That list is very similar to my own, but I discovered in nearly my first Westy repair (dash fan switch) that a folding, extending mechanic's mirror paired with that flashlight can be an invaluable addition and it is now part of the traveling kit.

Stephen

--- On Sun, 3/15/09, neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: minimal tools - was things you should have with you on a long              trip
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2009, 12:49 PM

On Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 11:43 PM, Rob <becida@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> When I was shopping for my Westy I looked at the whole west coast and
> did talk to one person on the other coast. With the thought of flying
> somewhere and driving back I gave some thought to minimal tools,
> either check them thru or stop at a Sears (or the pawn shops) and buy
> what I need.
> As it turned out my Westy was less than a 2 hr drive away.
>
> What would be in my minimal tool kit? I started out ('71) with Muir's
> book and my first '59 bus & the tool list he had there was good. I
> later spent a lot of years turning wrenches and had my own ideas of
> what was needed.
>
> With that in mind... here is what I have right now in the back of the
> bus. It's all in the tool bag.
>
> A tool bag or box, not too big, mine is 12" long and 8" x 8"
> Combo wrenches, 7mm-22mm (skipping 16mm)
> Metric allen wrenches
> A socket set, nothing fancy or big, 3/8 drive
> vicegrip assortment
> screw driver assortment
> duck bill pliers
> needle nose pliers
> regular pliers
> multimeter
> wire cutters
> wire cut-strip-crimp pliers
> electrical tape
> an assortment of crimp on electrical �connectors
> mechanics wire
> small wire brush
> RTV
> plastic tie wraps
> 6 in 1 screwdriver (for the glove box)
> An LED head lamp for a flash light

I like that list. I know I need to reduce a little. Like just carry
3/8" sockets and an adapter to 1/2" ratchet

What is a "mechanics wire" ?� Magnet?

Neil.

-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines