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Thinking of driving the 400 miles +/- to the Midsommar meet in Kansas.
Recommendations for what spares and tools I should have on board?
What if anything can I do in advance to head off problems? (Besides prayer)
Guess what I’m asking it’s how would you prepare for a road trip like this?
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Hi,
I only carry things to fix failures I've had on previous trips. My current kit consists of a muffler bandage, a small 12 volt compressor, a tire plug set, and a spare pair of shorts.
Peter
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A valid and relevant AAA card is often recommended.
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A pair of weighted, folding, reflectorized emergency triangular signs. They are required in Europe, I believe. I think it still would make a worthy addition to your kit.
And if you don't already have a pair mounted on your PV, a set of Deer Alerts. They can be found at almost any auto parts store, or @%&$#@! Wal-Mart. I can attest to the fact they do work!
Andrew
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Well, my long road-trip for this summer is postponed as I can’t get away from work, but I agree on the triangles - I have some in the trunk already! I was stationed in Germany for a while ‘back in the day’ and they were required, so I had a set stashed in the garage. Perfect.
Not sure on the deer alert things - I used to use them on but then heard conflicting opinions.
I guess they are pretty cheap “insurance” If I can mount them somewhere out of sight.
Thanks for the good ideas!
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400 miles isn't much of a test for a 544, however, here is what I carry when I go on long trips:
Electrical wire and connectors (and electrical tape)
RTV silicone seal
The ever popular Duct Tape
The generic equivalent of "Baling Wire" - about 5'
Distributor Cap & Rotor
Fuel Pump (the stock mechanical one)
Fuses
You can save space by realizing that you can buy Light Bulbs, Hoses and oil/fluids at almost any gas station (or Wal*Mart) along the way.
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For electrics -
I like to carry some wire, a crimp tool, connectors, and a small multimeter. Get some one to two adaptors so you can take power off your main terminal strip. For example - I had to run power directly to my stop light switch when I had a bad connection.
Your car does not have many (any?) ground wires.
I like to be able to run power directly to an item, or run a ground to an item as well. To fuse the power wire, you cam carry spade type fuses - take a wire, cut it in a handy place, install female spade connectors on the cut ends and add a spade fuse.
A set of spare bulbs and spare fuses is a good idea.
The condenser in the ignition system is a failure item - if the car won't spark, test the condenser by disconnecting it - if it starts, install a new condenser. The condenser is essentially an open circuit that protects the points from power surges. Carry a spare and points as well.
I have a battery post switch in my car and I always use it. It is an inexpensive one that you can remove the screw connection and put it in your pocket. I have used it for 10 years without problem. Also, being able to disconnect your battery quickly can be a valuable asset in an old car.
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I also take along a multimeter, wire, connectors and crimper.
Additionally, my "go kit" for an old car includes:
Typical screwdriver/wrench/socket tool assortment including cable ties, tape, wire, emery cloth, scissors, wire cutters, point file and feeler gauge. Sometimes I've even brought along a sheet of gasket material;
A gallon of water for an unexpected coolant leak - the jug could also be used to schlep gasoline should you develop a fuel leak;
Spare fan belt;
Spare fuel pump;
Generic coil;
Quart or two of oil;
Spare key;
That's about all I take as extras.
You may want to crack/re-tighten your lug nuts before the trip.
Long trips in old cars are awesome. It's like taking a step back in time and there is such a feeling of accomplishment when you make it to your destination and back without a breakdown.
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I remember reading an article somewhere a few years ago about a man from the mid-west, Illinois I think, driving his 544 to a Volvo meet on the East coast. He filled the space under the back seat with a wide selection of spare parts,(starter, generator, voltage reg.,carbs., fuel pump, water pump, distributor, brake drum, brake shoes, wheel cylinders, wheel bearings, etc.) Plus all the normal stuff like belts, hoses, hose clamps, wiper blades, fuses, tire plugging kit, light bulbs, extra oil & coolant. In the trunk he placed a few well-stocked tool boxes & luggage. If I remember correctly the trip was uneventful with not even one repair needed on the entire trip.
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By the time he was done, sounds like that guy pretty much had a second car in there - impressive!
I don’t think I will go that far, but I am collecting some of the basic spares as mentioned in this and several of the posts, and getting the tools together, too.
I’m sure that whatever I don’t take will be the thing I need.
Still not sure I’ll do it but I’d like to be there.
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It helps to know the condition of the components of your car.
For example, if the water pump was changed recently, you could cross that off your list of spares.
And sometimes a small part can cause trouble.
I once got a fuel leak from the jet tube hose at the float bowl of 1 of the HS6 SU carbs caused by a deteriorated o-ring . I was in the middle of Utah on my way back to SoCal and I didn't think to bring any even though they cost less than $2.00 each. Fortunately, I was able to remove the o-ring and flip it over and re-use it and I was able to make it home.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com
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Good point on knowing the condition of the car’s systems. Since I just got it over the winter, and previous owner didn’t know much on the history of the car beyond that he had replaced the clutch and brakes, the things like the water pump, fuel pump, generator, etc., are anyone’s guess.
The more I drive it the better it seems to run!
The things I want to do next:
1. Re-Check timing
2. Adjust Valves (I haven’t touched them so far...)
3. Fine-tune the carbs again
4. Adjust the brakes
5. Lube all the susp. & drivetrain
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I used empty Blue Bunny 1/2 gallon ice cream cartons to organize and store fuses, light bulbs, small 10 mm comb. end wrench(es), etc. The cartons are made of #5 polypropylene plastic, are tough, and stackable. An empty, clean, 2 liter soft drink bottle can be used as water storage, plus with the top cut off, becomes a handy gas funnel.
Andrew
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