Let’s face it, a big fear for many classic car owners is being stranded on a busy highway. Or, worse yet perhaps, would be a seldom-used road. In an ideal world, should a driver have misfortune there would be an emergency kit until proper help could arrive? And, depending on the issue, perhaps the emergency kit would contain enough tools to allow the car owner to fix the issue and resume the drive. Regardless of your situation, we recommend 5 Must-Have Items For A Restomod Emergency Kit? to help you avoid classic car catastrophe.
Most roadside problems can often be fixed easily and quickly with the right tools. Even if you do have to rely on an Elmo or two, having the right parts on hand will save you time and a headache. Chances are that Elmo doesn’t have an oil filter, air filter, or radiator hose to fit your classic car or that special tool needed to remove the oil filter cover.
Let’s Begin – 5 Must-Have Items For A Restomod Emergency Kit?
The following is a list of basic tools and parts needed to keep your car on course. Anyone who owns a car should carry a toolbox with the basic necessities in screwdrivers, pliers, electrical tape, etc. People with classic and antique cars need a few more items. This list may seem long and you might be wondering if there will be any room left in your trunk at all, but most items are small and can be stored easily with a little organizing.
1. Flares & Lighting
From a safety perspective, flares and/or reflective triangles are important to warn other drivers of roadside hazards. In the event you have broken down, spacing these items out evenly along the road behind your car is critically important. There are now LED battery-operated flares which are highly recommended, here is a great option.
2. Jumper Cables
Batteries can die and jumper cables are a cost-effective way to alleviate this problem, in many cases. The following set of jumper cables is a cost-effective option from Amazon, click here.
Admittedly, I don’t actually carry a separate battery pack in my car however, I know a few people that swear by them, and here is one they have recommended, click here. My sense is this idea of a separate battery pack is kind of like insurance, only worth paying for in the event you need it. Having said that, at a minimum, I highly recommend at least a good set of jumper cables.
3. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit will not cover major accidents and things of that nature. However, they are invaluable for the majority of smaller everyday injuries and even a few more serious injuries from an accident. Most first aid kits come packed with all the essentials you’ll need or you can custom build one to meet your needs.
Keep in mind the age of the travelers with you, small children need different things than your parents do. Keep track of medications needed for the passengers and pack enough to last in an emergent situation.
5 Must-Have Items For A Restomod Emergency Kit – Continued
4. Car Fluids, Spare Parts & Tools
Tool Box
- Screwdrivers – regular and Phillips, make sure you have long-handled and stubbies
- Wrenches – metric, regular, 12″ adjustable, fuel filter, Allen
- Pliers – adjustable, needle nose, vice grips, wire cutters
- Sockets – all sizes, spark plug, and a ratchet
- Hack saw – a mini-one
- A hammer of some sorts
- Assorted screws, bolts, washers, and nuts
Keep your toolbox in a place where it is easily accessible. You should be proud to show off your toolbox in front of strangers.
Fluids
- At least 2 quarts of oil
- One pint of appropriate brake fluid
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Antifreeze
- Windshield washer fluid
- Hydraulic fluid (if your car requires it)
- And a jug of water
These bottles will all fit in a plastic milk crate which can be shoved to the back of the trunk. Most older cars have large trunks, thank goodness.
Spare Parts
- Oil Filter
- Fuel Filter
- All V belts (keep the old ones after you change them and label each one)
- Radiator hoses
- Points and condenser
- Brake pads – front and back
- Spark plugs
- Fuses
These are just the basics. You may want to carry more or less depending on your car. Newer cars only need to carry emergency items such as V-belts and a radiator hose repair kit. You can never carry too much stuff.
5. Winter Items
Ok, so this one feels like a stretch BUT I have seen many people get hit with an unexpected snowfall. Yes, even classic car restomod drivers so when it happens, you’ll want to be prepared. I recommend the following options:
- Ice scraper.
- Spray bottle with washer fluid
- A box to keep all this in
Note: The following home kit is a great idea to keep in your home or even your second home as appropriate, click here to see one on Amazon.
6. Additional Items
The following are a bunch of items that I came across while researching emergency kits for class car restomods. In some cases, they are duplicative and may be found in the previously recommended kits. However, they are good items to consider as follows:
- Tire pressure gauge
- Electrical and duct tape
- Flashlight with batteries – keep the batteries in the glove compartment, not in the flashlight
- Clamps of various sizes
- Fuel line hose
- Hose repair kit
- Aerosol flat fixer – only good for small punctures and slow leaks
- Manuals – don’t be afraid to give your manual to a mechanic. They don’t know everything.
- Wheel chocks – if you have to change a tire on a hill
- Inflated spare tire and jack (of course). Make sure you know how to change a tire.
- Gloves
- Fire extinguisher
- A coat hanger or wire – for hanging a muffler or tailpipe
- Spare wiper blades
- Rags
- Hand cleaner (waterless)
- Paper towels
- Small shovel
- Matches
- Blanket
- Credit card (as a last resort)
Wrapping Up
This list should serve as a guide or remind you of something that your particular car needs. Customize your list any way you see fit. Belonging to a roadside assistance club is also a good idea. Triple-A is known to most people and garages in the US, but some insurance providers have their own.
The best way to avoid a breakdown is to keep your car, no matter what year or make, in tip-top condition. Regularly inspect the engine and the v-belts; and check the fluid levels, air pressure in the tires, and the lights. For most weekend mechanics, this is second nature. But hopefully, by carrying your own car parts store in your trunk, you will never need a single item. As the saying goes, if you carry an umbrella, it won’t rain.
