VW Vanagon road tool box recommendations?

[Beerhippie]

I'm hoping to be heading to Portland, OR area sometime in the next two weeks to pick up a new-to-me 1990 Vanagon Caret (2wd) w/1999 Subby Impreza RS EJ 2.5L engine. I'll take winter tires on rims to put on it before driving back to far NE Oregon--we have a couple of nasty interstate passes on I84 so I want to be prepared as this is about time for the first big snow.

Here's my road box as currently stocked for the Toyota Corolla:



Plus a 1/2 breaker bar, torque wrench, 19mm deep impact socket and impact driver for the wheel swap.

Rig appears to be in fine condition, so hopefully I'll only be using the wheel-swap tools.

What would you all add? It's been a while since I've wrenched on a Vanagon and I've had no experience with a Subby engine.

 

[CGarage]

Emergency blanket, medical kit, and bottled water. On a recent road trip, a mobile phone powerbank (order a new one before trip) was very useful to have. AAA platinum membership.

 

[jayemm]

To the above I think I'd add before leaving Portland: some food/snacks and a thermos of hot coffee/soup. Wipers in good shape and washer fluid topped off. Roll of shop towels/rags and hand cleaner. Good flashlight. Roll of duct/electrical tape maybe. I'm not trying to suggest everything but the kitchen sink but it's unknown vehicle and changeable weather and simple things can make a difference. Skip the parachute. LOL

 

[GeoBruin]

Paging @vwpieces

 

[mike93lx]

Floor jack?

Subbie engine? So head gaskets?

 

[cherrybomb]

Where's your hose clamps,wire and zip ties

 

[RTM]

From a friend who’s also an owner

aaa premium with the 200 mile tow. correct oil 3-4 quarts, or a 5qt bottle. extra belts for the ac and alternator. correct coolant for a subie. 1/2” or 3/4” socket set, metric, short and tall, with various types and lengths of extensions, and a breaker bar. penetrating fluid. propane torch (mapp style). long-reach flathead and phillips drivers. the address of flaps along the way. the vanalert app on his phone. if he’s on fb join van cafe and vanagon owners group, he can get help there if something goes amiss.

might be more. mine is a 90 carat, too!



flaps might mean flop houses

oops - Friendly Local Auto Parts Stores

 

[orangeblood]

From a friend who’s also an owner

aaa premium with the 200 mile tow.

^ this plus maybe also a collapsible emergency triangle

 

[CGarage]

Electric emergency / road flares. If there is snow or bad weather and you break down, you need to be visible.

Someone above said wire.
Safety wire is useful to have if anything falls off while driving (old exhaust) and you need to suspend it as a temporary fix to get home.

 

[CGarage]

Tire plug kit (new tech available off of Amazon)
Do you need snow chains ?

 

[brockmub]

Recently did a long trip with my Chevelle, I'd recommend a small tarp to lay on in case you have to work on it on the side of the road.
+1 on the towing from AAA or Hagerty, that really made me feel at ease.

 

[Dave455]

Not quite on topic, but I’m loving the style of your road box!

As to the job in hand, I’ve collected a few used vehicles over the years, and there’s always an enhanced chance of problems in my experience.

It’s not that the seller has necessarily been deceitful, but quite often if a vehicle is being sold, it’s spent a protracted period just doing short journeys, or even unused, and maintenance hasn’t been a priority.

First off, I think from memory that the T3 (which I think the Vanagon is) uses a lot of Torx, so I’d probably add a set of Torx drivers as well. I know you have some Torx bits, but I find small bits are risky if you are away from base - drop one you need and you are in difficulties.

I’d probably carry a set of hex keys or hex bit sockets too. Include a 7mm as they are common on brakes.

The most important thing I’d add are a few consumables / bits and pieces. This is basically what I carry in my road box - not every day, but in the box I take if I’m working away from base or anticipating problems. Looks a lot but costs little. Disregard stuff like seals.


Some things I’ll point out -

Clear ”Gorilla“ tape - great for patching lights.

The black tape is “self amalgamating” hose repair tape. I’ve sorted out all manner of hose leaks with this.

