genuine Porsche tool from my old '61 Coupe), spark plug wrench (also a genuine Porsche tool from my '56 Coupe), spare spark plugs, oil, oil rags, fire extinguisher, a car cover, a few nuts and bolts like the ones that hold the exhaust system together (yes, actually used these once when some loosened and fell out). And a few other things here and there, like detailing wax, polishing rags, a couple of towels, etc. Also the aforementioned weather seal system, aka Blue Tape. Surprisingly, most of the tools etc. fit neatly into a cool little tool bag Cory Drake provided to the Carlisle bunch one year. An exceedingly clever idea he had, visible below at left foreground of the picture. Which picture is of all the stuff I had in the car a little while back after returning from Carlisle, spread on garage floor, as it rained some, and things got a bit damp, so everything got removed that was not bolted in.
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