914 Cross Country Trip Tool kit Options

[jcschuf1]

I am new to the forum, and do not own a 914 yet, but I plan to fly in and drive a 914 home. It will be about a 1600 mile trip. My question is, what should I bring along? Your help is greatly appreciated!

[messix]

phone numbers of guys that will be along your route....


and AAA card.

[GeorgeRud]

Cell phone and a credit card! The older I get, the easier it gets to use them instead of a bunch of tools.

Actually, keeping the website of 914world handy would also help you if you ran into trouble as members are all over the country.

[messix]

too slow George..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[mepstein]

A good pair of walking shoes.

But seriously, have a great trip!

['73-914kid]

Id bring an assortment of metric wrenches and sockets, as well as metric allen wrenches + a new alternator belt just in case. Torqure wrench and 19mm socket also wouldnt hurt in the event of a flat.

AAA card, cell phone, and credit card are all helpful as well.. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[tod914]

Maybe have another 914 in tow, as a backup.

[Eric_Shea]

AAA card, charged cell phone and bourbon.

[tod914]

On the more serious note, inspect the fuel lines before you do your trip. Every car that I had, the lines were brittle. Even after I were told they were good to go. Check them yourself. See if you can get, or borrow a fire extinguisher just in case. Check for oil leaks each stop. Check your oil level each stop. Take extra oil. Extra voltage regulator if it's not been replaced yet. About $50. 10mm and 13mm sockets and wrenches are the most common size needed. Phillips and normal screw drivers. Extra Alt. belt if it hasn't been replaced. Inspect your tires for dry rot and pressure, check your brake fluid and peddle firmness before you take off. Maybe if you post your route, other members can forward you a contact number if you get stuck. Good luck, and congrads on your purchase.

[Eric_Shea]

We all forgot...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

[bandjoey]

A local inspection by a knowledgable 914 mechanic or world member before you leave. This is a 40 year old car after all. Be ready for corroded grounds to show up as electrical problems. Know about hot starter problems in advance. Etc.

If the car was advertised some membr might know the car. More info is a big help to you.

Safe journeys.

[Tedman5]

AAA card, money, and a positive mentality...to start. If you're trip goes like my 3300 mile buy-and-go one year ago you'll have a trunk full of purchased souvenirs upon arrival.
I always stopped for gas a truck stops, they will normally have all your needs covered in the stores.
It seemed like I needed something every stop for the first 1500 miles from zip ties and paper towels to WD40. The only tools I needed were a philips and straight blade screwdriver.
Good luck on your trip. I'm pulling for ya!!

[r_towle]

Accelerator cable
Alternator belt
One front wheel bearing set
Tools, all metric, sockets, wrenches etc.
Duct tape and electrical tape
Spare fuses (they are unique to vw/porsche...not easily obtainable on the road)
Spare relays, but we can get you around that.
A metal coat hanger...cause its so very useful.
Spark plugs, points, cap, wires.
Carb cleaner (if carbed)
Wire cutters, pliers etc...a basic full blown tool kit.
An aluminum floor jack
Grubby clothes
A mat to lay on at the side of the road
Vice grips


A smart phone or tablet with internet access to reach out for help here.

At the very least, there should be someone within a few hours of your breakdown that might be friendly enough to come help you out.

Most of us have at least two cars worth of parts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

If you are nervous about it, post the details of your trip ahead of time.
People are really cool here and may volunteer to be on standby.

Good luck with your trip.

[timothy_nd28]

Is the car with original FI or carbs? Was the points updated with a pointless module? If it was me, I would post a map of your planned route, and the times you plan to pass each major milestone. Members nearest each milestone could be on standby in the unfortunate case of a break down. When refueling, keep the car running, if you get pulled over, keep the car running. The one thing I would bring for your trip would be a good seat cushion.

[flippa]

Most of us have at least two cars worth of parts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Good luck with your trip.

If some of us have more than two cars worth of parts, does that make us a hoarder? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

I agree with all of the above comments, but get a AAA Plus card if you can; you get 100 miles of free towing. I drove across country several times, and there is alot of nothing in some parts.

Have a great trip.

[jcschuf1]

Many thanks for all the input and well wishes. The car is carbureted. I am not aware of the hot start issue, however. Is this similar to a vapor lock? Thanks again for your help.

I will post the route once I get it finalized.

[flipb]

Can't believe I'll be the first to mention

Zip Ties!

Used them once to temporarily repair a broken throttle linkage, and dozens of other handy uses.

Edit: Also, I keep a plastic container of glass wipes in my 914 at all times. Windshield gets grimy and you can bet the original spare-tire-pressurized spray system doesn't work anymore. Easily found at your FLAPS.

[type2man]

Test drive the car on the expressway for at least 30 minutes. Don't just drive it around the block. If there are any problems, they will show up after a long test drive. Check the headlights and tailights too. Then post your trip on here and if you do have a problem, maybe someone on here can give you a hand.

I bought a 1960 singlecab and drove it 3300 miles from Cali to Florida. Did a 45 minute drive before I bought it. Drove it home after that without a single hiccup.