TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Apr 07, 2007 10:19 pm

architect_7 wrote: Captain Spalding, that is nice organization. Where did you get the compartment box?
Thanks for the kind words. I got the box at Fry's Electronics.

Quote: . . . especially for off road vehicles, why not a folding shovel? I found that you can get them at military surplus stores, and the measure about 8" by 9" folded. I carry one no matter what the auto, and could be used for multiple things, including breaking out of an auto, digging the auto out, and building a fire pit.
A folding shovel is a compromise that you make when you have to carry the shovel on your back. For off-roading purposes, a nice 30 inch D-handle spade is just the ticket. Those folding jobs will let you down in the clinch. :(

Sun Apr 08, 2007 1:18 pm

Captain Spalding, your welcome. Nice that you folks have a place to put one, and look good doing it! :) I have a Square, so I could carry a non-folding but...

Sun Apr 08, 2007 2:06 pm

Captain, any pics of that Swimwagon on the left?

Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:24 pm

Inside the suitcase is where I carry my parts and next to it is my spare. :)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=346025

Mon Jun 11, 2007 11:15 am

Captain Spalding wrote: bucko wrote: Was a flashlight mentioned? . . . Flashlight to light up the engine compartment at night.
Number 15 on my list. I've been toying with the idea of mounting a glove box light in the engine compartment . . .

I have a underhood emergency light from a mid 80's GM pickup. It has a 20 ft cord that winds up on a spool and the lamp has a magnetic base. Just run a hot wire to it. It's really compact and can mount in the trunk or in the engine compartment. Very handy.

Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:46 am

Overlooked necessity in bold:

bmwloco wrote: I've travled far and wide on two wheels. Very minimalist contiental cruising.

Two things are critical:

A Tooth Brush
A credit card
Condoms

On one California to NC run, I duct taped both to the gas tank of my bike.

Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:34 pm

Definitely add a rope and a shovel. Just make sure not to tell girls on the first date that you always carry that. For some reason one girl seemed intrigued.

You also need a first aid kit with extra instant ice packs for when you run out of ice for your beer.

Mon Oct 29, 2007 10:30 pm

I don't see it yet, but what about that factory spare gas tank? that would come in handy if you run out of gas.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:42 pm

Clutch cable, throttle cable( heave duty stranded wire kind...This is has been good for 10 years) some lugs, tow Strap, sip ties,starting fluid , folding shovel, 2' length of 4" x4" and my AAA premier card 8)

cold beer helps too! :lol:

Tue May 06, 2008 8:40 pm

I'm sure someone here has seen the list John Muir wrote. It's like his car was pregnant.

I'll find it and post it.

Wed May 07, 2008 8:14 am

emersonbiggins, I totally love the suitcase! Next stop GoodWill! A suitcase in the trunk, how cool is that!

Thanks all for the insights. As a new VWer, I'm just finding how temperamental they can be, given the right circumstances.

The link on the Captain's tool roll is out of stock. Found the bucket brand equivalent for $9 part number 07004
http://www.all-spec.com/1/viewitem/07004/ALLSPEC/viewimage/w3path=cat

Amazon has the bags too along with a spiffy matching bag for jumpercables. Bucket boss part no: 06009, but it's $16.
http://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-Brand-Jumper-Extension/dp/B000022688/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_b

Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:41 pm

I can forget everything but not my tire and wrench.

Wed Apr 01, 2009 6:38 pm

Euro 67 wrote: I don't see it yet, but what about that factory spare gas tank? that would come in handy if you run out of gas.

I would have to agree here. A few years ago my wife and daughter were on a cross country in her Thing, driving through the wilds of Wyoming when two other "things" conspired to create a near tragedy; a freak snow storm closed to road behind(and following them), and she ran out of gas (the gauge was not too accurate.) This was literally in the middle of nowhere, bad cell service, no more traffic to flag down and getting dark. Fortunately, I had put a spare 2 gallon jug in the trunk, and it saved the day. Later, she cussed me out for the faulty gauge, and thanked me for the gas can. At least I broke even.

Sat Jul 04, 2009 8:07 pm

Not sure if I've seen these yet:

Cable ties- the nylon type- they'll hold anything together

Ratcheting tie-down strap- you can wrap it around tire that has become un-beaded when off roading- strap it tight- then inflate tire to reseat.

Points and condenser

Sorry if any of this is repeated...

Sun Aug 30, 2009 7:08 am

Nobody has mentioned a fire extinguisher.

I just added one that is just underneath the glove box.

BTW I got a 1942 US Army folding shovel at an antique show for the same price as a new one!

Sat Jan 08, 2011 5:52 am

[quote="Captain Spalding"]In a recent thread, a poster asked what tools and parts should be carried in the car at all times. Chinarider stepped up to the plate and posted an exhaustive list of tools and parts. With only a few hand tools tied up in an oily rag under the hood of my Thing, I thought I'd better get serious and sort things out. I kept track of most of the tools I use for a tune-up and used that as a basis. The photos below are the results of my ruminations. Chinarider's kit still puts mine to shame, but hey, I had to leave something in the tool box! While my kit is more modest, it's well beyond minimal. I consider it to be the essentials, plus. It consists of a tool roll and a plastic container.
What do you think should be added or subtracted, and why? All closed up. Doesn't take up much room.]

I would add a pair of canvas/cloth gloves to prevent burns. The nylon gloves are good for their purpose but it's good to have protection against hot surfaces. They also now make WD-40 and other penetrating oils in a very small can, like lighter fluid was sold in.
I'd get a can of that and a small "burette" sized can of oil, like the gun oil can soldiers carry. Very compact and sometimes, a little oil makes life easier!.
Thanks

Wed Mar 02, 2011 5:18 pm

I keep a good German tool kit made by Heyco a german car needs german tools i bought these tools over 30 years ago and they still work

Thu Mar 03, 2011 7:16 pm

I make sure I have my brother Citreon (Dennis) with me so he can fix it.

Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:12 pm

Ron Domeck wrote: I make sure I have my brother Citreon (Dennis) with me so he can fix it.

A spare mechanic, good thinking.

Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:06 am

I bolted down an old ammunition box by the og jack holder and fill it up with everything mentioned in everyone's posts....If you are traveling with a big group, I make sure that anyone who has specialty parts have something to replace it with in case of failure. I take stuff that others might need also because there is always one person who will not have anything.
If in a group of lowered cars, I bring a low profile floor jack....wrapped up in a big towel so it won't scratch anything.
Hand Cleaner....Do you want to get in your clean car with dirty hands?

In the group that travels together down here if someone breaks down, the rest of us will badger him and critique his work....Always good for a laugh..