I'm planning a trip to visit family in the 52. It's about 300 miles each way. The truck is running great, but I need advice as to what tools, parts, etc to take with me just in case of a problem. I'm running a 289 with a C4. Any suggestions besides the obvious ? Thanks in advance. , Dean

 

Dean, if your truck is in good condition you shouldn't need much. When I took off to Alaska earlier this year, I took a set of belts, radiator hoses and basic hand tools with me. I trust my truck, it is a daily driver, but this was all I took for a 15K mile trip

 

Yeah, I hear ya. Just never know what might happen. Did you take a spare tire with you and did you need it? My problem is the front and rear tires and wheels are not the same size. I don't know what to use for a spare. The rear wheels are reversed and the fronts are a standard back spacing. Maybe I should start anothe thread on just this problem. I trust mine too but ***** happens! Thanks for the reply. Dean

 

ZOOT,

300 miles, is that all? I just made a roughly 1600 round trip in my stock '49 F-2. Like you I was concerned with break downs along the way and packed what I thought I might need:

Two spare tires-just in case but one probably would have been fine.
Tool box with some basic tools-a couple of screwdrivers, 1/4"-7/8" combination wrenches, adjustable wrench, couple of 3-4' long pieces of wire and assorted tape.
Floor jack and stands-These came in very handy when I had to pull the back wheels about a 1/3 of the way into the trip to have the new back tires rebalanced.
Flashlight
The most important tool- a cell phone and map-still got lost once but with the aid of the cell phone aid was sent to my rescue.

I also carried an extra carburetor and generator. My truck is all stock and it would have been next to impossible to find this parts in the local McParts store, your truck would be a lot easier. Ross ended up helping fix the carb I had in the truck with parts from the spare carb I brought along.

I took along what I could think of and if the truck would have suffered a major problem I planned to find a storage place and store it there until I could come back with my trailer and pick it up. The trip went great, and with the exception of the tire problem, I didn't have any other problems.

 

Don't forget a fire extinguisher or two. I'd bring the ABC type that can put out all fires.

 

Good idea, that's is one I forgot to mention. I did have one in the truck my trip.

 

I usually carry two. One in the front by the seat and the other in the trunk area.

 

I carried only one spare, and it was for the truck and teardrop trailer I was pulling

 

I would advise carrying a spare that matches the rear wheels rather than the front. Sure it will steer funny if you need to put it on the front but that is only for emergencies. If you don't match the other side on the rear and you go any distance you will ruin your rear end.

 

I recently ran mine on a 400 mile trip. I threw in my tool box, a gallon of water, a quart of oil, spare tire, a set of lug nuts (truck has mags, spare is a steel wheel), a tow strap, and an ice chest full of frosty beverages.

Not a problem one on my trip
Bobby

 

This is all you need to take; it will make ANY problem go away!

 

Dont forget Zip ties and some mechanics wire.

I did a 1,100 mile trip in my panel this year, I had my road call tool box from work with me, Some electrical wire, tape, misc size srews bolts nuts etc. I had a test light and a flash light. wrenches, screw drivers, small hammer

Gallon of water and a full cooler (so I'd have more water if needed) by the way on the way home the thermostat stuck closed so I pulled the top hose and pounded a screw driver thru the stat to open it up, refilled with water and away I went. AND it ran cooler than before!

Fire ext I only bring one. Spare tire, wrench and jack.

I also brough some reflector flares to put out if I was broke down (people drive like crazys)

I had some small hose a couple clamps to repair a fuel leak I also had an extra cheap in line fuel filter , Vise grips to pinch off a blown brake line.

The only parts was a set of points and a condensor. I usually bring an extra generator only because if the bearings lock up your done. I dont care if it charges as you can go a long way without running any accessories. I forgot it on this trip.

Cell phone and if its cold weather I carry a lighter, candle and a blanket

 

Take some of the items listed above join AAA and go. Cut your trip into blocks to make it less stressful. take it in steps of 75 miles at a time.

 

Hey Dean,
If you are coming up this way - I'd come give you a hand.

I put my gas tank out back so no spare - I would carry a tire repair kit with you. Mine is a little air pump that works off the battery & the old fashioned plug kit & some pliers - I can repair a tire faster than change one. We also carry antifreeze - overheating & flats are the main problems we see.

Good luck over there in Houston!

Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)

 

This is the way travelling with these trucks was in the old days. lol, bring parts and tools.