What tools do you keep in the car?

[Hacksaw84]

I have been putting together a pile of tools to keep in the trunk of my roadster. Trying not to take up a ton of space but still have essentials just in case. Here is what I have so far:

Voltmeter, fuses, and alligator clip test leads.
Small socket set, screwdriver and bits, alan key set, breaker bar and lug nut socket.
Channellock pliers, needle nose pliers, diagonal pliers, scissors, and a crescent wrench.
Duct tape, electrical tape, zipties, WD40, paracord, rags, and gloves (Latex and rubberized).
Tire pressure gauge, micro screwdriver (Phillips and flat), flashlight, and a razor knife.

I want to add a lithium jumper pack too. I also already have a fire extinguisher in there as well.

What are your thoughts? Anything you have come to realize you need in there?

[toadster]

don't forget your AAA card and wallet :)

[WBILB]

I carry A tire plugging "kit" and small 12v compressor. If you destroy a tire you're stranded but for a nail or screw type puncture, if you catch it early enough, you can be on your way in 15 or 20 minutes.

[GTBradley]

In addition to the plugging kit and 12v compressor I carry a big bottle of fix-a-flat. I assume you have a jack in there, but I thought I’d mention that I found a very light-weight, aluminum, scissor jack at the junkyard. I think it was for a Toyota Carolla.

[Hacksaw84]

don't forget your AAA card and wallet :)

I don't have AAA but my insurance does have towing...

[Hacksaw84]

I carry A tire plugging "kit" and small 12v compressor. If you destroy a tire you're stranded but for a nail or screw type puncture, if you catch it early enough, you can be on your way in 15 or 20 minutes.

Yeah I thought about a patch kit. The compressor is a good idea too but they start to take up some space. Not that I am really out of room. Is there one that you are happy with? I know a lot of the 12v units are junk.

[Hacksaw84]

In addition to the plugging kit and 12v compressor I carry a big bottle of fix-a-flat. I assume you have a jack in there, but I thought I’d mention that I found a very light-weight, aluminum, scissor jack at the junkyard. I think it was for a Toyota Carolla.

I once had a wheel and tire guy (friend of a friend) scold me for using fix a flat. He said it messes up the inside of the wheel pretty good.
I don't have a jack but have considered getting one. I also thought about getting a spare, not to keep in the car but just to have at the house or if I was on a trip.

[narly1]

For down on the ground repairs Tyvek coveralls or a roll-up picnic blanket to keep yourself looking respectable and not track any dirt into the interior might be useful. The latter having some additional utility...

And some wet wipes to clean up afterwards.

[narly1]

Mating keys, sockets, drivers for any specialty fasteners present on the car.

[GTBradley]

I once had a wheel and tire guy (friend of a friend) scold me for using fix a flat. He said it messes up the inside of the wheel pretty good.
I don't have a jack but have considered getting one. I also thought about getting a spare, not to keep in the car but just to have at the house or if I was on a trip.
It very definitely does a number on the inside of a tire, but I’d only use it in a last-ditch effort to get going again and only if the tire plug didn’t work. I found a vey small compressor on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/EPAuto-Portable-Compressor-Inflator-Compact/dp/B073DMVC9B) that had good ratings and was only $17.

[toadster]

here's one that's a little bigger, but it's a jumpstart kit, air-compressor and has a tire-patch kit as well! Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor, 2000 AMP 100 PSI, 20000 mAh Li-on Battery Jump Pack with Air Pump, Built-in 2 USB Charging Ports and 2 LED Light (https://amzn.to/2VyZnUK)

[GTBradley]

This is what I’m currently carrying in my tool bag. Thanks for some of your suggestions, as I added a couple of items.

151742The long galvanized pipe is for extendeing the lug wrench. The black rectangular screen is a Garmin GPS.
The only items I’ve used so far are: 1 fuse, 1 Allen wrench for loose visor, socket to tighten a hose clamp and the GPS, but that’s not just for emergencies, it’s just better that a phone for navigation and I like that it works in the mountains where cell phones don’t.

I also carry a white bath towel (keeps my seat cool on sunny days when parked without the tonneau), water, plastic windshield cleaner and tonneau.

[NAZ]

These threads are always entertaining as it reminds me of me as a young lad.

