Author Topic: Tools to carry in the trunk? "Just in case" items in your car? (Read 1535 times)

67resto-coupe · « **on:** August, 16, 2010, 11:56:55 PM »

As I'm driving my ' 67 a little more every week, I'm still working thru some tuning gremlins and have stalled a few times. To the point to where I picked up a nice tow strap so my wife could tow my home.
I'm wondering what else if anything do you carry in your trunk to be ready for the dreaded time when the car dies or won't run properly. I'm considering a battery jumper box for the occasional dead battery and a 100+ piece tool kit from Harbor Freight (~$40bucks). What should one keep in a Vintage Mustang to be "ready"?

abrahamfh · « **Reply #1 on:** August, 17, 2010, 12:05:37 AM »

I'll tell you what I have, a Premium AAA RoadSide service membership with up to 100 mile towing and no limit on how many times I can use it. LoL. Seriously though.

daveSanborn · « **Reply #2 on:** August, 17, 2010, 04:02:43 AM »

Quote from: abrahamfh on August, 17, 2010, 12:05:37 AM

I'll tell you what I have, a Premium AAA RoadSide service membership with up to 100 mile towing and no limit on how many times I can use it. LoL. Seriously though.

+1

Ditch the tow strap and get towing coverage added to your policy.

A good flashlight
Roll of duct tape
Jumper cables (the jumper pack is big and heavy)
Zip ties
Test light
Fix a Flat

blue65coupe · « **Reply #3 on:** August, 17, 2010, 04:33:04 AM »

Quote from: abrahamfh on August, 17, 2010, 12:05:37 AM

I'll tell you what I have, a Premium AAA RoadSide service membership with up to 100 mile towing and no limit on how many times I can use it. LoL. Seriously though.

+2. Premium coverage costs nothing compared to the benefits.

A pretty basic tool set with some jumper cables and tape will fix a lot of issues on these cars.

sigtauenus · « **Reply #4 on:** August, 17, 2010, 05:25:11 AM »

I had one of those jumper boxes in the trunk. Think I used it 3-4 times because my 93 doesn't have a headlight buzzer so I occassionally leave them on and drain the battery and it was very handy having the jumper box. However, the last time I used it it was dead and wouldn't take a charge. So I'm back to regular jumper cables in the trunk.

For my 78 F-150, I keep a Craftsman 100 some odd piece tool case behind the seat, but it rattles even though they have slots for every tool in it, but I carry that because I end up using it more for other people's cars than my own (there is always somebody at church who needs help with something or whatever).

Something like this would be nicer for the Mustang, but 90% of the contents would likely never be used.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00987631000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

For the Mustang, I always kept a small took kit with basics like a flathead screwdriver, phillips screwdriver, a 1/2" wrench and socket, and a 9/16" wrench and socket (actually was 1 wrench with 1/2" on one side, 9/16" on the other), a crescent wrench, vice grips, can of fix a flat, and a flashlight. One thing I need to get still for my 68 that I always wanted was a hydraulic bottle jack instead of the scissors jack. The scissors jack is just plain a pain in the ass to use.

I've also been thinking about getting some stuff like this:

mini compressor
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Masterflow-12v-Basic-Air-Compressor-Inflator/12321238

Perhaps extreme, but with the Pertronix I always carried a spare breaker plate with a fresh set of points and condenser on it. It saved me one time having that in the middle of no-where SC. I also used to carry a spare alternator belt. I can get buy with no PS or AC, but with the alternator belt running the WP, its handy to have. Keep in mind my fastback was my daily driver for about 10 years or so, and was driven all over the Eastern US on various military PCS's (towed it to CA).

RustyRed · « **Reply #5 on:** August, 17, 2010, 05:51:41 AM »

Quote from: abrahamfh on August, 17, 2010, 12:05:37 AM

I'll tell you what I have, a Premium AAA RoadSide service membership with up to 100 mile towing and no limit on how many times I can use it. LoL. Seriously though.

