Tools to bring

[hippieman9]

Hey all, I’m looking to purchase a DeLorean about 2,500 miles away, and drive it home. It’s been well maintained per the owner. Any recommendations as to any tools I should bring with me in case I have to make a repair? Just wondering what you all thought.
Thanks.

[Alex Brooks]

Hey all, I’m looking to purchase a DeLorean about 2,500 miles away, and drive it home. It’s been well maintained per the owner. Any recommendations as to any tools I should bring with me in case I have to make a repair? Just wondering what you all thought.
Thanks.

I brought a socket set, wrench set an a spare fuel pick up hose and fuel pump. I did not need any of them I drove 3,200 miles home. The day after I bought the car I pick up quart of oil and some 50/50 premix. Still have those unopened under the hood.
All that stuff did make feel better and safe I had no problem carrying the tools and spare parts in my checked bag on the flight out.

Good Luck with your Purchase !

[powerline84]

Bring some 125psi high pressure fuel line for the accumulator and a fire extinguisher . That's the only brake down I have had.

[dodint]

Look for DaraSue's 'excellent adventure' thread. She brought an entire garage with her when she did it. ;)

[Alex Brooks]

Every Classic car should have fire extinguisher that you can get to quickly. I looking a getting a new that leaves no residue but they are spendy. https://www.amazon.com/Kidde-466727-Halotron-Extinguisher-2-Pound/dp/B001ECQ5NE I will probably get a larger size but this was one I could find the link to fast.

[David T]

It's not just tools, what parts are you going to have that you would need tools to use? Some general stuff like a battery pack, some bulbs, some hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, electrical tape, extra fuses, tire gauge, might be handy. The most important "tools" would be a AAA card, a cell phone, and a list of owners along the way. It is always iffy to pick up an unknown car and plan to drive it a long way. The best plan would be to tow it or even have it delivered. Check the tires. If they are over 10 years old don't drive it. Check the tire pressures. Cross/check the fuel with the gauge and the odometer till you can trust the fuel gauge. For the first 100 miles or so stop and check the fluid levels often. Figure 250 miles on a full tank of gas. Cross/check your odometer and speedometer against the mile markers for accuracy. Don't expect much from the radio so bring something to listen to. Watch the temperature gauge, do NOT overheat the motor. At the first sign of trouble pull over and don't overheat it. Make sure all of your paperwork is in order in case you get pulled over. That means plates, registration and insurance. A radar detector is handy as is navigation. Have a good trip.

[hippieman9]

Great! thank you for all the advice. I am a mechanic by trade and I know driving an unknown vehicle a long distance is a gamble. But Fingers crossed it will be a fun adventure!! The current owner has owned the car since 1990 and has had it maintained by DMC. He doesn't let it sit , the tires are newer. and he states its ver mechanically sound. I went over a list of the upgrades he has done to the car such as the relays and radiator and window regulators. He states everything works as it should.
I did thank of shipping the car home, but honestly I would hate for something to be missing or damaged. So I'd rather take the time to drive it. Good excuse for a road trip!
I was planning on taking a small tool box, with assorted tools, cell phone, GPS, iPod..to name a few things. Looking forward to this.... To be a Delorean owner once again!

[mluder]

Hey all, I’m looking to purchase a DeLorean about 2,500 miles away, and drive it home. It’s been well maintained per the owner. Any recommendations as to any tools I should bring with me in case I have to make a repair? Just wondering what you all thought.
Thanks.

AAA - Best investment ever and a tool you carry with you at all times. Get the top tier and you get free towing up to 200 miles. Not to mention roadside assistance, battery replacement, etc.

Cheers
Steven

[Jonathan]

Print a copy of this and take it with you: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?9950-P-J-Grady-Emergency-Troubleshooting-Guide&p=188017&viewfull=1#post188017

I'd value bringing knowledge with you more than a pile of random parts and tools. Cell phone, Internet connection to this forum, credit card. If you say the previous owner maintained it well and drove it often, and you believe that, then don't expect anything to break. If it does, sort it out as it happens. Trying to guess what might fail on a car you said is in good condition isn't going to help. Not by bringing spare fuel pumps or window motors. If I were going to bring anything, I'd take a very basic tool pouch meant for being left in the car (Metric if you can find one) and perhaps a cigar lighter powered air pump in case the wheels go low and an assortment of the fuses that are in the car in case one goes.

