“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant inquired as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, where full-service stations still exist, meant I’d need to point out the fuel filler location. “LA,” I responded. “That’s a long drive in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I replied, hoping karma wouldn’t punish my slight overconfidence as I restarted the engine.
The truth is, I had given considerable thought to potential mechanical issues on this journey. I had meticulously assembled a comprehensive tool kit, packed a selection of spare parts, and, importantly, I had a deep understanding of this particular car. Like many classic car enthusiasts, I often undertake maintenance and repairs myself, giving me a solid grasp of what might cause trouble.
Of course, owning a pristine set of factory tools, perhaps housed in a meticulously reproduced pouch, acquired from swap meets and online auctions, is a point of pride. They serve as excellent “trunk candy” at concours events and car meets. However, the true essence of owning a classic car lies in driving it, not just showcasing it statically.
While your classic beauty might not be your daily commuter or errand runner, it’s likely you enjoy taking it to club gatherings a few hours away, exploring winding roads, or embarking on more ambitious tours. For me, a week-long trip up California’s Highway 1 to Portland, Oregon – nearly 1000 miles hugging the Pacific coast – seemed like the perfect adventure. Long journeys in a vintage car offer a uniquely visceral experience. It’s a far cry from the modern, climate-controlled, media-saturated family car experience on the interstate.
So, leave that factory-original tool kit for display in your garage. Instead, let’s focus on assembling a practical and effective travel tool kit. The goal is to be prepared for roadside situations without adding excessive weight or sacrificing precious trunk space. Consider the nature of your journey: a short weekend trip within a few hours of home, or a more extensive multi-day tour covering thousands of miles? This will influence the scope of your Classic Car World Tools.
Screwdrivers: The Foundation of Any Toolkit
“Screwdrivers, yeah I know, ‘Duh!’” you might think. But a couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers of various sizes are indispensable. They are perfect for tightening a loose fuel line hose clamp or adjusting minor fittings. Beyond the standard sizes, a small precision screwdriver set is incredibly useful for intricate tasks, even something as simple as tightening screws on your eyeglasses while on the road.
Socket Sets: Versatility in Compact Form
A ¼-inch drive socket set might seem unconventional at first, but it’s remarkably practical for many common roadside fixes. These smaller sockets are ideal for tasks like tightening battery terminals and other smaller fasteners you might encounter. The compact size is a bonus for a travel kit. Crucially, include several extension bars of varying lengths to reach recessed nuts and bolts. A flexible extension is particularly helpful for accessing those awkwardly positioned hose clamps. Consider adding a screwdriver-style handle for enhanced leverage and control. Expanding the set with ¼-inch drive bits, including Torx, Allen, and other specialized drives, further increases its versatility within your classic car world tools.
For more substantial tasks, a 3/8-inch drive socket set is essential. Prioritize sockets that directly address your car’s specific needs. Always include a spark plug socket of the correct size for your engine, and a deep socket matching your lug nut size. A 3/8-inch to ¼-inch adapter expands compatibility, and additional extensions are always beneficial. Before finalizing your kit, check accessibility to the most challenging spark plug on your engine. If a universal joint is needed for removal, make sure to pack one – better to discover this in your garage than on the roadside.
Wrenching Wonders: Open-End and Box-End Essentials
A selection of combination open-end and box-end wrenches is vital. Focus on specific sizes relevant to your classic car. For instance, if you own a German classic, you’ll likely need metric sizes, including those sometimes less common odd sizes, and definitely a 10mm wrench. For Japanese classics, don’t forget a 12mm. Instead of carrying a full, heavy wrench set, curate a selection based on your car’s specific fasteners. A practical organization tip is to use a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, a couple of fender washers, and a wing nut to create a compact wrench holder. Stack your box-end wrenches onto the bolt, secure with washers at each end, and tighten the wing nut. This keeps them neatly organized and prevents rattling within your classic car world tools.
Allen Wrenches: For Those Hard-to-Reach Spots
A folding set of Allen wrenches is a space-saving and comprehensive solution for accessing Allen head bolts and set screws commonly found in various classic car components.
Pliers Power: Gripping and More
Ignition wire pliers are specifically 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 conductor. Water pump pliers, like the 10-inch Knipex brand, are exceptionally versatile. Beyond automotive uses, they are even handy for unexpected situations like clearing a blocked shower head in a hotel. Needle-nose pliers, especially electrician-style pliers with a built-in crimping function, are invaluable for wiring tasks. If you regularly carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you might already have these pliers covered within your essential classic car world tools.
Vice Grips: The Universal Clamping Solution
Pliers or Vice Grips, or even both, are essential. A set of Vice-Grip locking pliers provides a powerful clamping force, useful for temporarily securing hoses, acting as a makeshift wrench, or gripping damaged fasteners.
Cutting and Connecting: Wiring Essentials
Always include wiring tools in your kit. A sharp set of diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper are crucial for electrical repairs. Carry a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of high-quality electrical tape. An inexpensive test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues, tracing circuits, and identifying power problems – a must-have in your classic car world tools for troubleshooting on the go.
Tire Tools and Inflation
A 24-inch breaker bar paired with a socket that fits your lug nuts significantly eases tire changes. The added leverage of the breaker bar can be the difference between a successful roadside repair and a frustrating struggle. As a bonus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can serve as a deterrent in unexpected situations. A tire pressure gauge is another essential – “another no-brainer,” as the original article mentions. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for temporary puncture repairs. A small 12V air compressor is a worthwhile addition, allowing you to reinflate a tire after using sealant or to top off tires as needed.
Miscellaneous Must-Haves
A utility knife, especially a folding type, is incredibly versatile. From trimming fuel lines to opening packaging, its uses are numerous. In a pinch, you can even fashion a funnel from a plastic bottle using the utility knife to add oil or water without spills, eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper cables are a must, even if your battery is relatively new. Unexpected electrical drains can happen, and having your own cables ensures you can get a jump start. Plus, you might be able to assist another motorist in need, potentially making a new friend.
Gloves are essential for keeping your hands clean and protected. Include a pair of mechanic’s gloves for general tasks and a pair of sturdy leather work gloves for tougher jobs. Throw in a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves for messier tasks like fluid leaks within your classic car world tools.
Tool Bag: Contain and Organize
Finally, choose a suitable tool bag. The goal is a compact and organized kit tailored to your car. Be creative – an army-navy surplus bag works well, or perhaps you’ll find a unique vintage bag at a flea market, like the repurposed Louis Vuitton bag mentioned in the original article (before its true value was discovered!).
While it’s virtually impossible to anticipate every potential roadside scenario, this guide provides a solid foundation for assembling your travel tool kit. Always consider any specialized tools specific to your classic car and customize your kit accordingly. Spare parts are another crucial aspect of roadside readiness, a topic we will explore in a future discussion.