+3

Nothing more important in my tool box then my AAA card.

However, I also keep in my trunk some basic tools like set of screw drivers, socket set that goes up to about 1/2 inch, pliers, etc, etc. Also have jumper cables. Obviously a spare, jack and tire wrench. I've been considering buying an extra set of belts and hoses but then said screw it...it would clutter up my trunk and that's why I have a AAA card and would rather let the car cool down then repair those type of items in the garage at home.

There have been times though that having some very basic tools has come in handy. Not for things that would leave me stranded but minor things.

Moostang · « **Reply #6 on:** August, 17, 2010, 06:14:26 AM »

One of those craftsman 3-drawer tool sets with various pliers, screwdrivers and sometimes a DMM added all depends on the work that was done recently. Plus hubby just upgraded AAA to the 100 mile. Also had a breaker bar when I had my foxbody

daveSanborn · « **Reply #7 on:** August, 17, 2010, 06:26:29 AM »

Quote

Also had a breaker bar when I had my foxbody

For safety reasons? Or for actual prying?

This is a neccessity for anyones trunk...

RustyRed · « **Reply #8 on:** August, 17, 2010, 06:28:08 AM »

Also sometimes nice to have a .357 under the seat for road side emergencies on a dark / deserted road but not suggested if you are going to a cruise in and leaving the car unlocked.

Moostang · « **Reply #9 on:** August, 17, 2010, 06:32:25 AM »

Had it for changing belts, always kept a short belt in the car just in case something happened to the stocker after seeing it happen to someone also kept it there for race day :D

KBMWRS · « **Reply #10 on:** August, 17, 2010, 07:26:01 AM »

I'd suggest making sure your spare is inflated to correct pressure and also make sure you have the corret tools to change the wheels. Meaning that the jack actually works and the lug wrench you have fits the lug nuts (custom wheels often have a different size than the wrench you're carrying) and the key lug for that locking nut.

cmayna · « **Reply #11 on:** August, 17, 2010, 05:42:42 PM »

Inflatable doll in case you get tired waiting for AAA road service.

sigtauenus · « **Reply #12 on:** August, 17, 2010, 06:00:18 PM »

Quote from: cmayna on August, 17, 2010, 05:42:42 PM

Inflatable doll in case you get tired waiting for AAA road service.

Never thought of that one before.

ko67 · « **Reply #13 on:** August, 17, 2010, 06:08:22 PM »

Quote from: cmayna on August, 17, 2010, 05:42:42 PM

Inflatable doll in case you get tired waiting for AAA road service.

Mark :sbbp says that these inflatable dolls are more realistic feeling if you inflate them with fix a flat or :nick

jims6t6 · « **Reply #14 on:** August, 17, 2010, 07:21:09 PM »

Quote from: RustyRed on August, 17, 2010, 05:51:41 AM

+3

Nothing more important in my tool box then my AAA card.

+ 4

blue65coupe · « **Reply #15 on:** August, 18, 2010, 08:44:35 AM »

Trash bags, duct tape, cinder blocks.

Moostang · « **Reply #16 on:** August, 18, 2010, 08:51:52 AM »

Quote from: blue65coupe on August, 18, 2010, 08:44:35 AM

Trash bags, duct tape, cinder blocks.

But is your trunk really big enough for a body, you may want to add a sawzall to your list.

Fast68back · « **Reply #17 on:** August, 18, 2010, 09:49:26 AM »

You'd be surprised what you can fit in a trunk. I was shocked I could get my fat @$$ in the trunk of my FB when I was fishing speaker and amp wires into the trunk.

janschutz · « **Reply #18 on:** August, 18, 2010, 11:28:59 AM »

Quote from: Fast68back on August, 18, 2010, 09:49:26 AM

You'd be surprised what you can fit in a trunk. I was shocked I could get my fat @$$ in the trunk of my FB when I was fishing speaker and amp wires into the trunk.

Rick, I am surprised you got your fat @$$ in the trunk of your FB also. :scar