OK, in my off-road vehicles I carry lots of tools, recovery equipment, and spare parts along with survival supplies but I often travel alone (as in single vehicle) in very remote areas with no cell service. And with a half-century of cross-country in remote areas I likely have more experience than most in trail-side repairs. But in a street car? All I need is my credit card and my AAA membership card. What do you guys think you're going to have to fix on the side of an interstate? Even at the track I don't make major repairs on my race car even though I have a fully equipped race trailer. Y'all are over thinking this. What do you carry in your everyday driver?

[tonywy]

My cell phone and Hagertys 800 towing number.

[Hacksaw84]

These threads are always entertaining as it reminds me of me as a young lad.

OK, in my off-road vehicles I carry lots of tools, recovery equipment, and spare parts along with survival supplies but I often travel alone (as in single vehicle) in very remote areas with no cell service. And with a half-century of cross-country in remote areas I likely have more experience than most in trail-side repairs. But in a street car? All I need is my credit card and my AAA membership card. What do you guys think you're going to have to fix on the side of an interstate? Even at the track I don't make major repairs on my race car even though I have a fully equipped race trailer. Y'all are over thinking this. What do you carry in your everyday driver?

Anything I can. I guess I really don't understand your perspective.

Let me provide a real scenario. On my way to the gas station my car died, then was having intermittent fuel pressure and eventually none at all. I used an alan key set to remove the access cover for my fuel pump. Then with a voltmeter we could determine that 12v was getting to the pump properly. After more troubleshooting we "jumped" the plug to the top of the hanger and wouldn't you know it the little clips on the plug decided to not fully touch the hanger prongs (apparently not an uncommon issue). Used a small flat head and bend the tabs a little and she was good to go. In your suggestion I just call AAA and wait for a tow when its something that could have been solved in less time than it took for a tow truck to get there? I get that there are limits to what you can do but having a tool kit of some sort does not seem to be "overthinking it". And yes getting towed home is another "tool" to have.

To answer your other question I keep at least all the items listed here and more in my daily driver truck. In my previous F250 I had the harness in the valve cover come unplugged about 3 hours from home on a Sunday making the truck undriveable. I used a complete toolkit that I kept in the truck to pull everything off to get to the plug and ziptided it to keep it from coming undone. In about an hour I was back on the road. That would have been an expensive tow!

I am sure there are pleanty of other stories from guys on this forum who have solved issues out and about. Or heck even helped someone else. In fact all the tools in my fuel pump situation were borrowed from other cobra owners right out of their car. I had just finished my car and didn't have much in it as far as tools go.

[nuhale]

My suggestion is to keep Henry in your trunk Michael! :cool:

[65 Cobra Dude]

Now that’s funny!!!

Henry

[Joel Hauser]

Last week I didn't have a tool kit, and really regret it. I was meeting a friend at a car cruise in. I invited him and his girlfriend to take the car for a drive, and wouldn't you know it, the car broke down after he drove about a quarter mile. It was definitely not his fault, but he felt awful. I jogged over, lifted off the hood, and immediately saw that the screw on barrel end of the throttle cable came off, and (fortunately) was sitting on the intake manifold. my friend drove to the auto parts store, bought a couple tools, I repaired it, and drove home. the next morning I put together a small kit with a couple screw drivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, sockets, tape, and wire. tomorrow I'm going to add a an extra cable barrel end. I put the tools in a plastic pencil box which fits comfortably behind the passenger seat, along with the shopping bags.

[Hacksaw84]

My suggestion is to keep Henry in your trunk Michael! :cool:

Great idea but I don't think I can afford that.

[Hacksaw84]

here's one that's a little bigger, but it's a jumpstart kit, air-compressor and has a tire-patch kit as well! Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor, 2000 AMP 100 PSI, 20000 mAh Li-on Battery Jump Pack with Air Pump, Built-in 2 USB Charging Ports and 2 LED Light (https://amzn.to/2VyZnUK)

I get a little leery of all in one things like that. It might be a good unit though.

[Hacksaw84]

This is what I’m currently carrying in my tool bag. Thanks for some of your suggestions, as I added a couple of items.

