Advice on essential spares to carry along...

[MIGHTY 8]

Hello everyone,

Hopefully we're seeing the last of what Mother nature wants to throw our way before driving season begins!

I haven't done much in the way of long distance driving in my spider, but that may soon change. I would like to start a subject on what everyone's recommendations would be, regarding what essential items one should carry along before venturing out.

I am specifically interested in "hardware" spare parts ( think spare ball-joints, hoses, belts, etc...), as opposed to the obvious flashlights, flares, cell phones, etc... What stories do you have to contribute, where a handy fuel pump in the glovebox, saved you from having to wait a few days in a hotel for IAP to fedex one in!

I realize that a lot of these items depend on certain factors related to one's car, ie. FI vs. carbs. In my case, I have the dual Weber set-up.

To make the responses a bit clearer to read, I would respectfully request that any responses be in the form of, say a checklist. (1., 2., 3., etc...)

Thank you all in advance and see you out on the road soon!

[rlux4]

The list would be different depending on if it's a carb'd or FI model. What year is your car? (Carb'd or FI if it's an 80)
Ron

[htchevyii]

I think Ron means to say to bring an extra gasket for the heater tube that goes to the water pump.
I replaced the most failure prone parts: ign module, efi temp sensor, clutch and throttle cables as well as normal wear items: cap and rotor and the longest plug wire, (of course I changed them all, but only cary one spare). I changed them all before they failed and threw them inside the spare along with a copy of the wiring diaghram. A quart of oil, a gallon of water and a basic tool kit. So far I haven't had to do more re-adjust a new clutch cable and tighten a loose alt bolt.

[narfire]

I have a 80 fi and carry a spare ignition pickup and the tools to change it out. A length of heater hose,even though I have all new stuff. aircraft lock wire. tape,fuses,small flashlight, hose clamps. fire extinguisher, length of auto wire and some butt conectors. Other than the fire ext., all will fit into a shoebox.
I think I'll take an idea from Jim Ellis in Cambell River, and try and make a box that would snug up next to the battery box for the spares.

[kmead]

Clutch cable
Throttle cable
Points and condenser (or hall sensor for the electronic distribuor)
Rotor and distributor cap
Fuel Filter
Accessory belt(s)
Various bulbs for the tail, side and turn signal lights
A selection of fuses
A test light/voltmeter

Anything more than this would sideline you anyway and you wouldn't want to do that work by the side of the road.

[mbouse]

cell phone and DC cell phone charger

plus

the number for the local 911

[kmead]

cell phone and DC cell phone charger

plus

the number for the local 911

I suppose you could add towing service card to the must have list...

You are one funny guy. No, really.

When we drove my 124 Coupe from California to Vermont we didn't have any mechanical problems. Whether that is a testament to my incredible preparation or that for the most part if you keep your car maintained you likely won't have much trouble I don't know. The above list is what I tend to carry and haven't been stranded yet.

I carry a different set of parts for my X. My 850 parts list is similar to the 124 list.

[mbouse]

i used to carry a tool box everywhere, with spare control module and pickup coil, spare fuel pump and a handful of spare fuses; and every possible hand tool that you could think of. NEVER used more than a screw driver in the 14 years the car was on the road.

like Karl said... boy scout preparedness tends to eliminate the need for these things. 'cides, unless you are towing a parts car.... any breakdown could find you without the necessary tools and spare parts.

here's a picture of me in one of my unplanned stops beside the road...


forgot that the fuel gauge wasn't reading correctly... was showing 1/4 tank for WAY TOO long. outa gas on the side o road.

[launieg]

Do I see a reflection in your glasses of the camera operator laughing?

I did exactly the same thing the first summer I drove the spider. Adjusting the fuel sender became a priority. At least I didn't get any laughs (nobody with me and didn't tell the wife until a month later).

[mbouse]

Do I see a reflection in your glasses of the camera operator laughing?

yes, my wife took that picture. we sat under the overpass for about an hour waiting for the son-0-law to deliver a gallon of fresh fuel. in that time.... NO ONE stopped to see if they could help.

we shared some uneasy laughter as we watched a steady stream of cars scurry by at 70+mph only inches from our disabled chariot.

[wachuko]

First of all, cool shirt.

Any more photos of your car? That is the color combination that my wife wants for our car.

[courtenay]

Based on all this, and with my somewhat limited mechanical abilty, I think I'm going to stick with my cell phone and the extended towing package offered by the local Auto Club.

[wachuko]

In my cars I always cary:

Jumper cables, fire ext., tow rope, air compressor, flat tire fix kit, alternator belt, and a small craftman toolset.

[Europa]

Any more photos of your car? That is the color combination that my wife wants for our car.

That is the color combination of my first Spider; a '79. Love that combination.

[htchevyii]

I do have AAA+ that will tow me up to 200 miles. So far, I have had it 2 years and have yet to use it, but I does add peace of mind.