On Fri, 7 Feb 2003, Kevin McLean wrote:

> There is lots of info on what spare parts are recommended for long trips
> in a Vanagon (a spare van if possible!).  What I would like to know is
> what tools would be the minimum to bring along as well?  Duct tape, WD-40,
> big hammer????

My solution to the tools question is: whatever will fit under the rear seat.
This includes every tool I've ever owned, plus four quarts of oil, extra
coolant, and belts for a Scirocco, not that the damn thing runs with or
without belts.  BIG hammer, metric and SAE socket'n'wrench set, screwdrivers
galore, oil filter wrench (good for CIS fuel pumps too!), paper towels, an
air pump, and hose clamps.  18" breaker bar for special occasions.  And on
the passenger side, I keep my special collection of rust and paint flakes,
plus an important sight window for checking tread depth on the right rear
wheel from inside. :)

I keep a big blue bucket (three gallons or so) for those roadside oil
changes and other Fluid Emergencies.  Up front, a little plastic hippo
statue covers my broken gas gauge and keeps me company!

In this manner, I've gone all over the place, including a 1600 mile round
trip to Philadelphia last summer.

ian Butler / ian@bluemoon.hplx.net
'88 Scirocco 16v, '87 Syncro GL