Some uninsulated wire is great for general repairs. I have both copper and stainless locking wire.

Ditto for cable ties. Carry a fair few.

The stainless steel cable ties are awesome when you need them. You can repair things like exhaust systems that would melt plastic.

Carry stuff like wire wool or emery paper, and some oil or grease. A lot of snags can be sorted out by simply cleaning dirty contacts, or freeing up seized parts.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Can you fit a Toyota into that box?

 

[RTM]

Factoring in the snow along your route, does the Vanagon come with a HiLift jack? Buddy has one bolted to his bumper. Shovel in case things go sideways?

 

[brockmub]

I just remembered two more notes:
1. Don't get caught up with using a toolbox, a tote with a lid can sometimes be useful.
2. Bring some hose adapters and clamps. If you spring a leak, you can make a clean cut to put the adapter in and limp to the auto parts store.

 

[CGarage]

Ask prior owner if drive belts etc are standard or NON-STANDARD sizes.

Sounds like the motor was swapped for a non-standard motor, so previous owner may have needed to get creative with drive belts and would be good to know part numbers or sizes ahead of time.

Separately, bring warm jacket and clothing as your risk of being stranded and having to wait for tow truck due to weather presents elevated risk. Mother Nature has a vote always.

This is a European thing but should be implemented in the US. A Hi-Viz yellow road vest / emergency vest should be mandatory.

 

[Beerhippie]

While buying a rig sight-unseen (aside from some very good pictures) is always a risk, I've purchased the Car Fax for this rig and it looks to have been well and professionally maintained.

For potentially having to overnight by the road, hey, it's a Vanagon w/fold-out bed! Screw the safety blankets and such, I'm bringing a pillow, sheets, blankets and a down sleeping bag. Also one of my Coleman stoves and a stovetop coffee maker and supplies--I can live without food for a while, but not coffee!

I'll have a WWII USN Battle lantern



and a headlamp w/spare batts



plus real-live fusees. I have a case of those. I do have a set of folding triangles--might toss those in, too.

Signing up for AAA sounds like a good idea, but if it comes to that....

I'm not on FB, but am a member of The Samba. Checking for some contacts along the route (mostly I84) would be a very good idea.

I'm bringing a set of brand-new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 Winter tires mounted on rims. That'll be my first task on taking possession (gotta remember to take the lugnuts and bolts for my aluminum rims). These are three-peak rated tires, so I won't be required to use chains if it's snowy going over Emigrant and Meacham passes. I'm very comfortable with my winter driving skills--decades of using a Vanagon to go skiing--it's the other drivers that terrify me.

I will be adding some consumables--zip ties, tie wire, various tapes, etc. A lidded tote to put everything in is a good idea. I have one I used to carry stuff I didn't want to risk leaking in the Van. Coolant and oil for the Subaru engine will go in, too.

Does a Subaru EJ2.5 use regular belts or a serpentine? Need to check on that.

Anyway, it looks like the first week in December is when I'll be picking it up. Here's hoping the roads are clear and none of that damned pea-soup river fog between Arlington and Pendelton. That's the scariest thing on I84 in the winter! Nothing brings out the idiot in drivers like heavy fog on the Interstate.

I just wish to hell I was doing this in the summer. I'd make a real road trip out of it instead of just trying to get home alive.

 

[Vercingetorix]

German fuses and a rear axle nut. 46mm?

 

[CGarage]

German fuses - great idea and I should have thought of that.

Screw the safety blankets and such is a BAD idea. It’s inexpensive insurance and you may regret not having them. A friend of mine got stranded in a Wyoming snowstorm for hours a few years ago and temperatures dropped considerably. Mother Nature has a vote. For a few dollars, you should be prepared.

Nokian makes the best snow tires. They are Finnish. Great choice.

I would never trust Car Fax. It helps, but buying sight unseen is a high risk. Can’t you have a local Vanagon expert look at it before you fly out?

 

[Beerhippie]

Fuses! Thanks! Those stupid ceramic fuses are unobtainium! Fortunately, I have LOTS of them, as I've salvaged them from every busted-down VW I could.