151742The long galvanized pipe is for extendeing the lug wrench. The black rectangular screen is a Garmin GPS.
The only items I’ve used so far are: 1 fuse, 1 Allen wrench for loose visor, socket to tighten a hose clamp and the GPS, but that’s not just for emergencies, it’s just better that a phone for navigation and I like that it works in the mountains where cell phones don’t.

I also carry a white bath towel (keeps my seat cool on sunny days when parked without the tonneau), water, plastic windshield cleaner and tonneau.

Appreciate you sharing your setup. I do keep an extra large towel behind the seat for that reason.

[GTBradley]

Respectfully, I think you’re under thinking it:
I frequently travel in areas where there is no cell service at all. I don’t like to give up and just let someone else fix my problem, after all, I did build the car myself. I’m tight as hell and don’t like the idea of having a tow truck take me from nowheresville to a bigger nowheresville just to have a minor issue corrected by an overpriced shop that doesn’t care about me or my Cobra…unless I have to. I was a Boy-Scout. I have kits in all my cars and tailor them for the season when driving through spotty cell service in the mountains and even when driving across Kansas on I-70 because I grew up that way. If that sounds unreasonable or silly to anyone so be it. :)
Oh, forgot one, I like tools.

P.S. With my tool kit I have reattached my intake, which made the engine run again. Reattached a sun visor that came loose on one side only and was threatening to damage the other side. Fixed a power port that quit because of shorted wire and blown fuse. Shall I continue? Actually, I can’t because that’s everything. The point is, these cars are always in need of minor repairs and fine tuning after the build completion. By their very nature they will never be as dependable as a daily driver. And if I’m like anyone else here, we like to be handy and self sufficient where possible.

[SSNK4US]

I always keep one of those in my trunk…. You just never know.

https://youtu.be/59Z0iQKiSno

[Hacksaw84]

I always keep one of those in my trunk…. You just never know.

https://youtu.be/59Z0iQKiSno

Haha, I almost posted the Theft Retrieval one!

https://youtu.be/hq0mUxRKHQY

[Hacksaw84]

Oh, forgot one, I like tools.

Haha, so true!

[TriPower]

Ratchet strap, spare fan belt.

Lee

[Jim1855]

I think having tools is a good idea for those simple repairs that you'd otherwise need to call for assistance.

Then there're those trips where you are alone and help, providing you have cell service, is hours away. Having driven cross country on multiple occasions I've been on roads where I passed more roadkill than cars and had to slow down to conserve fuel to make it to the next gas station. Even put Indian Reservation gas in one time due to poor planning. You can pee higher octane after a night at the bar than that fuel.

On various cruises with friends we've changed/fixed/replaced distributor gear pins, CV boots, valve spring locks, ignition switches, sidepipes and more. Don't remember fixing tires. Often swapped carb jets due to elevation changes and performed other tune-up tasks.

I used to carry full sets of inch & metric socket and wrenches, screwdrivers and most other build tools. Then there were spare parts & fluids. The good thing is other people used them more than I did. RainX and octane booster are way more important than detailer spray.

But everyone uses their cars differently and adjustment according to the trip is wise planning.

Jim

[jts359]

A friend of mine called Hagerty's for a tow last Friday night , He was told it was going to take over 2 hours to get a tow , He made other arrangements , Tools weren't going to help him as he had a serious engine issue , But I carry a small tool box and fix a flat , Ed

[jts359]

One other item Crazy Glue ! A friend had a TVR years ago and the rotor cracked , He was lucky as the car stopped in front of a store that had crazy glue , He glued it back together and off he went , Ed

[J R Jones]

These threads are always entertaining as it reminds me of me as a young lad.

OK, in my off-road vehicles I carry lots of tools, recovery equipment, and spare parts along with survival supplies but I often travel alone (as in single vehicle) in very remote areas with no cell service. And with a half-century of cross-country in remote areas I likely have more experience than most in trail-side repairs. But in a street car? All I need is my credit card and my AAA membership card. What do you guys think you're going to have to fix on the side of an interstate? Even at the track I don't make major repairs on my race car even though I have a fully equipped race trailer. Y'all are over thinking this. What do you carry in your everyday driver?

NAZ, As usual......insight.

