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Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:57 pm

I am building up a spare parts kit for road trips in my 76 rivi. So far I have a spare clutch cable, alternator, voltage regulator, fuel pump, fuel pump relay (combi relay, double relay, whatever), CHT sensor, and points and condensor if my pertronix goes out.
I know ideally it would be nice to just strap a spare engine on the roof but is there anything else that goes out particularly often? I am especially worried about the little stuff for the fuel injection.
What VW parts do you guys never leave home without?

Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:05 pm

I was about to say fan belt... but that's just my archaic '71 upright thinking. :oops:

Spark plugs are a good thing to have.

Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:11 pm

Forgot to mention I do have a spare alternator belt :wink: Plugs would be a good idea, I always change them before I go on a long haul so I will just keep the old ones as spares.

Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:06 pm

Lots of oil, fuel hose, vacuum hose, and a nice set of tools. And a membership with AAA if all else fails.

Fri Feb 25, 2005 6:26 pm

i have an extra starter laying around. when i bought my 70 westy the original owner said that it had failed once, and then worked every time after that and after a few weeks when the new one came in that he ordered when it failed once(thinking it was gonna be a constant problem) he replaced it. but saved it as a spare. I dont know if this will be of use but i dont really need it. I also accuired an extra new starter from a buddy so i have 2 extras.

Fri Feb 25, 2005 7:18 pm

In addition to what you have already listed I carry a spare alternator and regulator. And you should check and adjust your thermostat cabel :)

Phil

Fri Feb 25, 2005 7:31 pm

I always suggest a fully charged cell phone and the AIRS list - just in case

Also, dont forget Man's best friend!

Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:26 pm

The only spare I needed on my trip to Denver was one I didn't have. :x

Fri Feb 25, 2005 11:32 pm

Off the top of my head in no particular order:
Accelerator cable
stainless hose clamps in various sizes
one long spark plug wire (sucks to pull a wire and have the end come off- with the one long one you can replace any of them if need be)
cap/rotor/points, spark plugs (I gap them at home and put them back in the box but alos carry a feeler gauge and ignition file)
front shifter bushing
fuel filter
spare wire w/ spade clamps and crimper (in case one of the 30 year old wires to something breaks I can make another)
spare battery clamp
oil screen and drain plug gaskets
fuses in the correct ratings
spare bulb if you've switched to H4s
spare bulbs for the rest of the lights- it really helps when you get pulled for that crap if you can plead ignorant and offer to change it right in front of the cop
fuel cap if you're one of those who tends to loose yours

For what it's worth, I unscrewed the vent under the cooler in my Westy and stuck the spare parts that I hope to not need anytime soon under there- cables and spare fuel line as well as bagging some of the other stuff in the heavier freezer style ziplock bags. I imagine if the bus ever gets searched thoroughly, some cop's going to be diappointed when he realizes those ziplocks are just auto parts. :lol:

Fri Feb 25, 2005 11:39 pm

patience

Sat Feb 26, 2005 6:36 am

Probably everybody keeps this in your toolbox already, but an electrical contact cleaner pen from Radio Shack, #64-4341 about $5, is sometimes handy to have. Plus they are small and fit in the tray of the tool box that I keep various sealants. I use it to clean the various electrical contacts in the FI system and the lights.

Sun Feb 27, 2005 7:36 pm

A friend of mine created this list:

***Road Repair Tool Box
Standard Pliers, Locking Pliers
Wire Cuttering Pliers, Needle Nose Pliers
Electical Terminal Crimping Tool
Screwdrivers: Flat & Philips, Large & Small
Large & Small Metric & Standard wrenches
1/4", 1/2", 3/8" Metric & Standard sockets
1/4", 1/2", 3/8" Ratchets
Large 1/2" Breaker Bar
Adjustable Wrenches, Large & Small
Metric & Standard Allen Wrench set
Large and Small Hammer
Chisel and Punch set
Feeler Gauge & Spark Plug Gauge
Hack Saw

