MGB V8

MG Tool Survival Kit

Jim Miller 3/2/03

Adapted from a list originally created by the MGAguru.com

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/tools/toolbox1.htm

I keep the tools in a canvas tool bag in the boot of the car. The canvas bag tends to fit in tight spots and keeps the

tools from rattling too much. The weight of the bag with tools is 18.5 pounds.

TOOLS CARRIED FOR ALL OCCASIONS (The MG Survival Kit):

· 3/8" drive socket set, 1/4" to 7/8", with ratchet handle universal joint, and extensions of 1", 3", 6" and 10".

· 13/16" spark plug socket.

· Combination Open end / Box end wrenches 1/4" through 3/4". Two sets (so you can use two of the same size).

· Adjustable wrenches, 8" and 4".

· 6" long nose pliers.

· 6" long nose Vice Grip

· Vise Grip pliers

· 6" slip joint pliers

· 10" channel lock pliers

· Wire stripper / crimping tool.

· Screwdrivers, medium small and tiny, straight and phillips tips, and a couple of medium stubby ones for tight places.

· "Z" shape screwdriver, medium straight and Phillips tips (for when you may need a little extra leverage on stubborn screws).

· 1/4" and 5/16” nut driver, handy for small hose clamps

· Allen wrench set (because I use allen screws to attach my heater valve)

· Pocket knife with 1, 2 or 3 blades. Use it to cut hoses ect (and keep it sharpened).

· 12-volt test light, like small awl with wire tail and alligator clip.

· Digital multi-meter, pocket size with wires and probes included about 1" x 2" x 4", Less then $10 from a roadside tool sale.

· 8-ft 16-ga jumper wire with alligator clips.

· Several feet of 16-ga wire for repairs as needed.

· Small baggie of tie wraps.

· Small baggie of rubber bands. They come in handy

· Roll of black vinyl tape.

· Small tube of hand cleaner.

· Small baggie of electrical bits, harness tube connectors, wire lugs, butt connectors, fuses, and few light bulbs.

· Small baggie of mechanical bits, fine thread nuts & bolts, flat & lock washers, including a lug nut, a couple of cotter pins and a few small sheet metal screws, etc.

· Extra baggies (while you are putting things in baggies).

· Hose clamps, 1 each of 3/8" (fuel hose), 3/4" (heater hose), and 1-3/4" or 2" (radiator hose).

· Black & Decker Snake Light or some type of flashlight with a set of extra batteries.

SOME NON-TOOL THINGS ALWAYS KEPT IN THE TRAVEL BOX:

· Paper towels in a plastic grocery bag to keep it from unrolling.

· Small selection of rags when the paper towels won’t do.

· Spare parts you feel you need. (heater valve, accelerator cable …)

· One or more quarts of engine oil.

· One or more spare spark plugs.

· Copy of wiring diagram blown up from 8.5/11 to 11/17 or copy of workshop manual

· Rain-X

· Coat hanger. I have used this tool several times. The applications are unlimited.

· Epoxy plumbers’ putty. (Optional)

THINGS FOR THE GLOVE BOX, MAP POCKET, BOOT OR ANY OTHER PLACE YOU CAN HIDE IT

· Sun tan / sun block lotion

· First aid kit

· Spare set of sun glasses

· Hat for additional protection.

· Maps / road atlas

· Towel to dry yourself or the car off.

· Jacket if it gets cold

· Fire extinguisher

THINGS LEFT IN TOOL BOX AS A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE:
(not absolutely necessary for road trips)

· 12" adjustable wrench (for a few of the big things you might run up against on the road once every 10 years or so, also to turn the crankshaft occasionally).

· Tapered plastic plug that fits inside of 1/2" heater hose (used to stop off a hose if the heater valve fails).

THINGS ONLY CARRIED ON LONG ROAD TRIPS:

· Jumper cables (push start will usually suffice for an MG).

· Tire pressure gauge

· Tire patch/plugging kit.

· 1/4" drive socket set.

· Duck tape

· Pry bar

www.oocities.org/v8mgb