You suggest chronological issues here:
Young lad,
19YO, USAF, tech school in Denver working part time at a Texaco station. Sunday AM open, and no back-up from my buddy, also USAF. He arrives 20 minutes late in his Orange 55 Chevy V8 post sedan with jacked rear springs. Excuse? His distributor rotor broke, he taped the distributor shaft and bent a paper clip to distribute the spark!
Older lad,
Friday night road trip to WI north woods for deer hunting with Dad. 64 Pontiac 421 stops running, I am thinking about that paper clip, but no, the points shucked a contact. Readjust the gap to the thickness of a matchbook cover and drive on.
Old lad,
In addition to performance and aesthetics, I design serviceability and durability into my projects. Failure is an embarassing option.
jim

[NAZ]

OK, some of you have convinced me that you need to be packing some serious tools and spare parts for your street only cars.

I do understand the need for tools (and spare parts) when operating equipment with reliability issues. As a young lad I couldn't afford a newer low mileage car but as a professional mechanic, I had the skills to pick up cars on the cheap and fix the mechanical issues as I drove them. Always selling them for a profit and purchasing another fixer but newer or better in some way until finally I had traded up to a point I could purchase my first new car, a Chevy van. It had a warranty and I had Auto Club towing -- I was stylin'.

But some here speak of reliability issues as if it's not only expected but acceptable. Man, I'm so glad I've progressed past that point. Yes, I've still experienced break downs even with newer cars and trucks but generally I don't worry about reliability issues with my street cars and certainly not to the point of planning for a variety of scenarios that require amassing a large number of tools and spares "just in case". If I had to think about all the various ways a machine could break down I'd never been able to fly aircraft. You can't just pull over to the nearest cloud and open the cowl and replace a failed part.

I've worked on a wide array of machinery and reliability should be demanded and is not that difficult to obtain. It starts with the design and quality control of the manufacturing process. I used to teach RCM (Reliability Centered Maintenance) and helped roll out this concept to large organizations so they could improve their equipment reliability and, therefore, profitability. Like Jim, I place an emphasis on reliability and serviceability in the equipment I design. Mechanical failures should be few and far between. But I suppose, your mileage may vary.

[Hacksaw84]

"design and quality control of the manufacturing process" & "the equipment I design"... These are literally cars built from parts made by other companies. Many of those parts I have upgraded but those statements are unobtainable. In the example on my car I had no control over the plug at the fuel pump hanger, should I have designed and manufactured my own so I didn't have to have a handful of tools in my trunk? Several examples from others are to the effect of getting a nail in your tire. Cant really design around road hazards. Patch kit and an inflator puts you back on the road. You know, just in case.

Again I don't understand your point of even commenting. Is your goal is to just talk people out of putting tools in the trunk of their own "street cars"? The question wasn't about tools for my 2021 Toyota and no one asked about the importance of reliability in airplanes (which obviously is held to a higher standard).

The question was about what tools people keep in their cars (I suppose, assuming they do at all). Now its partly a conversation about IF you should, which I'm not really interested in. I get it, you think its unnecessary. Noted.

[JohnK]

Again I don't understand your point of even commenting.

I don't understand your objection to someone posting a differing opinion. You don't agree - that's cool. Carry all the tools you want. Others have a different outlook. That's OK too.

[Hacksaw84]

I don't understand your objection to someone posting a differing opinion. You don't agree - that's cool. Carry all the tools you want. Others have a different outlook. That's OK too.

I have no real objection to his opinion even though the question wasn't really about should someone have tools or not. I think that's all fine and good. There are literally two other posts where their answer is a towing service of some kind. Having a different opinion is similar to the whole concept of its your car you build it how you want, which I think is the right perspective to have. I am not trying to talk him into tools in his car.

I don't understand continuing on with trying to convince someone otherwise while rising questions about the reliability of their car. Not a keyboard warrior over here, just asking for suggestions on tools... :D

[Al_C]

This thread has certainly been interesting. Many great viewpoints. Hopefully it will continue! As for me, when I traveled to OH, I carried some spare parts that would be difficult to find in a hurry and the tools to deal with them. That was mainly because I was going a longer distance than I had previously taken the car. Since the bugs are pretty much worked out, it's quite reliable. I think that's a testament to FFR and a new crate motor. So I see the points made by pretty much everybody here. For some, you don't worry. Others insist on being prepared. I like to find the middle ground, so I'm prepared on long journeys but don't worry on short ones. Nevertheless, I still think Henry and the monkey are the best ideas :D