[dn010]

This is what I have in my car, majority of which fits hidden inside the jack storage compartment:

Socket/wrench set/wire cutters/screw drivers
spare fuel pump
spare hose clamps
spare coolant hose section
spare heater hose section
spare fuel hose section
fire extinguisher
12vdc air pump
spare wire
jumper wire
Electrical tape
Fuses
spare belts
1 gallon coolant
1 bottle of DOT4 brake fluid


Only one time did I break down stranded with what turned out to be a broken terminal/wire on the fuel pump and I fixed that in 5 minutes. ANY OTHER time I used these tools, it was to help someone else!

[Dangermouse]

AAA card
Cellphone & charger
Duct tape
WD 40

[dodint]

AAA Premier card and driving past Micheal's neighborhood was all the confidence I needed. ;)

[Andrew]

In addition to the other recommendations, I would add the following:

An electrical multi-meter (I have a cheapo $5.99 Harbor Freight model in the glove box of each car)
A small floor jack
A can of fix a flat
2 fire extinguishers

Back when I was running K-jet, I not only carried a spare fuel pump, but also a spare RPM relay. Both are well worth the price in peace of mind alone.

If you're going to pack your trunk full of tools like many of us do, I would recommend covering the tools with a heavy blanket as to reduce the risk of a dented hood.

Congrats on your purchase and good luck!

Andrew
4194
5052

[Michael]

I have a really cool box that has basic tools and electric repair tools along with some hose repair tape, work light, collapsible gas can, etc. I also have a portable battery for jumping off and charging electronic devices. In other words the basics.

My extinguisher is permantly mounted behind the seat and my DeLorean specific tools are:
A spare RPM relay. I have Dave's digital relay installed but still carry a spare.
A jumper wire
A spare alternator belt
A used but working fuel pump that I keep in the back compartment.

These stay in the car at all times. That doesn't mean that if my pump fails I'm going to change it rather the call a tow, but at least I have the option of it's 2am on a Sunday morning.

[mluder]

These stay in the car at all times. That doesn't mean that if my pump fails I'm going to change it rather the call a tow, but at least I have the option of it's 2am on a Sunday morning.

What are you doing out so late on a school night?

Cheers
Steven

[Michael]

What are you doing out so late on a school night?

Cheers
Steven

2am Sunday morning means it's 2 hours past Saturday night, which means all the garages are closed the "next day" and I can (and have) swapped out a fuel pump on the side of the road. The most time consuming part is the closing plate screws, all 718 of them. [Note to self, add power driver to list.]

[hippieman9]

Thank you all for the input! I am looking forward to being a Delorean owner again... Its been a long time.

[DaraSue]

Look for DaraSue's 'excellent adventure' thread. She brought an entire garage with her when she did it. ;)

LOL, yeah, if nothing else at least I guaranteed I'd only have problems with the parts I didn't have spares of. :biggrin:

Here's my post in a similar thread to this one, with my original list + recent subtractions and additions: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?16079-Trunk-Carry-or-What-tools-and-items-should-you-always-carry-in-the-car&p=229507&viewfull=1#post229507

[hippieman9]

Ok, Well, I am flying to AZ next week and driving back my 81 Delorean!! I am looking froward to this trip. Ill be traveling from Phoenix to Roswell, NM, to Houston TX, (Stopping in to visit DMCH) Then traveling home to Burlington NC. If there is anyone in-between any of these points in case I have any issues that would be great to know.

[ssdelorean]

Trying not to repeat all ready commented on great items, here are a few more for your utility belt/McGyver grab bag:
- rags, paper towel
- blanket or grubby clothes (if you need to lay on ground working on car on side of road)
- flashlight, towel, garbage bag (because if you break down it is usually: at night and/or bad weather)
- a Manly sized flat head screw driver to go with the extra Alt belt. If alone, you can use to put tension on belt with one hand while tightening bolt with other hand (unless the car has an updated belt tensioner adjuster).