***Extra Equipment
Dwell Meter & Timing Light
Oil & Lucas oil treatment
Bailing Wire & Wire Ties
Fuses, Electrical Wire
Crimp on Electrical Connectors
Duct Tape, Electical Tape
Safety Glasses, Hand Cleaner
Penetrating Oil (Kroil)
Piece of Cardboard or army blanket (to lay on)
Bottle or Small Floor Jack
Small safety jack stand
Blocks of 2x6 wood
4 Way Lug Wrench
Axle Nut Knock Off Tool (bus)
Fire Extinguisher(s)
Carbon Monoxide Alarm

***Extra Vehicle Parts
Alternator, Alternator Belt
Generator, Starter
Voltage Regulator
Fuel Pump & Fuel Filter
Spark Plugs, Cap, Rotor
Points and Condenser
Ignition Coil
Clutch Cable, Throttle Cable
Valve Cover Gaskets
One greased CV joint in plastic

***Preventive Maintenance
Alternator Belt
Check, Replace if needed, All Lights
Check/Change Oil in transaxle
Change Oil in Engine, add Lucas!!
Grease Front Wheel Bearings
Check, Bleed, Replace if needed: brakes.
Grease Entire Front end and steering box.
Tune up engine, new plug wires?
Adjust Valves
Check engine and rear engine door seal.
Check Tires for Wear & Pressure

In addition, I also carry a large peanut butter jar full of misc parts including carb parts, distributor parts, generator parts (things you dont find at hardware / auto parts stores). I also have a large selection of all different size of metric nuts, bolts, studs, washers, screws...etc. I have broken almost every part you can imagine, and most of the time I have what I need with me.

Sun Feb 27, 2005 7:41 pm

This one should be in the FAQs along with heat, 009s, oil and the like.
That is, of course, if any of us could agree on any of the above. :D

Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:33 pm

CoBus, with all those parts, where do the people sit?! :-)

Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:13 pm

Quote: CoBus, with all those parts, where do the people sit?!

Ummm, how to put this nicely....Nobody rides with CoBusDriver! :shock:

Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:20 am

whip618 wrote: In addition to what you have already listed I carry a spare alternator and regulator. And you should check and adjust your thermostat cabel :)

Phil
Thanks Phil :wink: I keep putting that off. A spare alternator and regulator I do carry and they are on the list :lol:

Eric, I know I am going to get a ribbing for this ](*,) but what is that dogs name again?

Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:26 am

of my '68 (easy to switch an engine on the street) I used to carry a spare short block, oil, a belt, a jack and basic tools. Only ever needed the oil and the belt. Spare batts on my late model would get me home now without the belt.

Maybe I'll put my spares on a little trailer for long trips. Am thinking of making a trailer into an engine stand for my current spare engine project. That way when I have to take it out to the machine shop it's already loaded. Having such a trailer would make me feel comfy even if I had a shop, on the road, do the install. And it would be great at get togethers to trade dupe spares. Would beat waiting for the parts as service station camping gets old quick.

Happy motoring, Mark

Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:27 am

of my '68 (easy to switch an engine on the street) I used to carry a spare short block, oil, a belt, a jack and basic tools. Only ever needed the oil and the belt. Spare batts on my late model would get me home now without the belt.

Maybe I'll put my spares on a little trailer for long trips. Am thinking of making a trailer into an engine stand for my current spare engine project. That way when I have to take it out to the machine shop it's already loaded. Having such a trailer would make me feel comfy even if I had a shop, on the road, do the install. And it would be great at get togethers to trade dupe spares. Would beat waiting for the parts as service station camping gets old quick.

Happy motoring, Mark

Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:34 am

Is there a VW Beer? Maybe some 20w50 Stout :lol:

Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:13 pm

Volksfolk74 wrote: Is there a VW Beer? Maybe some 20w50 Stout :lol: I always carry beer, but never any spare beer. :wink: