Tools to keep in the Truck at all Times?

[Jbeard]

Howdy all!

Just got my dad's 72 C10 Longbed going again and am currently driving it daily to college.

One of my next major steps is getting together a good group of tools to keep under the bench seat for the eventuality of break downs.

Was hoping to hear what other guys keep in their truck and also what kind of bags or whatever else y'all use to keep them organized.

Particularly interested if anyone keeps a jack in the truck and if so what kind?

Had a flat the other day, and had to call triple A because I didn't have a jack...

-Jarrett

[JMC1965]

1. Fire extinguisher
2. Battery jumpstarter
3. AAA card
4. small bag w/ some wrenches, sockets, screw drivers, tape, flashlight

A lot of good advice in these

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=468764

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=482097

[Don Quixote]

Around town I carry 2 sets of open end wrenches, a 4 way, a bottle jack and a tire plug kit. I do carry a fire extinguisher. When I'm taking out cross country, I carry a full Craftsman tool set, an ordinance tarp, a blanket, a gallon of motor oil and a bottle of 80/90. I also carry a can of brake fluid and some extra windshield washer fluid. I keep everything but the fire extinguisher in the tool box. In the glove box I keep black tape, fuses and butt connectors and a few extra relays.

[sick472]

HEI truck drivers often carry a spare module and I have had a coil leave me stranded in the recent past. Don't forget jumpers and a first aid kit...

The 73+ trucks have a jack that mounts nicely to the inner fender under the hood, check that out. IIRC there is a long folding crank handle that typically went behind the seat with it.

We'll have the bed of your truck full before too long!

[HO455]

I carry a cheap multimeter. I prefer an analog one as the battery will last for years and even if it is dead the voltmeter will still work. Plus I have a 24" 1/2" drive flex handle with a a cheater pipe and socket for the lug nuts. (Got burned once by Led Schwab over torquing lug nuts and the lug wrench we had wouldn't budge the lugs.). Photo of one the jacks in my Burban. It is similar to what Sick472 mentioned. ( I installed this one and then months later found a factory jack with the mount and handle at a wrecking yard. So I now I have two.)

[Coley]

Ok, here are my basics:

Tools:....well first find a reasonable 'mid-sized' low profile toolbox which will fit under the seat....then:
-combination wrench: 1/4" to 5/8" (plus I like to keep extra 1/2" & 9/16")
-Screwdrivers: Philips (small, medium) & flat blade (small, medium & large)
-Adjustable wrench (medium)
-Socket Driver (3/8") & 3" or 4" extension for it.
-Sockets....1/4" to 5/8" (...maybe 3/4")
-Needle nose pliers (medium)
-Linemans pliers (med-large)
-Vise Grip pliers (small to medium...not both)
-Wire cutters (small-medium....or use the wire cutters on the linemans pliers)
-Razor knife (w spare blade)
-Ball pein hammer (small-medium)
-Pry bar (medium size....or use the large flat blade screwdriver...on or the other)
-small plastic container with some hand cleaner in it (old film 35mm film case or something similar)
-& a few spare bolts....1/4"NC, 5/16"NC, 3/8"NC not too long & a few nuts and washers to go along...miscellaneous small extras.
-At least a dozen plastic zip ties (tie wraps?).....some bigger ones, medium ones and some small ones....easy, cheap and don't take up much room.
Ok, all of the above will easily fit into a fairly small toolbox. if you want to add a few things...go for it.

Also, 'under the seat' stuff:
-A couple of spare, clean cotton cloths/wrags.
-Jumper cables (easy)
-optional: a piece of reasonable size cardboard that will slip in behind the seat against the gas tank....you can lay on this if you need to. (cheap, easy)

Glovebox stuff:
-A good flashlight
-pack of matches or a good lighter
-at least (2) good pens/pencils and a simple, small notepad

.....and of course a simple jack and a correct wheel wrench for your lug nuts and a small fire extinguisher is always a good idea.

Ok....for me that is about it.
If I have a problem at the side of the road that exceeds what these tools can do....I'm usually into a tow situation. However those will see to about 90% of any problems you might experience.

All good
Coley

[JMC1965]

Coley is prepared !!!

[Jcfcamaro]

Bottle opener!

[harpo231]

Buildin new 67 m no tools for me

[Coley]

Originally Posted by Jcfcamaro

Bottle opener!

...whew!....good catch, I missed that one.
Always important for any and all tailgate parties and social affairs.

lol

Coley

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by Jcfcamaro

Bottle opener!

the silver metal piece on the end of the seat belt is the best bottle opener,atleast on our old trucks

[Jbeard]

Thanks for all the Replies!

I'll start gathering tools and spare parts tomorrow. I think I have a smaller toolbox I might take a sanding tool to that will work perfect with a fresh coat of paint on it to match the truck

Made a good sized order from LMC the other day, mostly grommets and other small stuff like that. I'm most excited about putting the two rubber standoffs on for the glove box door so that it will stop rattling at speed. Oh, and installing new vent seals so that my left leg will stop being blasted with a crisp wintery breeze. HAHA

-Jarrett

[Bomp]

Along with jacks, tool box full of tools, sometimes an extra battery ALWAYS have a cell phone and charger cable.

[jojomiamia]

Just a big cigar, close to my glovebox ;-)

[6768chevylover]

I had an alternator bracket break on me. I had tie down straps with me and used them to position the alt. in the spot it was in. I drove 100 mile with this till I was home. Voltmeter was up and down but it worked. Forget triple A...hahaha

[1967GTO]

Originally Posted by 6768chevylover

I had an alternator bracket break on me. I had tie down straps with me and used them to position the alt. in the spot it was in. I drove 100 mile with this till I was home. Voltmeter was up and down but it worked. Forget triple A...hahaha

I had a alt bracket bolt break on mine and had to borrow a big c-clamp and a 2x4 to get home.

I don't know how many people I have helped that don't have the correct size lug nut socket to fit their new wheels.

I will add some vise grips to the list. Very handy for many things. Also ratchet tie down straps

[sick472]

If your vision is goin like mine (far sighted), a pair of cheater glasses would be most valuable for a repair. Mine are always on the dash!

AND a small 12 volt air pump for flat tires.

Next question...where to store emergency items when under the seat is FULL?

[CastIron]

Originally Posted by sick472

Next question...where to store emergency items when under the seat is FULL?

I was about to ask the same thing. Anybody doing anything interesting for storing tools? I was thinking about mounting an old steel ammo box under the hood, somewhere near the voltage regulator. They are tough, waterproof, and can hold quite a bit.

[joeydurango]

Originally Posted by CastIron

I was about to ask the same thing. Anybody doing anything interesting for storing tools? I was thinking about mounting an old steel ammo box under the hood, somewhere near the voltage regulator. They are tough, waterproof, and can hold quite a bit.

That would be cool - as long as you padded the inside and separated the tools somehow. Otherwise I'd think you'd get quite a lot of rattle in there.

[1972RedNeck]

Set of end wrenches, Leatherman, .357 Mag, 6 way screwdriver, tire iron, hatchet,first aid kit, fire extinguisher, ammo, and bottle jack.

[custom10nut]

At a bare minimum.
Pliers, 8 inch adjustable wrench, combo wrenches between 3/8 and 3/4 (also metrics the same size range), flat tip and Phillips screw drivers, and a roll of duct tape. Fits nice in a small bag and stashes next to the factory jack. I've never had to use any of my tools on my on my own vehicles but have helped more people than I can remember on the side of the highway.

[joeydurango]

What tools to bring?

All of 'em.

Well, not quite. But I have a case full of tools sitting in my bed-mounted toolbox. Too much to list, but I could repair or replace most things on the side of the road if needed. That tool case must weigh at least 50 pounds. If I don't have the tool to fix it on hand, I probably have the tools to make it work long enough to get home to my garage and the rest of my tools.

[special-K]

In my work trucks I carry basic hand tools since I am carrying tools of my trade and often need a wrench or other anyway. But generally, unless I am off on a long trip, I don't carry any tools. I carry jumper cables, a length of chain, and a container of each fluid. I should carry a roll of wrenches like I do on my Harley, but never put anything together. These trucks just seem to get me home no matter what...with or without mine or someone else's tools. I guess I've just been lucky enough to have what I needed when I needed it. But I think I'll put a set of combination, allen, screw drivers, punch, hammer, pliers together now that I'm thinking about it.

[mike16]

1911?

[joeydurango]

Originally Posted by mike16

1911?

That is one tool that will probably get you into more trouble than out...