[mburger]

I like to find the middle ground, so I'm prepared on long journeys but don't worry on short ones. Nevertheless, I still think Henry and the monkey are the best ideas :D

Hahaha
Very true!
My first drive beyond a two hour drive, was to Ohio. That was approximately 1,100 miles one way. You should have seen all the stuff I loaded into my trunk, "Just in case". lol
My next trip I'll scale down what I bring. It's learning from experience. Perhaps the trip after that, even less.
Yesterday, while driving home from a friends house, I noticed I had no charging. I was running on battery. The alternator was a new CVF 140 amp 1 wire piece.
I was able to get it home, only to find a sub-standard crimp job (by me) of the eye connector on the charge wire to the alternator - "design and quality control of the manufacturing process".
I guess a pair of wire cutters and a wrench to temporarily fix it to get somewhere to get the correct needed parts would do it. Bottom line is, I can't or won't carry every tool to fix every possible issue.

To the OP's question, I bought a tool kit for the trunk. It's very compact, but contains quite a lot of tools. Aside from that, maybe a couple of other items, like jumper cables.
What I carry will change the more I venture out.

[RoadRacer]

Here's what I have; it fills up the lower trunk section of my 33 perfectly. TBH, a lot of this is habit because I have done multi-thousand mile trips in previous cars, and this is my daily driver so odds increase of "something" happening.

- tie wraps, jubilee clips, and duct tape because anything can be fixed with one of those :D
- some few generic tools, i.e. monkey wrench, adjustable wrench, screwdriver with various heads, pliers, knife, etc
- spare electric fuel pump and fan belt. fuses. rechargeable led light
- plug kit and compressor - I've been at the track, in line for my next run, and had someone point out I have a 4" nail in my tire.
- overalls
- a squirty bottle of water and soap, a squeegy and a rough hand mitt, so I can wash bugs off mirrors and windshield while getting gas. (I have no wipers)
- paper towels, wet wipes, and proper towels to wrap everything in to keep it all snug and not rattly, and let me wash my hands

[johnnybgoode]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this or not but a tow strap has saved my bacon a couple of times. I keep a 2" by 10' one in the trunk at all times. If you need a flatbed, loop the strap around the 4" front cross tube and have the driver hook to the strap vs the car. Saves your frame, paint, and body. I keep my foot on the strap while the driver winches the car up until the strap stays off the oil cooler shroud. Scott

[Hacksaw84]

Here's what I have; it fills up the lower trunk section of my 33 perfectly. TBH, a lot of this is habit because I have done multi-thousand mile trips in previous cars, and this is my daily driver so odds increase of "something" happening.

- tie wraps, jubilee clips, and duct tape because anything can be fixed with one of those :D
- some few generic tools, i.e. monkey wrench, adjustable wrench, screwdriver with various heads, pliers, knife, etc
- spare electric fuel pump and fan belt. fuses. rechargeable led light
- plug kit and compressor - I've been at the track, in line for my next run, and had someone point out I have a 4" nail in my tire.
- overalls
- a squirty bottle of water and soap, a squeegy and a rough hand mitt, so I can wash bugs off mirrors and windshield while getting gas. (I have no wipers)
- paper towels, wet wipes, and proper towels to wrap everything in to keep it all snug and not rattly, and let me wash my hands

That's a good spread, I appreciate it. I added a couple items that were not on my list. I am most impressed that your 33 is your daily!

[Hacksaw84]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this or not but a tow strap has saved my bacon a couple of times. I keep a 2" by 10' one in the trunk at all times. If you need a flatbed, loop the strap around the 4" front cross tube and have the driver hook to the strap vs the car. Saves your frame, paint, and body. I keep my foot on the strap while the driver winches the car up until the strap stays off the oil cooler shroud. Scott

Yeah that's a good one. I had it on my "maybe" list of items but haven't added it to the car yet. Thank you.

[WBILB]

I carry A tire plugging "kit" and small 12v compressor. If you destroy a tire you're stranded but for a nail or screw type puncture, if you catch it early enough, you can be on your way in 15 or 20 minutes.

