I will be driving from New Mexico to Pennsylvania in June for the Carlisle car show and was wondering what you guys would bring with you for this trip? Anything specific?
I carry a tool box up front all the time- was on a backroad in the middle of nowhere and the car died- Ignition module...That is why I also carry a spare Ac/Delco Ignition module and spare coil. The tool box has wrenches, 3/8 and 1/4 inch ratchets/sockets/extensions, pliers(Channel-locks, needle-nose and Diagonals), Visegrips, wire cutter/crimper, knife, hemostats, screw drivers, etc.....I also carry a gallon of coolant usually......Socket/wrench sizes are 7/8/10/13/15/17 mm + Torx tips in sizes 15/20/25/40/55........I usually don't carry an ultra-fine adjustment tool (2 lb Sledge hammer)...But my car has a good attitude..........
Definitely and extra set of drive belts. Something to use as wheel chocks in case you have to jack it up and get underneath. A tarp to lay on. basic sockets and wrenches, screwdrivers.
An AAA membership. Tow to a parts store and fix in the lot. Most places loan tools as needed.
I do haul a laptop sized Craftsman kit (something like 125 tool pieces) in my car regularly, but it gets used more for the junkyard trips and tasks I plan for anyway.
Everything else is much less complicated now that cellphones are portable computers these days. Amazing that we still worry like a pay-phone is going to be fun to find.
Well maybe I am the screwball here... YES carry a spare ignition module and the tools to change it. As for the rest.. maybe a leather man type multi tool. Thats it... except for the most important thing.. your cell.
Trouble with having an entire mechanic shop of tools is when it breaks for you to need those tools there is a 99.9% chance you are going to need parts. The parts stores where I shop have loaner tools and if not they sure sell em.
In my years of driving a Fiero, I have been stranded once due to an ignition module, which is why I carry one now. A few years later (and a different car) I had to change said ignition module on the side of a road. The worst issue I have had was a blown upper coolant hose. That one was temp fixed by wrapping a large piece of the paper stickers come on around the pipe then wrapped with a shoe lace and tied. (sticker paper was found in the trash where I was, just needed something water proof ish) Car was limped to the closest parts store and fixed using... you guessed it... loaner tools.
Most importantly something to play your favorite music!! Then if you break down, at least you can have some good tunes.
I used to travel between Nor cal and East Texas (about 2245.8 miles) 2-4 times a year. The issues I encountered: Flat tire Broken belt Ran out of gas Water pump leak Except for the water pump, the rest were easily fixed.
[This message has been edited by liv4God (edited 03-31-2019).]
Along with most of the above mentioned stuff, I'd include a pair of VICE GRIPS. This tool can substitute for a lot of different things. Along with that, the ignition module and belts are a must. Be sure to have the correct tools to replace the module if need be. You may have torx screws in there. You might want to consider a can of fix a flat and an extra quart or two of oil also. If your Fiero is in decent shape, my bet is that you'll have little to no problem on your trip. I drove my Formula from N.J. to Georgia, then Georgia to Florida and back. Purred like a kitten. It was driving around town where my alternator belt broke. Fortunately I had a spare in the trunk and fixed it on the side of the road. I would recommend road side assistance in your auto insurance policy. That can come in real handy with whatever you drive. Good luck on your trip.....see you there !
....................................Bring a trailer.....................................
Seriously, my ignition module went out on backroad in the bay area....yet I was at least 10 miles from any help. And an ignition module doesn't do you much good....if you don't have the tools (And Thermo paste) to change it out.........
I prefer to be self-reliant (as much as possible).........Small tool kit......my tool box is approx' 17 x 6 x 4 inches and weighs around 6-8 lbs......craftsman plastic case.
I go out on trips with a 3/8" socket set, a 1/4" socket set, a set of two side box wrenches for 10, 13, 15, 17 and 18mm, two screwdrivers, pliers, a flat fix set, and a foot air pump. Also take along two belts, two fire extinguishers and a pistol.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 03-31-2019).]
Not going to lie, got some good laughs reading a few of these. Laughing still even knowing what was said is still true. Thank you for the information. I never gave thought to an extra belt.
I use to take a general selection of tools that could be used for basic repairs (belt, ICM replacement) and also carry spare fuses and some wire along with a meter.
I figure if anything breaks that can't be fixed with a simple set of tools - I am not going to be wanting to fix it on the side of a road anyways.
Also pack the thermal paste necessary to install the ignition module. Paperclip to read ECM codes. Thick gloves incase you do need to replace anything on the engine while it's hot. Spare headlight, a few spare tail / brake light bulbs. On a 2.5 I'd pack a spare fuel pump relay and oil pressure sensor and a socket/wrench to change the sensor.