Once again, why do I need a safety blanket when I have a full bed, complete with down bag, plus a stove for heat and hot drinks (I'll bring some instant cocoa, too)?

I do always carry one or two emergency blankets in my parka pockets, 'though. Old habits from ski patrol days. I think I have a dozen in my work locker.

I live in winter country. Being prepared for a stranding in the snow is part of life out here.

German fuses and a rear axle nut. 46mm?

I'll be giving the rig a very good once-over. If I need anything like an axle nut, there are plenty of places in Portland that specialize in VWs.

Since I'll be jacking it up (throw in floor jack and stands), I'll have an excellent chance to check wheel bearings, brakes, CVs, tie rods, etc.

I'll also have the most important part of a road-trip emergency kit: a well-stocked bank card.

While Car Fax isn't the do-all and end-all, it is reassuring to see the current owner has kept up on maint. at reputable VW specialist shops. It's also very nice to see the Van has spent it's entire life--before moving to Oregon--in the Southwest, where rust is pretty much a rumor. Even Oregon very rarely uses salt on the roads, and the Portland area never.

 

[dscheidt]

Fuses! Thanks! Those stupid ceramic fuses are unobtainium!

Bussmann GBC fuses were hanging on the peg at my local autozone a few months ago, when I was buying some other style. I was a little surprised. Do modern German cars still use the damn things? It has been a long time since I’ve seen the replacement wires, though.

 

[Beerhippie]

Bussmann GBC fuses were hanging on the peg at my local autozone a few months ago, when I was buying some other style. I was a little surprised. Do modern German cars still use the damn things? It has been a long time since I’ve seen the replacement wires, though.

I think everything's blade fuses nowadays.

Just checked online and apparently Autozone stocks them regularly. I haven't seen them in a store for a decade or more, but no Autozone here anymore.

They may not make the elements for them anymore but they do still make aluminum foil.

 

[gahrajmahal]

When I checked my “road tool bag” I got out all the various spark plugs my cars use and I found out I didn’t have the right size for two of my vehicles, so I bought those separately and added them.

A cigarette lighter plug that charges to your phone will come in handy. We use stand alone GPS from Garmin. It is satellite connected and shows listed speed limits and vehicle speed. Handy if your new purchase speedometer is off.

 

[Beerhippie]

When I checked my “road tool bag” I got out all the various spark plugs my cars use and I found out I didn’t have the right size for two of my vehicles, so I bought those separately and added them.

A cigarette lighter plug that charges to your phone will come in handy. We use stand alone GPS from Garmin. It is satellite connected and shows listed speed limits and vehicle speed. Handy if your new purchase speedometer is off.

The USB chargers are standard equipment in every vehicle I run. Thanks for the reminder to toss one in, along with the right assorment of cables.

My old Garmin 12XL survey GPS does vehicle speed, and I'll be hopping right onto the Interstate, which has mile posts. The speedo will be off on the slow side (actual less than indicated) as the stock 14" wheels are getting replaced with 15s and larger tires--unless the '90 Caret came with 15 inchers. Not sure.

I'm not too worried about speeding on the Interstate. Prevailing speed last time I did this run was 85. I doubt a '90 Van with stock four-speed trans will do more than 75, even with the 165 hp Subby mill.

 

[Beerhippie]

One thing I'm struggling to find is a manual for the '99 Subaru EJ 25 engine. I have the Bentley manual for the Van, and it comes with another.

 

[RTM]

I doubt a '90 Van with stock four-speed trans will do more than 75, even with the 165 hp Subby mill.

Maybe downhill with a tailwind, based on the number that pass thru here on their way to Santa Cruz.

 

[Beerhippie]

Maybe downhill with a tailwind, based on the number that pass thru here on their way to Santa Cruz.

Best top speed I ever hit in a Vanagon was in free-fall.

With the original 90 (claimed) hp in my '85, 65 was pushing it, but the rig could pull it on all but the steepest of interstate grades. I expect having another 75 ponies under the hatch should give it a little more git up and go. Gearing is still a problem, as 65 was also about topped out for revs. I need to look up some things like redline for the Subby mill.