Michael,
I have a 2011 Porsche 911 Compressor. It's 6.5" x 5.75" x 2.5" and it works great. I retired from Porsche Cars North America and have had more than one occasion to use these guys with great results.
Best,
Bill

[cob427sc]

I have had my share of breakdowns over the years, usually in the least desireable place and time. As a result I have learned to carry a small but useful tool kit in most vehicles. I like tools and materials that are multi-purpose: monkey wrench (wrench, hammer), electricians pliers (pliers, cutter, smaller hammer) 7 in one screwdriver and a leatherman set to cover everything else. Also a 10' length of electrical wire, electric tape, fix a flat and duct tape. One or the other has saved me most times with some fixes not standard but did allow me to get back home for a real fix. I should mentioned I have had 2 major issues in 2 different cobras (rupture oil line on one, failed wheel bearing on other) and in those cars, everyone wants to stop and help. Both times lifts to the local parts store and return were welcomed and allowed me to fix and get back on the road.

[bobl]

Duct tape and bailing wire... How times have changed! Now I carry a laptop as an essential, since I have Holley EFI I can see everything going on with the engine at a glance.

[GoDadGo]

I keep one of my 9-MM plus a 30 round mag in the car, but only when I travel to New Orleans.
Unfortunately, we are like Chicago, but with better food and music.
We've had over 250 shootings and now over 100 dead.
Sadly, NOLA Is Now A War Zone!

https://abcnews.go.com/US/shot-panic-ensues-heart-orleans-french-quarter/story?id=79201742

[rich grsc]

I keep one of my 9-MM plus a 30 round mag in the car, but only when I travel to New Orleans.
Unfortunately, we are like Chicago, but with better food and music.
We've had over 250 shootings and now over 100 dead.
Sadly, NOLA Is Now A War Zone!

https://abcnews.go.com/US/shot-panic-ensues-heart-orleans-french-quarter/story?id=79201742
Better make that 2 mags

[Jeff Kleiner]

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/100_1788.jpg

Kinda' late to this party but here's my contribution---I've got all kinds of crap packed in the trunk! There is a cheapo socket set in the hard plastic box on the bottom. The red/black soft tool bag has a full set of combination wrenches, assorted screwdrivers, pliers, strippers, crimpers, allen wrenches, a digital VOM and test light as well as fuses, zip ties, crimp connectors and some wire. Most importantly is a copy of my wiring schematic and EEC-IV codes (and a pair of glasses so I can see the damn things :( ) . Also shoved in there is a TFI module, TPS sensor, coil and a couple of long plug wires. There is a set of jumper cables behind the bag and the whole mess is strapped to the upper floor. That round green top is a container of wet wipes wrapped up in a towel.

More than necessary? Yeah, probably. The only thing that has been needed on my own car in 13 years (knock on wood!) was an allen wrench to tighten up a windwing bracket that came loose on the way home from the London Cobra Show about 10 years ago. Tools and some of my spare parts have been used on roadside repairs for others though.

Worst case---I've got a truck & trailer at home and a best buddy who knows where the keys are!

Not shown in the photo but always there is my waterproof car cover which packs on the upper floor to the left of all the other stuff. Usually I drive through the rain but there was an occasion where the downpour was so heavy that I pulled onto a side road, put the cover on the car then got back in and waited it out in my 4 wheeled tent!

Jeff

[Blitzboy54]

Yeah I thought about a patch kit. The compressor is a good idea too but they start to take up some space. Not that I am really out of room. Is there one that you are happy with? I know a lot of the 12v units are junk.

I have a very small tire plugger kit and mini compressor I carry on my bike. It injects a mushroom head that works fantastic. I have fixed both car and bike tires with it. I highly recommend it. It's' the size of my wife's wallet.

https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Go-1000-Tire-Repair/dp/B0006NE3KE/ref=asc_df_B0006NE3KE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312158556601&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3863645818503426298&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1022672&hvtargid=pla-494047309918&psc=1

[GTBradley]

I have a very small tire plugger kit and mini compressor I carry on my bike. It injects a mushroom head that works fantastic. I have fixed both car and bike tires with it. I highly recommend it. It's' the size of my wife's wallet.

https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Go-1000-Tire-Repair/dp/B0006NE3KE/ref=asc_df_B0006NE3KE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312158556601&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3863645818503426298&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1022672&hvtargid=pla-494047309918&psc=1

No glue required! I like it.

