Guest imported_Rich N Posted March 12, 2003 Share Posted March 12, 2003 OK the spring is on the way and I am getting anxious to take my new '21 touring on the road. Since purchasing it I have driven it within a 10 mile radius of its garage and am now ready to take for a stroll in the country. What do you experienced cruisers recommend I keep in my spare parts kit when I hit the road? I don't plan on travelling more that 150-300miles. I am new to the hobby and have a limit amount of spare parts...plugs, belts, and points. The car was restored in 2000 and is currently running like a charm. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan Arnett Posted March 12, 2003 Share Posted March 12, 2003 Rich: You didn't say whether you are an experienced mechanic or someone who just likes to get in and have fun. if you are experienced mechanic you probably want other items but lets start with a tow rope. If you understand the ignition system I would add a condensor and coil. If you have added fuses to your ignition system then spare fuses would be nice. If you change your own tires I would add a spare tube not a repair kit. If you drive at night a spare headlight and tailight bulb is nice and throw in a couple spare nuts and bolts of various sizes and lengths. If you have a spare belt bring it along with several spark plugs. I assume you have a fuel filter some where that can be changed (add a spare). Add some friction tape and a coil of mild steel wire and you can fix almost anything but major engine, transmission and rear end problems. Tools I carry are crescent wrench (s), vice grips (s), screw driver, dikes, a 6/12 volt test light, small file for points and starter switch, and tire tools. Don't take items that require more skill then you are capable of using because they will just take up space. Remember you just want to be able to get home not rebuild the engine. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest leadfoot Posted March 12, 2003 Share Posted March 12, 2003 I agree with most of what Jan is recommending - but I would never tow my DB. The only times it conked out on me I called up a flat bed carrier. Costs a few bucks but the car was put back in its garage in good shape.In your tool kit you will want an excellent flash light or other light with a mounting device. I also take a rubber mallet and socket wrenches, the hand crank, a good jack and wheel blocks, and a grease gun.My experience with dependable 20s era DBs proves the old rule of thumb that 90% of carb problems are electrical. Almost all of my problems have turned out to be electrical - so take a proven spare condenser and rotor. Also, even with a working fuel gauge, I've run out of gas more than once; it's way too easy to do because the gas mileage is a lot less than what you might estimate.Before going on a 150-300 mile trip, I would take a couple of intermediate shake down cruises of about 25-50 miles, some of it with stop and go driving. And if you're going 300 miles in your DB, be prepared to be real butt weary at the end of the day. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Rich N Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 Thank you gentlemen for your recommendations - they all sound like excellent advice. I am mechanically inclinded ? but I am inclinded not to tinker if given the choice. Of course, I will ease into the cross country driving with some short jaunts. I'll take your suggestions and start building my roadtrip repair kit. I think I will add a cell phone to the list also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbbob Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 Ricardo: You already have good advice for your upcoming tour. Whenever I venture out, I always take along a screwdriver that fits the vacuum tank cover. Also, as a back up for the correct open-end wrenches you forget (for brake adjustments, etc.), you might want to consider a good pair of channel lock pliers. Make sure your battery is charged, if it has been sitting over the winter. A 1920's tire pump will inflate your spare tube and get you to a pit stop. A containter of water and a quart or two of engine oil should get you through the midwestern plains without using your cell phone to call an official Dodge Brothers service station. Go for it! Happy touring! --Roberto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB-ed Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 The others covered the bases well. Remember if you do run out of gas, you need to prime the vacuum tank before it will work after running dry, so be sure your wrenches will open up the incoming fitting and be sure you have a funnel, siphon hose, or some means of getting a pint of gas in the vacuum tank. Otherwise, the best tool I have for these trips is my AAA card and a cell phone (or 25 cents). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan Arnett Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 I just had a problem occur while out testing one of my cars that i didn't think about until then. In a vac. tank there are two springs which are activated by the float. I am sure that mine springs were original and they both failed. I was close enough to home to go and get two more springs from another tank but from now on I will carry some extras. Easy to change but it will disable the tank without them. Constantly filling your tank my hand will not get you far. By the way Romar sells new springs. Hope this helps Jan <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Rich N Posted March 27, 2003 Share Posted March 27, 2003 Roberto,Mucho Gracias! It is good to hear from you. Have you found any Hermanos Dodge en España? The weather is getting warmer and I must get the Dodge into the sunshine. The folks on the forum have been a great help. It is good to know there are so many willing to share their knowledge and help the novice. With all these recommendations I feel better about taking a little longer trip. I will keep that cell phone battery charged though.Adios señor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB-ed Posted April 5, 2003 Share Posted April 5, 2003 ....oh yeah, and take some hand cleaner and paper towels. maybe a work jumper suit if you need to crawl around in the dirt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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