Tools for trip

[WP29P4A]

Hopefully you have someone going with you, consider a plan "B" before hand. I did the adventure you are about to experience, the ad said "Fly in and drive it home" I live in Nevada and the car was in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, we made it to Lincoln Nebraska before the transmission let us know the chances of making it the rest of the way were slim, or worse.

Just so happens that Lincoln Nebraska has an airport and one single auto transportation/shipping business, so I was good to go and extremely fortunate the trans decided to let me know while I was IN a town that had everything I needed to get us home the next day and the car, 5 weeks later. Could have paid the $12,000 to have my car shipped immediately, or wait for him to fill the other spots on the truck and pay $2400.

Hope and pray for the best, but prepare for something less, just in case. I strongly suggest an electrical kit, with a couple tools like someone mentioned above, electrical tape, wire nuts, a length of 16ga wire, test light/meter, fuses, etc.

 

[imjohnny]

Yeah, I talked with the wife. Just gonna head to harbor freight and load up, but keep the receipt. Seems better than trying to fly with everything. Hopefully I will be returning it all a couple days later back in Florida.

 

[Hunter79764]

Second that you can't bring significant tools in carry-on (you might be able to do a pair of pliers or adjustable wrench, but probably not worth it.) Buying a set and returning seems like the most responsible thing.
I would vote bringing a decent electrical meter, fuse tester (maybe, TSA might decide it's too sharp?), some wire and connections, etc (as already mentioned). Buying that at Harbor Freight might not be the best option, and might not be as easily returnable. Also bring some good electrical tape, duct tape, and bailing wire/stainless aircraft wire (that's my new replacement, stronger, lighter, easier to work with on a lot of stuff, and doesn't rust or break). If you have a manual/book for the truck, I'd bring it as well, although with cell phones you can probably find everything you need easy enough if you have service. Also stop at a convenience store and buy a few gallons of drinking water. If your truck needs it, you're covered. If you need it, you're covered. Pouring antifreeze into a leaking radiator costs a lot of money, and you can't drink it.
Since the weather is cool and you have an unknown truck, I'd also consider loosening the radiator cap a notch to keep pressure off the system. Summertime that can get you in a bind, but right now I doubt you would have any issues with overheating, and it makes a burst hose almost impossible.
I'd also think about a new fuel filter and possibly an oil change when you get there, just to rule out unknowns. And the ignition module has already been mentioned, that's definitely worthwhile and can be bought at a parts store there to avoid suspicious looks through security.

Last thing, if you do have some tools you want to bring but don't want to pay for the luggage, consider the USPS Flat-Rate shipping boxes. Anything that fits in a decent sized box you can send ahead of time to the seller's address for $20 or so. Probably no socket sets, but there's a few things you might want that would be more hassle to buy and return.

Good luck, sounds like a fun trip!

 

[DoubleDingo]

I bring basically what everyone said here. I have a tote that has an extra cap, rotor, wires, headlights, module, and then I usually bring an extra water pump. Never thought of fuel pump or alternator, but I will now.

You should be fine, but expect for an adventure along the way.

 

[imjohnny]

I bring basically what everyone said here. I have a tote that has an extra cap, rotor, wires, headlights, module, and then I usually bring an extra water pump. Never thought of fuel pump or alternator, but I will now.

You should be fine, but expect for an adventure along the way.

Haha. Well be on the lookout here starting next Monday night. May be making fun posts about what happens.

 

[SDJunkMan]

Second that you can't bring significant tools in carry-on (you might be able to do a pair of pliers or adjustable wrench, but probably not worth it.)

TSA does not allow any tools in carryon luggage.

 

[Big Ray]

you'll be fine. Bought my 79 just jan. Drove a rental out, drove it back. 2200 miles.
Spent an hour at the first auto zone I saw, checking it over.
Topped off all fluids, replaced all burnt bulbs bought extra fluids (oil, trans, coolant and a can of freon for the defroster to work properly).
As far as tools, took wrenches, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, electrical wire.
Took metric and sae. There was some funky years where it was half and half on the same damn fastener.
Good trip, zero issues. Been driving it every day since.

 

[CalSgt]

Essentials that I would have before driving off would be a good flashlight (with spare batteries) and pocket knife, weather you buy them there or bring them with you these two tools can be lifesavers.

Id say you buy all of that at a parts store there when you get there. When you get back home, return it all, or atleast what you didnt use.
If you go with a chain store like O'Reilly or autozone, you can retrun at any other store around the country. If you dont need any of it after the trip, you can get all your money back.
For a couple hundred bucks, itd better to have it and not need it, then need it an not have it.

And i like the idea or getting an alternator, a fuel pump, and a few belts. Same story with that too, return what you didnt need when done.

That is a great idea.

X2, That is a great idea...

Really if you bought a cheapo set of tools and a canvas bag you could keep them and let them be the kit that just stays in the rig forever.