[Jstanding]

I posted this back in march and I think Jeff Kleiner's response was best.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?39035-Tool-roll-suggestions

[Hacksaw84]

Michael,
I have a 2011 Porsche 911 Compressor. It's 6.5" x 5.75" x 2.5" and it works great. I retired from Porsche Cars North America and have had more than one occasion to use these guys with great results.

That is a nice and compact unit. Thanks.



I have had my share of breakdowns over the years, usually in the least desireable place and time. As a result I have learned to carry a small but useful tool kit in most vehicles. I like tools and materials that are multi-purpose: monkey wrench (wrench, hammer), electricians pliers (pliers, cutter, smaller hammer) 7 in one screwdriver and a leatherman set to cover everything else. Also a 10' length of electrical wire, electric tape, fix a flat and duct tape. One or the other has saved me most times with some fixes not standard but did allow me to get back home for a real fix. I should mentioned I have had 2 major issues in 2 different cobras (rupture oil line on one, failed wheel bearing on other) and in those cars, everyone wants to stop and help. Both times lifts to the local parts store and return were welcomed and allowed me to fix and get back on the road.

Exactly what I am going for. I am covering most of what you suggested there. Thanks.


Duct tape and bailing wire... How times have changed! Now I carry a laptop as an essential, since I have Holley EFI I can see everything going on with the engine at a glance.

Yeah I keep my nGuage in the glovebox. Gives me some ability to check on things or pull codes. Also can load an e85 tune if I am feeling spicy.


I have a very small tire plugger kit and mini compressor I carry on my bike. It injects a mushroom head that works fantastic. I have fixed both car and bike tires with it. I highly recommend it. It's' the size of my wife's wallet.

That's an interesting little kit, I have never seen that style before. Thank you.

[Hacksaw84]

I posted this back in march and I think Jeff Kleiner's response was best.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?39035-Tool-roll-suggestions

Appreciate it, some good responses/suggestions in there too.

[Hacksaw84]

Here is what I ended up with for the time being. I will probably add a jumper pack and a tire inflator later on. You can also see I keep my car cover in a bag tucked up in the corner. Overall still have a good amount of trunk space.
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In the upper storage area I was able to fit a good amount of stuff in a couple Husky bags I got from HD. The small bag is actually a complete socket set. Kind of messy when I need it but saves so much space. Still some room in that area to add to it.
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In the lower portion I wedged in a few more things. Its pretty well packed in there.
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[Jim1855]

Nice space utilization and organization. Looks like a good collection of tools and repair pieces.
Jim

[RedRaider58]

Taking notes on your trunk cut-outs, very clean and clever use of space.

[wrp]

Sitting at a car show one hot Texas afternoon a friend asked if I had any tools. I didn’t even have a screwdriver. I began to think about it and I have a great hidden compartment built into the trunk to reinforce the lower panel and back of the trunk. Needed a solid base to close the lid against so the latch would not move due to body flexing.. When I first put all the **** in, the rattles, rolling sockets, and clutter bugged me. So I got some Kason [sic] Foam and began to make trays. One tray has all the tools to replace a wheel, wrenches, allen wrenches and screw drivers. The other side has pliers, vice grips, sockets and other essentials. I have electrician tape, zip ties, and fuzes stuffed into the padding. If you look closely you can see I have plenty of room to add “trays.” One example is the scissor jack and wheel chocks. With no spare it doesn’t seem to make sense but it would be easier to call the wife to bring a tire than deal with a wrecker service. Also working on a steam boiler and a tray for injector cleaner.

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[Hacksaw84]

Nice space utilization and organization. Looks like a good collection of tools and repair pieces.
Jim


Taking notes on your trunk cut-outs, very clean and clever use of space.

Thanks guys. I thought maybe I went a little overboard with it but now I am happy I did. Keeps in clean in there and I can hide away the tools.

[Avalanche325]

As a rule, I ALWAYS carry one tool less than I actually need.

One thig that is nice to have. Heat sleeves. Keeps you from getting burnt, especially at the track when you don't have to to let everything cool down.

I know a guy that does long trips in his Cobra. He has EFI, and carries a carb and low pressure fuel pump. He has used it twice.

Unfortunately, my Cobra is the only car that ever made me call a tow truck. My clutch slave cylinder over-extended and jammed in the disengaged position and ripped the seal. AAA card to the rescue.

