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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I have a deal on an Elise and I am flying out to get her on Friday. I'll have a 700 mile drive to meet up with the family for vacation.

I don't expect to have any problems but I tend to be a victim of Murphy's Law. If I don't bring anything, it'll increase the chance of an issue. If I bring stuff with me it'll decrease the chance of an issue.

With my S2000, three or four sockets and wrenches could practically take the car apart.

I'll bring my portable air compressor and pick up a can of fix-a-flat before I head out. What should I bring tool wise, just in case?

Thanks.
 

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Verify that you have the correct tools to remove wheels. If it still has the keyed lugs, make sure the key comes with the car, and if it still has the splined lugs make sure the spline tool comes with it as well. Other than that, duct tape and ear plugs.
 

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It should have a can of fix-a-flat anyways since that was the oem solution to a spare tire. A basic set of wrenches like for the Honda can also dismantle one of these pretty easily, but I'd have roadside assistance before I'd try removing a clamshell on the side of the road


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In my toolbox I have a set of basic metric wrenches - I find 8mm, 13mm, and 15mm all over the car. I've also got a small set of metric allen-wrenches because if it's not a bolt, it's an allen-head. That said, hopefully you won't be doing any road-side mechanic work. I'd make sure you have a small air compressor from walmart, a can of fix-a-flat, and a 17mm socket and wrench of removing the wheels using the "spline tool" (number 7: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/att...nique-lug-nut-key-help-078_elise_34.01_sm.jpg) that should be coming with the vehicle
 

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Back brace, bengay, something to sit on...drive the 700 miles straight...I dare you. :)

No other tools necessary if you are buying a good car...maybe AAA if you get a flat.

Good luck!
 

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In my toolbox I have a set of basic metric wrenches - I find 8mm, 13mm, and 15mm all over the car. I've also got a small set of metric allen-wrenches because if it's not a bolt, it's an allen-head. That said, hopefully you won't be doing any road-side mechanic work. I'd make sure you have a small air compressor from walmart, a can of fix-a-flat, and a 17mm socket and wrench of removing the wheels using the "spline tool" (number 7: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/att...nique-lug-nut-key-help-078_elise_34.01_sm.jpg) that should be coming with the vehicle
There are quite a few 10mm and a 17mm wouldn't hurt either...although, if you need to use a 17mm out on the road, you probably can't fix it out on the road...
 

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8mm socket and 15mm socket needed if the lower engine panel needs to come off. assorted allen keys needed to access brake clutch fluid. Enjoy it and remember if you hit rain take it slow. Never lift throttle in mid corner if spirited driving, she will swap ends. Bring a towel in case of rain some leak from the windows. Assorted fuses is also a good idea. Have fun!
 

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8mm socket and 15mm socket needed if the lower engine panel needs to come off. assorted allen keys needed to access brake clutch fluid. Enjoy it and remember if you hit rain take it slow. Never lift throttle in mid corner if spirited driving, she will swap ends. Bring a towel in case of rain some leak from the windows. Assorted fuses is also a good idea. Have fun!
Funny...mine needs an 8mm and a 13mm... :confused: :shrug:
 

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I just drove 1570 miles from DC to Houston, TX. The only tool I took was a computer so, I could post here for help from anyone close if needed, I did make sure the OEM tool kit was there and complete. Luckily I didn't have any issues. Be ready to have your picture taken ALOT
 

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Oh, c'mon.

I have driven to Miami many times, straight thru, stopping only for gas and...

About 18-19 hrs.

Car, to me, is comfy.


Note: As I've said before, my gas gauge and bladder are synchronized.

--

Get Slime (vs. fix-a-flat) and a tire plug kit.
 

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Oh, c'mon.

I have driven to Miami many times, straight thru, stopping only for gas and...

About 18-19 hrs.

Car, to me, is comfy.


Note: As I've said before, my gas gauge and bladder are synchronized.

--

Get Slime (vs. fix-a-flat) and a tire plug kit.


@ - Also sleeps on a bed of nails - @

:)
 

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Ear plugs, hat, and sunscreen.

About the only thing you could service on the road is the battery.
Ohhh, right, good point...I was thinking it came with a hard top.


The computer suggestion isn't all that bad...I've seen "need help" threads on here responded to and problem solved in less than a half hour...mostly electrical / fuse related.
 

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1300 miles in one day, Austin TX to San Diego, and this was after picking the car up in Georgia and driving to Austin via Tail of the Dragon.

It has been documented here before:

1. A towel. Always.
2. Basic tool kit for simple stuff.*
3. AAA card and a credit card for everything else.
4. Use ear plugs. Keep the top on if removeable.

*Simple tool kit in soft case
1. Did I mention a towel?
2. Vice grips
3. Small adjustable wrench
4. Needlenose pliers
5. Screwdrivers, flat and philips
6. Extra fuses
7. Some painters tape. Small roll of electrical tape.
8. Extra small bits of wire, maybe 4 pieces 2' long. Throw in a couple of wire nuts.
9. Small knife or leatherman type tool
10. A bit of bailing wire
11. A few assorted hose clamps
12. A few assorted plastic cable ties
13. Emergency money
 

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Oops, yeah misstype 13mm is correct for lower engine tray sorry
 

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Maybe include a simple OBDII code reader if you have one.
 

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@ - Also sleeps on a bed of nails - @

:)
That made me laugh. Thx.

Car, once in, is very comfy for me. Just drove straight back from Asheville in the rain. No problem.

---
My friend Charlie and I met two women in a bar. Charlie could never resist a joke; I wasn't much better.

One woman was from India and getting divorced.

Charlie: "What happened? Did he make you sleep on a bed of nails?"

POOF, they were gone!
 

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Discussion Starter · #20 ·
Thanks for all the advice!!!

I'm going to try to get out of here tomorrow. If so, can I can split the drive over three days with the third leg being a short 2 hour Saturday morning drive and I can see some friends on the way. It'll also give be a night in New Orleans.

I am looking forward to it. I'll bring some stuff, but most importantly, the computer and AAA card.
 
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