[burch]

I'm in the Phoenix area...if there are any issues early on, I might be able to help! What car did you pick up?


Ok, Well, I am flying to AZ next week and driving back my 81 Delorean!! I am looking froward to this trip. Ill be traveling from Phoenix to Roswell, NM, to Houston TX, (Stopping in to visit DMCH) Then traveling home to Burlington NC. If there is anyone in-between any of these points in case I have any issues that would be great to know.

[Alex Brooks]

I'm in the Phoenix area...if there are any issues early on, I might be able to help! What car did you pick up?
Lets here it the specs on the car ? 5 speed or auto. interior color, what hood? got any pictures ? Congratulation on the car. :)

[hippieman9]

Lets here it the specs on the car ? 5 speed or auto. interior color, what hood? got any pictures ? Congratulation on the car. :)

Its an 81' Grey interior, 5 speed. Grooved hood, no gas flap. Very well maintained from what I can tell. vin 06668

It's a driver, it has "higher" miles, but was in my price range. just under 87,000 miles. But that doesn't scare me. I won't feel bad driving it. LOL

Yes, I am bringing a pair of coveralls, some basic tools, AAA card, and a cell phone. fingers crossed Its a smooth ride home.

Future plans for it, I am liking Delorean Performance stage 1 exhaust, DMCH lower suspension, and convert all the lights to LED's (Minus the Battery light)

[Alex Brooks]

Its an 81' Grey interior, 5 speed. Grooved hood, no gas flap. Very well maintained from what I can tell. vin 06668

It's a driver, it has "higher" miles, but was in my price range. just under 87,000 miles. But that doesn't scare me. I won't feel bad driving it. LOL

Yes, I am bringing a pair of coveralls, some basic tools, AAA card, and a cell phone. fingers crossed Its a smooth ride home.

Future plans for it, I am liking Delorean Performance stage 1 exhaust, DMCH lower suspension, and convert all the lights to LED's (Minus the Battery light)

Good looking car enjoy your drive home. Definitely get the DPI exhaust and cams really makes the car come alive.

[eagle-co94]

I recently bought a 51 year old car sight unseen and drove it home about 600 miles. The first thing I did was get a AAA Premier membership. I figured that 200 mile tow could really come in handy. I took my travel tool box which is a Craftsman 150pc set with some pliers, screwdrivers, vice-grips and adjustable wrenches tossed in. Luckily the only thing I needed on the trip home was a can of starting fluid.

[hippieman9]

After 5 days of travel in the Delorean We made it home safe! From Scottsdale, AZ to Mebane, NC. total of 2,617 miles driven. Great shake down and the car didn't skip a beat! It loves to cruise at 70-75MPH. I did discover a horrible shimmy that turns out to be a blowen driver front shock. Stopped at DMCH on the way home and had a great conversation with Stephen Wynne while we were there too. Proud owner of 06668!!

[Iznodmad]

After 5 days of travel in the Delorean We made it home safe! From Scottsdale, AZ to Mebane, NC. total of 2,617 miles driven. Great shake down and the car didn't skip a beat! It loves to cruise at 70-75MPH. I did discover a horrible shimmy that turns out to be a blowen driver front shock. Stopped at DMCH on the way home and had a great conversation with Stephen Wynne while we were there too. Proud owner of 06668!!

Glad your cross country trip was good. You landed really close to me (Lexington NC) and I run our local club. It is informal and our next meet in April 14th. Contact me if you’d like to know more.

[DaraSue]

Glad you had a mostly-good drive home! I had to get the front shocks replaced when I first bought mine, too.

[hippieman9]

Glad your cross country trip was good. You landed really close to me (Lexington NC) and I run our local club. It is informal and our next meet in April 14th. Contact me if you’d like to know more.

Yeah Lexington, NC Is about an hour from me!

[hippieman9]

Glad you had a mostly-good drive home! I had to get the front shocks replaced when I first bought mine, too.

Thank you! Well, now I have an excuse to upgrade the suspension, LOL.