“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, venturing out in a classic car brings a unique blend of thrill and a touch of apprehension. Unlike modern vehicles, our beloved vintage machines often require a bit more… attention. Before any significant journey in my classic Porsche, I meticulously consider potential hiccups. This involves not just a well-maintained vehicle, but also a thoughtfully assembled tool kit and a selection of crucial spare parts. Like many classic car enthusiasts, I’m hands-on with maintenance, giving me a solid understanding of what might need addressing on the road.
Sure, that pristine factory tool set, nestled in its reproduction pouch – painstakingly collected from swap meets and eBay – is undeniably cool. It’s perfect for showcasing at concours events or your local cars & coffee. But let’s be honest, the true essence of classic car ownership lies in driving them, in experiencing the open road, not just admiring them while parked.
While your classic beauty might not be your daily commuter or errand runner, its allure extends to weekend club meets hundreds of miles away, spirited drives on winding roads, or even grand tours. For me, a memorable week was spent touring the iconic Highway 1, from Los Angeles to Portland, staying as close to the breathtaking coastline as possible – a roughly 1000-mile (1600km) adventure. There’s an unparalleled joy in these long journeys in a vintage car. The experience is profoundly more engaging than being insulated in a modern family car, windows up, AC blasting, and everyone absorbed in their screens, speeding down the interstate.
So, leave that factory-perfect tool kit for display. For actual journeys, let’s focus on building a practical, travel-ready Classic Car Sae Tool Kit. The goal is functionality and portability, ensuring you’re prepared without overloading your trunk space. Some essentials might seem obvious, others less so. Let’s assemble a toolkit tailored for travel, striking a balance between comprehensive coverage and manageable size.
First, consider the nature of your trip. Is it a short weekend jaunt a couple of hours from home, or a more ambitious multi-day tour covering thousands of miles? The length and remoteness of your journey should influence the comprehensiveness of your classic car SAE tool kit.
Essential Components of Your Classic Car SAE Tool Kit
Screwdrivers: Yes, seemingly obvious, but indispensable. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are perfect for tasks like tightening a loose fuel line hose clamp. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set. These compact sets with interchangeable bits are invaluable for delicate tasks, even fixing your eyeglasses on the go.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While it might seem counterintuitive, a 1/4″ drive socket set is incredibly versatile for many common roadside fixes. They handle tasks like battery terminal adjustments and various smaller fasteners. Their compact size is a bonus, but ensure you include several extension lengths for reaching recessed areas. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle further enhance accessibility, especially for those hard-to-reach hose clamps. Consider adding a selection of 1/4″ drive bits, including Torx, to broaden your toolkit’s capabilities.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Complement your 1/4″ set with a 3/8″ drive ratchet and sockets tailored to your specific classic car. Prioritize essential sizes: always include a spark plug socket and a deep socket matching your lug nut size. A 3/8″ to 1/4″ adapter expands versatility, and extensions are crucial. Before packing, check access to your car’s most challenging spark plug. If a universal joint is needed for removal, include one in your classic car SAE tool kit.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes you’ll encounter on a classic car.
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, ensuring reliable ignition performance.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar paired with a socket for your lug nuts is a game-changer when changing a tire. It provides the leverage needed to loosen stubborn lug nuts tightened to modern torque specs, far exceeding the force achievable with a standard lug wrench. Plus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can serve as a deterrent if needed!
Tire Gauge & Inflation: A tire pressure gauge is a must-have for maintaining optimal tire pressure. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency flat tire repair. For longer trips, a small 12V air compressor can be invaluable for topping off tire pressure as needed.
Water Pump Pliers: I’m a big fan of 10-inch Knipex water pump pliers. Their robust grip is excellent for various tasks, from hose clamp adjustments to even, as a quirky bonus, clearing a clogged hotel shower head!
Needle Nose Pliers: Needle nose pliers are essential for intricate tasks. Consider electrician-style pliers with a crimping feature for added utility. If you carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you might already have this covered.
Pliers and Vice-Grips: Include a standard set of pliers and, ideally, a set of Vice-Grips in your classic car SAE tool kit. Vice-Grips are incredibly versatile for clamping, holding, and even temporary repairs.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your classic car. For German classics, odd sizes and 10mm are common. For Japanese cars, don’t forget a 12mm wrench. Avoid carrying a full, heavy set. Instead, identify the specific wrench sizes needed for common adjustments on your vehicle and pack only those. A neat organization trick: use a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, fender washers, and a wing nut to stack and secure your wrenches.
Wiring Essentials: Always pack diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper tool. Include a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of high-quality 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 handy. From trimming fuel lines to opening packaging, its uses are numerous. In a pinch, you can even fashion a funnel from a plastic bottle for adding oil or water, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper Cables: Even with a relatively new battery, jumper cables are a must. They offer peace of mind and can be used to assist others in need, potentially making a new friend along the way!
Gloves: Pack a pair of mechanic’s gloves and a pair of durable leather work gloves. Adding a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves keeps your hands clean during minor tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to organize your classic car SAE tool kit. Consider military surplus bags for their ruggedness and practicality. Get creative – one friend even repurposed a vintage Louis Vuitton bag until realizing its value! The key is a bag that’s appropriately sized for your curated tool selection, keeping everything organized and accessible.
While it’s impossible to anticipate every roadside scenario, this list provides a solid foundation for your travel tool kit. Remember to personalize your classic car SAE tool kit based on your specific vehicle’s needs and your mechanical expertise. In a future article, we’ll delve into essential spare parts to further enhance your roadside preparedness.
