Hello all!

I am new to the Forum here as well as being new to being a homeowner and truck owner.

Specifically, a 1978 Ford F100 Custom. I plan on driving it everyday, and since its an old car, I understand that there are things that happen along the way that could leave me walking.

My hope was to pose the question to the community: What wouldn't you leave home without?

What do you consider to be essential tools to keep in the truck? What spare parts have saved your rear in the past? Anything else that would help keep me prepared for driving my new favorite toy everyday?

I appreciate the input and the wisdom.

Thank you very much.

 

Extra parts: Ignition control module, a starter solenoid, fuel filter, fuses.

Tools: Basic tool set like sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, dikes, long nose pliers, etc. LED flashlight or wearable light. Tire repair kit (for a 4x4).

Stuff: Fire extinguisher, jumper cables, automotive wire, bailing wire, duct tape. Two quarts of oil and one gallon of coolant mix.

EDIT: Welcome to FTE and being a new homeowner! As the latter, buy a 100-foot length of propylene rope and cut them into 25-foot sections, wrap the bit ends with electrical tape, and then seal the ends with a flame so it won't unravel.... you'll always need to tie things down.

 

Stuff: add a pile of zip ties ( they have saved my *** more than once), a flashlight, and a tow strap. If you have the room a small electrical repair kit butt connectors male and female trrminals etc. Also a well stocked box of spare fuses and a spare fuse able link.

 

Multimeter or at least a test light.

 

Home Depot has like a 266 piece tool kit that will be a very good starting point.

 

If you are just looking to do what you can if you become stranded. I recommend the following...
spare tire with correct socket or star wrench and adequate jack with handle to change a tire (not all these old trucks still have the original or correct tools for changing a flat)
Small adjustable cresent wrench
screw drivers
wd40-can use to get moisture out of distributor cap
rag
bailing wire or zip ties or duct tape
ignition module
coil
fuses
jumper cables
fire extinguisher
pen and paper-might need to write down part numbers
cell phone

Sometimes the spare parts are nice if you ever need them but most of the time if its that serious you call a buddy for a ride to the parts store and go back to fix it knowing what tools you need. You can't be prepared for everything without carrying a bed full of junk. Keep up on maintenance and make sure fluids are topped off. Pay attention to leaks and get to know your truck. 9 times out of 10 I knew it was coming when something failed because I paid attention to what was worn out and old.

 

i appreciate the quick response. All that seems to make good sense. Are there any specialty or very specific tools that our trucks need?

 

a real bottle jack
hammer
1-2 driveline u-joints and extra straps/clips/u-bolts
couple feet of 3/8" fuel hose, 3/8" oil hose, vacuum hose and corresponding hose clamps

 

You have gotten some great replies, but your truck will treat you better if you don't call it a car.

 

Purely to keep in the truck...

I agree with orangeford about the cell phone. I know most folks keep it on them at all times anyway, but make sure you have it because it can be your most useful tool.

HIO mentioned a wearable light...An elastic LED head-light is a must...you can get them cheap at Northern Tool. It always looks where you look and frees up both hands.

Extra belts are a must and fit under the seat very nicely. Vise grips are great for holding things secure in an emergency, and if you crumple a fender into a tire (cousin did it once) you can latch the Vise Grips on and pull the fender away from it.

A 12V tire pump and a can or two of Fix-A-Flat are very useful, too. Nothing's worse than getting a flat and finding out that your spare isn't much better... also if you have to let air out of your tires to expedite travel through some areas (we did it all the time at the beach) it's nice to be able to reinflate them without finding a gas station.

Other than that, I will specifically add a x2 to the fire extinguisher, hoses, rope, duct tape, coolant mix, oil, jumper cables, CLEAN rags (in case you have to wipe moisture off the inside of the windows), zip ties, fuses, one roll each of electrical wire and electrical tape, small tool kit, jack, spare tire, and wheel lug bar.

All of these things, with the exception of the spare tire, can fit behind the seat. Oh, and a First Aid kit with plenty of band-aids for you. Trucks have sharp corners.

 

Trunk Monkey.

 

Cell phone, AAA membership and a credit card.

 

spare lug nuts, AA batteries (or whatever batteries fit you flashlight),and a full gas can might help