[Otee453]

On my daily driver and my pick up, I carry a small craftsman socket set that has a screwdriver/bit driver. Also a cheap crescent wrench. Also carry a cheap Obd scanner. These things usually fit unseen under a seat, in the trunk or in the glove box & takes very little room. It has saved me a few times when a sensor has gone kaput and I’ve been able to identify it and change it when far from home. Another time I had an alternator go out away from home and a friend bought one and brought it to me and I swapped it in 5 minutes.

The cobra will have the same small socket set, bit driver & crescent wrench and probably a dc/battery air pump and a tire plug kit. For the amount of real estate & weight it takes up... Rather have it & not need it than need it and not have it.

[Hacksaw84]

Sitting at a car show one hot Texas afternoon a friend asked if I had any tools. I didn’t even have a screwdriver. I began to think about it and I have a great hidden compartment built into the trunk to reinforce the lower panel and back of the trunk. Needed a solid base to close the lid against so the latch would not move due to body flexing.. When I first put all the **** in, the rattles, rolling sockets, and clutter bugged me. So I got some Kason [sic] Foam and began to make trays. One tray has all the tools to replace a wheel, wrenches, allen wrenches and screw drivers. The other side has pliers, vice grips, sockets and other essentials. I have electrician tape, zip ties, and fuzes stuffed into the padding. If you look closely you can see I have plenty of room to add “trays.” One example is the scissor jack and wheel chocks. With no spare it doesn’t seem to make sense but it would be easier to call the wife to bring a tire than deal with a wrecker service. Also working on a steam boiler and a tray for injector cleaner.

Haha, I was looking at the first pics thinking "looks like he is running moonshine" then...


I like the trunk compartment and the organization. Its a real clean look.

[Hacksaw84]

As a rule, I ALWAYS carry one tool less than I actually need. One thig that is nice to have. Heat sleeves. Keeps you from getting burnt, especially at the track when you don't have to to let everything cool down. I know a guy that does long trips in his Cobra. He has EFI, and carries a carb and low pressure fuel pump. He has used it twice. Unfortunately, my Cobra is the only car that ever made me call a tow truck. My clutch slave cylinder over-extended and jammed in the disengaged position and ripped the seal. AAA card to the rescue.

Heat sleeves, that is one I had not thought of. Yeah the cobra did have to take the ride of shame with Jeff at London. Hoping to avoid something like that again.



On my daily driver and my pick up, I carry a small craftsman socket set that has a screwdriver/bit driver. Also a cheap crescent wrench. Also carry a cheap Obd scanner. These things usually fit unseen under a seat, in the trunk or in the glove box & takes very little room. It has saved me a few times when a sensor has gone kaput and I’ve been able to identify it and change it when far from home. Another time I had an alternator go out away from home and a friend bought one and brought it to me and I swapped it in 5 minutes. The cobra will have the same small socket set, bit driver & crescent wrench and probably a dc/battery air pump and a tire plug kit. For the amount of real estate & weight it takes up... Rather have it & not need it than need it and not have it.

Yeah a keep a decent amount of tools in my DD truck. They have come in handy several times. I do have the ODB tuning device in both vehicles and they can pull codes. My good scanner stays in the garage.

[AC Bill]

What about hay wire? :)
I always kept a roll in my tool box. Came in handy more than once.

[Hacksaw84]

What about hay wire? :)
I always kept a roll in my tool box. Came in handy more than once.

I had not thought about that. Just to tie something up in a pinch?

[2FAST4U]

AAA card. Don’t leave home without it.

[Blade]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BBSD9C?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details I have watched this thread with some interest. I think the list of tools is well thought out. This is my first "assembled by me" vehicle. During my firefighting career I carried a completely different set of tools in my daily driver. Advanced first aid bag( bag valve mask, Oral pharyngeal airways etc...) big fire extinguisher, blanket, anyway you get my thinking. In this case I keep thinking that what I carry might just be for someone else other than me. I have made a fuse from the aluminized gum wrapper to replace a fuse before to help a stranded motorist. There will be times when we can help, and other times when we can just be there to listen and offer any help we can.

[i.e.427]

This is what we keep in the car during road trips.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BiFraFAIug&t=320s