Which tools to carry in the boot?

[tvacc]

Wait a minute....... If it's an M100 Elan. ......all I bring is my Lotus Ltd roster. More to meet up with people than to fix the Elan. Only Lotus more reliable than the M100 is my Elise.

[RogerFrench]

Make it a Posidriv screwdriver, not Phillips.

[prezoom]

In the been their, done that category, in addition to most of the above, I have included the internal components of the heater valve used on the S series Elan. Had one rupture in the middle of nowhere and luckily had my trusty gallon of water onboard, which was just enough to get me to a stream where I could top off after bodging up a patch to plug the valve and the hose. Used the Fred Flintstone method by finding a wood stick, whittled it down to the right diameter and drove it into the valve. A bit of my coil of safety wire helped hold it in place. Another stick and the hose clamp took care of the hose. The nice thing about using an anti-freeze coolant mixture is, as soon as the coolant hit the exhaust, I could smell it and shut off the engine immediately, coasting to a stop.

[Bigbaldybloke]

Anyone reading this who is not a Lotus owner would think we all drove round in badly maintained unreliable wrecks!

[prezoom]

The diaphragm in the heater valve was most likely original from 1965. I'll give it a break as it was almost 60 years old when it gave up the ghost. If the new one lasts that long, I'll be happy to change it again.

[draenog]

Okay they?re not tools but don?t forget your fluids!
- Engine oil
- Diff/Gearbox oil
- Brake fluid
- coolant / water
- Grease
- WD40
- Petrol (only if your fuel gauge is dodgy in my opinion).

Obviously at this point there is no space for any other luggage so you need to wear all your clothes.

Best Steve

I can relate to the petrol. My MGB used to have a dodgy fuel gauge, and I used to carry a 5 litre can of petrol in the back. Before I carried the can, I broke down right in the middle between two villages, and had to walk about 4 miles to the nearest garage. Walking back, a bus came past but the driver wouldn't let me on with the can (a paid up member of the more than me job's worth brigade). My VW camper van still has a dodgy gauge, but I know how to twiddle the dash to get a proper reading. I put it in the garage to have the engine replaced. On picking it up, the owner told me it was full of petrol, and I stupidly believed him. Took it out for a drive the next day, only to break down (it was my brother who identified the cause, by asking if the fuel filter should be empty, so convinced was I it had petrol). Luckily, the guy in the house we broke down next to, gave us the petrol he kept for his mower which got us to the nearest garage...

As far as the Elan is concerned, I always carry two sets of spare plugs. I've been caught with misfiring caused by sooty plugs, which I put down to idling in the garage over winter without a proper run.

[wotsisname]

Yoga mat

[prezoom]

In the how much is left in the tank bit, I tweaked the fuel gauge on my S2 to my liking. Removed the tank from the car and set it on a stand next to the boot. Pumped the fuel level down to the point where it would not pick up any more fuel. Used some jumpers to keep the gauge working and bent the float arm until at the empty mark on the gauge and the needle was right in the middle of the slash. Needle and mark in alignment. I know know exactly when the fuel pump will no longer pick up any more fuel. As far as the full mark, I could care less where the needle points, I am more worried about the running out of gas in the middle of nowhere, or stretching the car to the last gasp.

[Ross Robbins]

Since this thread was started in reference to my planned trip,I have read every post...most of which say more about the poster than the problem. Now, let me add my small voice to the proceedings.

It occurs to me that there are two distinct camps in this discussion: 1. Those that prepare for almost anything that could go wrong by bringing the tools and parts necessary to fix almost anything, and 2. Those that believe their car will do fine because they have done proper maintenance prior to starting out and have enough trouble free miles under their belts to predict the trip will be successful. I am in that camp.

Besides, as has been noted by MBell, virtually any town has an auto supply store for things like fluids, hoses and spark plugs and wires so carrying them is just sacrificing lightness.

Therefore, I am taking the three most important things to solve EVERY potential problem that might occur and they will actually fit in the seatback pocket of the Plus 2, requiring ZERO boot space. The membership roster to which Tony Vaccaro referred (which is 8 1/2" X 11" and 1/4" thick) lists every Lotus Limited member who is willing to offer assistance, tools, help, lodging or even a trailer for recovery. This is the single most peace of mind device I will have with me.

The other two are merely secondary but will solve any problem that comes up and they are: A cell phone and a high limit credit card. Questions?

[Bigbaldybloke]

AA / RAC / Green flag membership card?

[Chancer]

Therefore, I am taking the three most important things to solve EVERY potential problem that might occur and they will actually fit in the seatback pocket of the Plus 2, requiring ZERO boot space. The membership roster to which Tony Vaccaro referred (which is 8 1/2" X 11" and 1/4" thick) lists every Lotus Limited member who is willing to offer assistance, tools, help, lodging or even a trailer for recovery. This is the single most peace of mind device I will have with me.

The other two are merely secondary but will solve any problem that comes up and they are: A cell phone and a high limit credit card. Questions?

Yes.

Why start the thread if you had already decided not to take any tools or spares?

Anyone that believes their 50 year old Lotus with modern reproduction parts will be reliable because they have maintained it correctly is a man of great faith!!!

The type of auto shop you refer to are a lot thinner on the ground in Europe and especially so in France, opening hours are incredibly restrictive even if they do stock what you need (which they wont) breakdown services (in France) will only tow your vehicle into the clutches of their mate the bent garagiste, its best to be self sufficient.

[elanfan1]

Yes.

Why start the thread if you had already decided not to take any tools or spares?

Er... he didn?t. Should have gone to Specsavers!

[Certified Lotus]

Like a Ross, I carry a limited amount of tools, parts. Small tool kit, spare set of spark plugs, flashlight. Haven?t had to use them. More importantly, I have a AAA Platinum membership that provides 200 mike flat bed towing for free.

I will admit that I did a frame off restoration 3 years ago so I?m really driving a new car.......

[Ross Robbins]

My Dear Mr. Chancer,

Three things:
A. As noted, I did not start this post. In fact I waited several days to comment in order to get a feel for others thoughts.
B. Please read my first and second sentences. I am merely offering MY opinion, not demanding or even suggesting what you should do.
C.Please note the three emoticons which attempt to indicate the humor I thought I was conveying with my slightly irreverent post.

Have a wonderful life with your Elan, good sir, as I will with mine!

[JonB]

Yoga mat

Right now I'm thinking wotsisname's suggestion might be useful