Second that you can't bring significant tools in carry-on (you might be able to do a pair of pliers or adjustable wrench, but probably not worth it.) Buying a set and returning seems like the most responsible thing.
I would vote bringing a decent electrical meter, fuse tester (maybe, TSA might decide it's too sharp?), some wire and connections, etc (as already mentioned). Buying that at Harbor Freight might not be the best option, and might not be as easily returnable. Also bring some good electrical tape, duct tape, and bailing wire/stainless aircraft wire (that's my new replacement, stronger, lighter, easier to work with on a lot of stuff, and doesn't rust or break). If you have a manual/book for the truck, I'd bring it as well, although with cell phones you can probably find everything you need easy enough if you have service. Also stop at a convenience store and buy a few gallons of drinking water. If your truck needs it, you're covered. If you need it, you're covered. Pouring antifreeze into a leaking radiator costs a lot of money, and you can't drink it.
Since the weather is cool and you have an unknown truck, I'd also consider loosening the radiator cap a notch to keep pressure off the system. Summertime that can get you in a bind, but right now I doubt you would have any issues with overheating, and it makes a burst hose almost impossible.
I'd also think about a new fuel filter and possibly an oil change when you get there, just to rule out unknowns. And the ignition module has already been mentioned, that's definitely worthwhile and can be bought at a parts store there to avoid suspicious looks through security.

Last thing, if you do have some tools you want to bring but don't want to pay for the luggage, consider the USPS Flat-Rate shipping boxes. Anything that fits in a decent sized box you can send ahead of time to the seller's address for $20 or so. Probably no socket sets, but there's a few things you might want that would be more hassle to buy and return.

Good luck, sounds like a fun trip!

Good call on the water,


You could use your AAA or towing service if needed to get you to the nearest parts store if something breaks & buy what you need there. Some of them will even let you rent tools to use in the parking lot for simple repairs.

 

[SirRobyn0]

I bring basically what everyone said here. I have a tote that has an extra cap, rotor, wires, headlights, module, and then I usually bring an extra water pump. Never thought of fuel pump or alternator, but I will now.

You should be fine, but expect for an adventure along the way.

I carry a module but did not put that in my tool list. I do not carry a spare fuel pump for the square as they are still pretty easy to get, but my Cadillac has a hard to find pump so I do carry a spare in it. Also I carry a full set of spare belts, I don't think I'd go out and buy a set just to carry, but instead I carry the ones I replaced, as spares.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I carry a module but did not put that in my tool list. I do not carry a spare fuel pump for the square as they are still pretty easy to get, but my Cadillac has a hard to find pump so I do carry a spare in it. Also I carry a full set of spare belts, I don't think I'd go out and buy a set just to carry, but instead I carry the ones I replaced, as spares.

Basically everything I carry is an operating condition unit I removed during a tune-up or replacement of a part. Old belts go under the seat or behind the seat after getting replaced with new ones. I can see carrying a new fuel pump being a good idea even for a vehicle that they are easy to find. If you break down miles from nowhere, no cell signal, and in need of a fuel pump, if you don't have an electric pump wired in for such an emergency, you'll have to replace the manual one right there or walk to a place to make a call and get a tow.

 

[Grit dog]

I'd also add some hand cleaner and towels for when you're done.

The hoardes of leftover Hand Sanitizer from the scamdemic make great hand cleaner! It's now my go to for anything short of wrestling with something coated in decades old grease and oil!
Actually, I ended up with a case of hand sanitizer in one of my duffels before it was all the rage, after a camp job in the Arctic, where everyone took cleanliness and disease transmission more seriously due to the dorm type accommodations and too cold for "fresh air" because we only worked in the winter. Started using that in the garage, because who the hell used hand sanitizer in 2014?? lol

Bonus if you get the good stuff that smells like whiskey mash or vodka or gin!!

 

[Grit dog]

That is a great idea.

That is a good idea, although you get 50lbs in a checked bag, so depending on airline, you may be able to bring a sizeable tool kit with for free.

Personally, I think I'd bag check a good tool kit and then stop and grab an assortment of automotive fluids and a fuel pump and hit the road. I may even spring for the $99 AAA roadside towing special. At least have them on speed dial and see how comfortable you are with the rig's reliability after a short leg of the jaunt.
Add a 5/8" barb connection and couple hoser clamps to the kit in case the heater core poops out.

 

[Grit dog]

And you better post some daily updates in exchange for all the wisdom here....I'd love to go take a road trip right aboot now!

 

[imjohnny]

And you better post some daily updates in exchange for all the wisdom here....I'd love to go take a road trip right aboot now!

Haha....definitely will. I'll make a thread to document the trip. Post some pics along the way.

 

[SirRobyn0]

Basically everything I carry is an operating condition unit I removed during a tune-up or replacement of a part. Old belts go under the seat or behind the seat after getting replaced with new ones. I can see carrying a new fuel pump being a good idea even for a vehicle that they are easy to find. If you break down miles from nowhere, no cell signal, and in need of a fuel pump, if you don't have an electric pump wired in for such an emergency, you'll have to replace the manual one right there or walk to a place to make a call and get a tow.

And there is lies the key, miles from a town and no cell service. It's kind of funny guys like you and me remember driving around before cell phones. I remember having to hitch a ride into town after blowing out a tire and not having a spare with me when I very much younger. I have posted this somewhere on the form but once I had an old car of mine catch fire, it was summer the car had no A/C and all I was wearing was a thin tee shirt, and jeans, so I whipped my pants off and smothered the fire, but then I had to walk into town in my underwear to use the pay phone. Funny no one would give me a lift that time, but I did save the car.

All that to say that anymore when I'm going to be somewhere I know I won't have cell coverage at I pause and think about the what if's. I guess it's a security device I've just come to appreciate.