240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

So in previous years I have always kept a handful of tools in my car for any mishaps. Now with my miata finally hitting the road again I am looking to have its own tool kit in the car strapped down for whenever I need it.

I just went to lowes and bought a tool bag to put this ---- in... here is the list I have come up with of stuff that I would like to have in my car on a daily basis. This is not a list of what I would bring to a track day, but simply what I want to have to keep me from calling AAA when I fail at life.


3/8 metric Ratchet set
10,11,12,14,17 wrenches
flat head screw driver
philips screw driver
spark plug socket
3/8 extension (to get to the spark plug)
Channel lock plyers
strippers/crimpers
flash light/ magnet
dykes
Alen wrench to remove race seat
zip ties
spark plugs
hose clamps
heater hose
turbo coolant hose
vac hose
painters tape (autox #'s)
butt connectors
electrical tape
spare megasquirt chip
wire
tire pressure gauge
coils ( i have 2 spares)
multimeter
jumper cables
Oil
Misc. hardware
lug nut tool
OEM jack (even tho I dont have a spare tire, IK )


Yes IK this stuff all adds weight, but this is a 225 rwhp full interior miata that still sees quite a bit of street time. There have been plenty of time where I was happy to have plenty of tools in the car.

Your please. . .

samnavy

iTrader: (7)

A Leatherman... leave the rest of that shiz at home. If something breaks so bad that you need all that ----, just get a tow. Standing by the side of the road trying to fix your shiz will get you killed. Hood up in a parking lot trying to fix your shiz is time wasted that you could be chillin' with a beer being towed back to your nice comfy garage. It's just not worth it.

Forget all that crap and just carry a Leatherman on you in case you need to saw your arm off if you wake up next to an ugly chick one morning.

240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

I will probably downsize this list, but I have always been happy to have at least some wrenches in my car. Blow off a charge pipe? Small coolant leak? Fouled spark plugs? all things that are a 2 second fix in a parking lot and not worth waiting an hour for AAA

vplukas101

IMO that list is what you need if you are making a long trip cross country other then that i would get a tow

240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

yeah the more I think about it I agree. The idea is that I can hop in the miata and not worry.

EDIT: FYI I live in an apartment and these are the only tools I would have there. My parents house is 45 minutes away and that is where I go to do any major work. This kit is intended to let me do most things without having to get the car to my parents or my friends.

eb66

I would say gloves so you don't burn your hands for minor repairs in engine bay (boost leaks). I'd just keep basic wrenches though and leave the rest of your tools at your apartment.

Oscar

iTrader: (2)

No matter what I seem to carry or bring to the track, whatever breaks can't be fixed on te side of the road. I just have some duct tape, zip ties and my AA card. Oh, and jumper cables and a tow rope.

Vashthestampede

iTrader: (17)

I have a box of spare parts and a small toolbox I keep with me at ALL times. In the miata or not.

You know how many times that box of parts and/or toolbox has saved me from getting a tow? A lot! lol

---- it. The extra 20lbs isn't even worth mentioning.

I vote stick with your original plan. You never know when you'll break down and chances are its ALWAYS at the most inconvenient time or place.

FWIW, 90% of my break downs have been late at night.

Only time I had to have the miata towed was when they put me in cuffs for reckless driving in a parking lot. All other times I was able to fix whatever it was wrong with my bag of dicks tricks.

blaen99

iTrader: (6)

Reckless driving in a parking lot Vash? WTF?

Vashthestampede

iTrader: (17)

Short and simple version - Figure 8's around light poles in a parking lot in front of 2 cops across the street.

curly

iTrader: (25)

For the love of god, don't forget a 8mm wrench.

Think brake fluid and clutch fluid. You'll need a 8mm to bleed for whatever reason.

Along those lines brake fluid wouldn't be horrible to have, I wouldn't throw any liquids (including your above mentioned oil) in a bag. Have it wrapped in rags for protection and store them separately standing up somewhere.

The stock jack is awesome to have, lifts faster and easier than some of the stuff I have. Especially if you weld a nut to the end and use a powered drill. Which would be a little excessive to carry.

Oh, and add a shortish (6") adjustable wrench to the list. Along with a cheater bar (6-8") that can be fitted on your adjustable wrench and ratchet.

240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

I only got unsafe movement for a similar thing

240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

I am actually planning on replacing my stock jack with a stock MINI jack. I love mine, its a single sided jack. Works great and stores so small I can fit it in this tool bag.