What spare parts to carry on a trip ???

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 6:56 am

Anyone have any ideas for must carry parts I know the usual belt ,oil,plugs, tools are there any parts that I should be packin with me ? I can go to the local wreckers here and raid a bus before I go but don't want to be too paranoid ...

germansupplyscott · Post by **germansupplyscott** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 12:01 pm

bert,

try this on for size:
http://www.cyberus.ca/~markus/vw/checklist.txt

it's not just spare parts, though.

special note: remember, the only things you'll need will be the ones you don't bring. i did a long trip, brought everythng, needed nothing.

there's nothing paranoid about carrying spare parts when travelling in a 20+ year old vehicle. they key though, is thorough preparation BEFORE you leave.

if your bus is injected i'd have an extra injector. replace all the rubber fuel lines with vw original hose and clamps (not crappy tire) before you go. test the alternator/regulator or have it tested. obviuosly do the brakes all around, including the emergency brake. inspect the ball joints, or have them inspected. grease the front end. i'd also carry some spare relays, including the fuel injection double relay and headlight dimmer. replace all the light bulbs just so you know they are new. do a very thorough engine test, including compression test and if possible leakdown test. you need to be sure your engine will carry you. clean the oil strainer. if you have a standard bus, a starter is not necessary. they are available anywhere if they break, and with a standard you can always bump it. get new tires if you have any doubts and carry a new matching good spare. make sure you have a jack that works. i could go on and on - see special note above.

scott lyons

papun5880pr · Post by **papun5880pr** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 3:53 pm

JUST TAKE A PRIEST AND BLESS THE VAN!!!!!!!.ONLY JOKING BUT MAYBE HE CAN HELP YOU PUSH IT,JUST IN CASE.ALL YOU NEED IS A NICE TUNE UP (OIL CHANGE,SPARK PLUGS,ETC),FAN BELT A MUST,VALVE COVERS GASKET,,A FIRE EXTINGUISHER,A SPARE GAS CAN,A NICE EQUIPED TOOL BUS,BENTLY MANUAL,SPARE TIRE(2 IF YOU CAN) AND MOST OF ALL A NICE WORKING AND SIGNAL OK CELULAR PHONE AND THE PHONE FOR THA MAYOR TOW TRUCKERS ON THE WAY."IF YOU TRUST YOUR RIDE YOU WONT NEED NOTHING ,BUT IF YOU DON'T BE PREPARE" I ALLWAYS CARRY A "SAIL" JUST IN CASE I NEED SOME EXTRA POWER!!!! AND MY MOTHER IN LAW TO KEEP THINGS SECURE!!!!!.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 4:45 pm

To me the #1 item to carry is a spare throttle cable and #2 a rotor. Bob Ingman

ray greenwood · Post by **ray greenwood** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 5:48 pm

Its also nice to toss a spare engine seal kit under the seat. Ray

62T2Doood · Post by **62T2Doood** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 6:42 pm

Take whatever you think you need for spare parts, but don't forget safety.

You need to bring; 2 Fire Extinquisher's, a First-Aid kit, & Cell Phone

(AAA+ helps too; it's easier to work when your not on the side of the highway)

...... my 2 cents .......

------------------
<I>Bryan...St.Petersburg, FL
'62 11W Kombi ;^) "Monie"
'72 Beetle "Punchy"</I>

Hank Winning · Post by **Hank Winning** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 9:13 pm

I'd add
spare clutch cable
spare keys
adjustable push rod tube if you go off road
foot powered air pump for tires and blow gun

hank

ray greenwood · Post by **ray greenwood** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 10:09 pm

What kind of blow gun was that Hank? You arn't suggesting we go native and hunt for food with poison darts are you?

Ray

DallasHead · Post by **DallasHead** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 11:15 pm

Muir says he used to carry a new coil, starter, valve cover gaskets, among other things. Heck, just through a secondary engine on your roof rack and strap it down! Never can be too safe! Valve cover gaskets might be a good thing seriously. And fresh t-Shirts to change into as you get ripe along the way!

------------------
"Goin' Where the Wind Don't Blow so Strange"

rich2481 · Post by **rich2481** » Wed Jun 12, 2002 11:34 pm

Easy way is to buy a second van and tow that,
set of plugs, wires, points, condenser, Belt, bulbs, duct tape,rags, old sheet, good spare tire, Vise grips,

after getting my van and cleaning it up, I seeunder back seat is a MC, vacuum booster, AFM, three gas cans, lamp oil, old wick lamp, gas stabilizer,
( this van was bought here and transporter German visitors up in to CA, for climbing at Joshua Tree National forest. I dont know why the stuff was in the back but my friend got it when the people drove back with a blown engine, no oil and went 400 miles, engine was toast,.

rajay · Post by **rajay** » Thu Jun 13, 2002 1:45 am

Aircooled Interstate Rescue Squad, A.I.R.S.,has a list of VW people who will help you on the road if you encounter unsurmountable problems, you can print out contacts from their website by clicking on a state or territory.

hoipaloi · Post by **hoipaloi** » Thu Jun 13, 2002 4:56 am

cheese whiz
plunger
water pick
bridle
.....wait, that's my 'saturday night' check list....anyway.......
1. distributor already set with new points, condenser, cap & rotor.
2. fuel pump with about 2-3 feet of fuel line and a couple of clamps.
3. a couple feet of electrical wire with some loose connections and electrical tape.
4. 3 quarts of motor oil
5. tools

never have, but do like the spare throttle and clutch cable idea. easy to store and priceless if you need one.

VWmadman · Post by **VWmadman** » Tue Jun 18, 2002 8:12 pm

Put it this way....the part you didn't bring will be the first to go without fail. Last road trip I took through Idaho and montana I took everything minus the case and flywheel. better safe than sorry....besides most of it fit under the rear seat so what the hell

rich2481 · Post by **rich2481** » Wed Jun 19, 2002 6:03 am

hey good to hear about the website, will check it out after 5th cup of coffee.
maybe more people will sign up to help

Pillow · Post by **Pillow** » Wed Jun 19, 2002 8:06 am

So many good posts already, here is my list:

- Full set of tools (feeler gauge and 17mm allen wrench being the only really VW specific ones)
- Fire extinguisher (thinking of carrying 2)
- A really good first aid kit, apply to your area if you have special needs or allergies.
- Standard bus jack
- A good spare tire (not a rotted turd with no air)
- A can of fix-a-flat (never had to use the stuff but could help)
- Coil
- 009 dizzy ready to go
- 4 quarts oil (and filter since I run full flow)
- Junk grease towels
- Flares
- Fan Belt
- Electrical wire
- Fuel filter
- Frizbee
- 2 gallons of water and dried fruit
- Large pocket knife
- HD Maglite flashlight

What I should add:
- clutch cable
- throttle cable
- fuel line

What I do not carry (for no real reason):
- AAA
- Cell phone

It always amazes me how some people in neglected busses can toodle around town and journeys without major problems. They must have great VW karma

------------------
Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia - "Biscuit"
'67 VW Deluxe Westfakia - "Dino"
'79 Porsche 911 SC - "Cochese"