 

[mike93lx]

One thing I'm struggling to find is a manual for the '99 Subaru EJ 25 engine. I have the Bentley manual for the Van, and it comes with another.

That was in the legacy and outback

 

[Beerhippie]

That was in the legacy and outback

Is that the same RS engine? It seems there are a half-dozen variations on the EJ 2.5. This one is the 165 hp version.

I did find a free (!) PDF manual on-line. Not too sure how helpful it will be. I may need to thin it down to just engine-related stuff.

 

[mike93lx]

Is that the same RS engine? It seems there are a half-dozen variations on the EJ 2.5. This one is the 165 hp version.

I did find a free (!) PDF manual on-line. Not too sure how helpful it will be. I may need to thin it down to just engine-related stuff.

I am far from an expert on Subbie engines...

Dohc correct?

Unless it's a JDM import, I'd expect it to be from those vehicles

 

[Beerhippie]

I am far from an expert on Subbie engines...

Dohc correct?

Unless it's a JDM import, I'd expect it to be from those vehicles

SOHC w/rocker-arms in the '99 and on through ? Best I can determine.

 

[mike93lx]

SOHC w/rocker-arms in the '99 and on through ? Best I can determine.

Ah, OK. Did you check out the Wikipedia page on it? They list these applications

The EJ253 has an open deck design.

• Impreza 99–01, 04–11
• Legacy, Outback (North America) 05–12
• Legacy [BL/BP] 03–09 (Europe)
• Legacy [BM/BR] 09–12 (Europe, with 123 kW (165 hp; 167 PS))
• Outback 03–09 (Europe)
• Forester 99* (SF), 05–10 (SG, SH)
• Baja 05+
• Saab 9-2x 2.5i 06
• Impreza 2.5RS 04–06

 

[no704]

I once found myself doing 80 in my 1970 T4 bus. Back it down! No idea what a subi engine might be capable of??

 

[Beerhippie]

Well, the new Vanagon made it home with the little toolbox and just about nothing else. I used six inches of tie wire and my little Klein lineman's pliers for something that probably didn't need to be done.

I'm keeping the Toyota for at least a while--it's a fun and economical run-about. So now, the question becomes: Build another road box for the Van or keep swapping the same one? I'm spending a metric ****-ton on just getting the Van adventure-ready, so I'd be building from yard sale/junk shop tools.

 

[rust in the eye]

Shall we start a go fund me page to get you some decent screwdrivers for that box?
EDIT: Glad to see you made it without incident.

 

[Snaparxon]

First you need to bring patience. Second a force field to surround you to protect you from the folks that don't know mother nature will be creating a test for them once the first snow hits. The farther west you go the trickier it can be . Good luck sir!

 

[Beerhippie]

Shall we start a go fund me page to get you some decent screwdrivers for that box?
EDIT: Glad to see you made it without incident.

For the first week in December, we were incredibly lucky! There was snow beside the road up on top of the Blues, but none on the road. Mostly rain all the way back.

PS: A Subaru-swapped Vanagon will pull 65 mph up a 6% grade! It does so at 16 mpg, but, still... the looks on the faces of people being passed by a Vanagon? Priceless. Honey, maybe you need to take the wheel for a while--I swear we just got passed by a vintage VW Van!

 

[SusKatCas]

So now, the question becomes: Build another road box for the Van or keep swapping the same one?

This forum being Garage Journal a separate tool box, with no skips, is mandatory.

 

[Beerhippie]

This forum being Garage Journal a separate tool box, with no skips, is mandatory.

And, obviously, as it has a receiver, I'll need to make a receiver-mount vise for it.

I think a cheapo vise like this would work:



Here's the rig:







Home safe and sound.

The snow in the picture was the most we saw on the entire trip, and most of that fell after we got home.

 

[CGarage]

Glad you made it safe and sound and the van (have a hard time calling it a rig) looks better than great. Congratulations and wishing you many miles of smiles!