Toolbox

[Special]

The original Fiat tool kit is invincible , but I wanted something bigger and a little more useful.

First I wanted to buy something in the store , but after checking what they offer now - I dropped that idea.
I started to look for something vintage and matching my car better.
I looked through a lot of boxes - but when I saw this one , I realized - this is the toolbox of my dream !
It is a brand new 1976 toolbox with its original tag.
Well - here it is.
















And this is how it looks with tools.

[RRoller123]

could do a full rebuild at the side of the road!

[manoa matt]

Maybe add the following, as I've found these to be the most helpful in my kit:

wind-up flashlight
mini multimeter,
a few male/female spade and ring type electrical connectors, wire nuts
a few lengths of electrical wire
a selection of hose clamps
a coil of tie wire
zip ties
small tube of "orange pumice" hand cleaner
rags

[TX82FIAT]

The box can almost never be big enough. ignition switch, hazazard switch, fuses... I like the box. anything that keeps the trunk tidy is always a plus.

[Special]

could do a full rebuild at the side of the road!

It's good to be prepared

[Special]

Maybe add the following, as I've found these to be the most helpful in my kit:

wind-up flashlight
mini multimeter,
a few male/female spade and ring type electrical connectors, wire nuts
a few lengths of electrical wire
a selection of hose clamps
a coil of tie wire
zip ties
small tube of "orange pumice" hand cleaner
rags

Thank you.
I'll definitely add these item to the kit.
Good advice.

[Special]

The box can almost never be big enough. ignition switch, hazazard switch, fuses... I like the box. anything that keeps the trunk tidy is always a plus.

Yes , it is never big enough , just like your garage toolbox .
Always buy the biggest one you can afford.

[fiat218]

No tools in my cars
I guess mine are reliable

[TX82FIAT]

No tools in my cars
I guess mine are reliable

I agree a "properly maintained" FIAT Spider is a reliable car. However, we need to be realist when it comes to 30+ year old car built to be an affordable sports car option. My 82 has left me stranded three times in the past three years. Once with an electrical short to ground that was burning fuses and shutting down the car quicker than i could replace them. The second time i was out with my nine year old when the clutch cable snapped. The last time i was pushing her hard when the head gasket blew because of some corrosion/rust in a port near the #4 fire ring that dumped a little coolant into the cylinder.

PS, add clutch cable to the list of items for your box.

Over the years my wife and daughter have developed a slight fear of long trips in the car. they feal a lot better knowing I have a trunk full of tools and select parts that can help me bail out of a mess on the side of the road. For Example, I know you all carry engine oil and coolant in your trunk just in case?... Oh yeah, who has a fire extinguisher in the unlikey event you have a real electrical issue.

[fiat218]

Any car can break down
Don't get me wrong,I have had problems,

[leeputmanjr]

I've gone both ways on this issue - tons of tools & spare parts, to a very minimal 'trunk carry'.

My two MOST important items I carry - my cell phone & my Hagerty Plus card - FREE TOWING!

I got tired of not having any trunk space, so I compromised & put a number of spare items around the fuel tank & I mounted the spare tire upside down for more room, too. I have a clutch cable (please shoot me if I have to consider replacing that roadside, though!), fuel pump, cap/rotor/pickup, fuel filter, fuses, bulbs, and oil. I also have a few extra tools, and jumper cables - all stashed beneath my trunk carpet so that I can utilize the full space of the trunk.

[TX82FIAT]

Lee, you are the man. Common sense rules the day. I'll start looking to rearrange the underworld.

[Special]

This month my car turned 40 !!!
I have a small collection of mostly Italian and rally badges sitting in the box.
So I decided to create an anniversary present for my car.
Here it is.

[spidernut]

That is really a great toolbox being era appropriate and covered in car stuff. I want one!

I found the best way to avoid breakdowns is to leave the car in the garage and never drive it. I've used two as daily drivers. I had one problem in 2 years with my 80 caused by a frayed reverse light switch wire grounding, and two problems in 12 years with my 79 caused by a broken magnetic pickup wire and a split fuel tank filler hose.

Compare that to my Mercury that I bought new that was in the shop about 8 times in the first year, and at least another 2 in the second year....5 computer control modules, rebuild fuel injection system, rebuilt transmission, two fuel pumps...

[backyardbill]

Just my 2 cents:
I put a tool kit together before making a 3K ride from Dallas, through the Rockies, to Sturgis on my motorcycle. Space was at a premium. I was worried that the main circuit board might develop cold solder cracks (which I had repaired once before).
So I bought a 12V soldering iron, and solder for the kit. I got it online but don't remember where. It was about $14. It plugs into the cigar lighter and it works great.

Now I take my motorcycle repair kit in the Fiat. Not that I should ever need it.