What's in your boot?

[07cob]

Hi All

Well, the time has finally come for me to actually finish my car and the first port of call is the boot (trunk!!). What I would like to know is what Cobra drivers have in their boot as far as spare parts, tools, etc go - especially for a long trip where help will need to come from the boot rather than the mobile phone.

I have a spacesaver spare wheel that I would like to put in, but it won't fit - let alone the 10" rim that comes off the back. So I guess I should have something to fix a flat, just incase. Any advice appreciated on this.

So, without filling the boot completely, here is a start of a list.

Basic tool kit - some ring spanners, sockets, screwdrivers.
Variety of hose clamps
Spare water
Spare fuel
100mph tape
Flat fix kit - ???
Jack

Suggestions ...

Cheers

Geof

[vanoochka]

Cobra Tools to keep in the Trunk?

[mikiec]

My foot....

Had to Just had to.

Mike

[wtm442]

Here in the states, the minimum is 3 items.

Cell phone with charger
Credit card
AAA card (for emergency, towing etc)

[Merv and Sharon]

A set of SAE spanners that will fit almost every nut and bolt on your car Geof! Jumper leads, fire extinguisher, jack, spare fuses, a towel, a Mercedes wheel chock (via Merc Wrecker at Darra) that stuff u can wipe on the inside of your screen to stop fogging, bag for the tonneau cover and a flat fix can (if you discover a space saver wheel that fits for those longer trips, I am also interested). Luggage? No room! Those small vertically fitted mesh bags that the yacht shops sell could be useful to hold stuff.

Merv

[sambo]

Duct tape. Sikaflex. Plyers. Flashlight. And a full hip flask in case you get really stuck.

[stephen low]

I've never used the stuff but how does that fix-a-tyre in a can stuff perform?

I gather the tyre repairers hate it though, why is that?

Closer to end of tax year or cobra return to the road, whichever comes sooner, I'm going to get total care for my work car. I gather this then covers me for whatever else I'm driving, cobra included, and best of all it's a tax deduction too!!

But I think Sambos fail safe if all else fails is the best fall back, better be bourbon then!

[Rob. Smith]

Good Question Merv,
What do you fit in this...I can fit a 30 can carton

[Rob. Smith]

Another stuff up...Last message meant nothing. I was trying to add a picture but computer said No.

[spookypt]

Nothing... just follow Wazza Boylan around.. he's got everything in his boot!!!
... Even a few 08 Indy Girls still from memory! APPARENTLY they couldn't help him fix his "FLAT" though by all accounts..........

[Tony Aprile]

Originally Posted by wtm442

Here in the states, the minimum is 3 items.

Cell phone with charger
Credit card
AAA card (for emergency, towing etc)

I agree !!!

I also carry a dead weight mallot, basic tools, flashlight and Tonneau cover.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by stephen low

I've never used the stuff but how does that fix-a-tyre in a can stuff perform?

I gather the tyre repairers hate it though, why is that?

It works pretty well to help you limp home after putting a hole in your tire. After you get home you need to remove the tire and clean the stuff off of your rim (it can look like aerosol whipped cream). Then, of course, put on a new tire. I keep two cans of it in my Cobra, just in case....

[07cob]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

if you discover a space saver wheel that fits for those longer trips, I am also interested

Merv

I managed to purchase a spacesaver spare from a Skyline. It just fits in the boot, but if I have to remove a rear, my passenger will have to nurse the 10” wheel since it won’t fit in the boot.

Originally Posted by stephen low

I've never used the stuff but how does that fix-a-tyre in a can stuff perform?

I gather the tyre repairers hate it though, why is that?

Stephen

I get the impression that the *fix-a-tyre in a can* fills the tyre with some goo which seals the puncture. When the tyre comes off for a permanent repair, the goo has to be cleaned out – not something the tyre guys appreciate much.

The question of tyre repair appears to have three answers:
1. carry a spare
2. fix-a-tyre in a can
3. puncture repair kit and compressor

All three options are really temporary and should be followed up with appropriate, permanent repair. I am tending towards option 3 at this stage with a variety of kits available.

I do have Ultimate Care with RACQ but sometimes it is better to be self sufficient.

Geof

[400TT]

Geof, does the rear tyre fit in the boot opening. If the tyre fits in, you could use ocky(elastic) straps to hold the boot lid down over the tyre. Of course a rag between the tyre and boot lid would be a good idea. Just a thought.

[07cob]

Originally Posted by 400TT

Geof, does the rear tyre fit in the boot opening. If the tyre fits in, you could use ocky(elastic) straps to hold the boot lid down over the tyre. Of course a rag between the tyre and boot lid would be a good idea. Just a thought.

Craig

Yes, I suppose that might be OK as a temporary measure. Although I am not sure if the wheel will even fit in the opening - I'll have to check.

Cheers

Geof

[letsboogie351]

What's in my boot?

My foot!

[Merv and Sharon]

I have been looking at those "fix-a-tyre in a can" items and have not been impressed with the ones I have seen so far. Any suggestions? (PM if appropriate).

Merv

[Mando]

Im pretty sure the product I use is called finileak. In 30 years of driving I always carry 2 cans in the boot of every car I own, and I have NEVER changed a flat tyre. The stuff wont help if youve got a large hole in the tyre but punctures due to nails, screws or glass in either the tread or sidewall can be repaired quickly.
You first shake the hell out of the can for about 5 minutes, much like a paint can, then invert the bottle and connect it to the valve. It takes about 2 or 3 minutes to empty into the tyre which pumps the tyre up about half way. Then within 5 minutes you need to drive on the tyre for 5 to 10 kilometres which some how inflates the tyre to around normal pressure. The instructions say to get the tyre repaired ASAP, but be sure to let the tyre repairer know what you used so when they break the seal to remove the tyre, the gas and sludge doesnt overcome him as has happened to me. He gave me a dirty look that I remember to this day, he was not impressed.
I had a flat about 5 years ago and fixed the leak as I usually did. I kept driving on that tyre for about 8 months always meaning to get it fixed but I was to slack, but in the end it ran out of tread and was replace with the rest. I dont think that was so smart.

Regards.

[Rickd]

I've been told that the "fix a flat" spray stuff can end up messing up your tire as it can mess with the balance. In lieu of that I have a simple tire repair kit with pump (u can use a small electric pump with cigarette lighter plug in or an old fashion hand pump); also keep a low profile racing jack (in a small gym bag) and 1 jack stand (comes apart) for stability in case I do need to jack it up (nothing like having a car on a simple jack on the side of the Florida turnpike with tractor trailer passing at 90 MPH). Basic tools, lead hammer, car cover. Charged cell phone-never leave without it.

[trularin]

I used a tire repair kit with an electric pump. Works well and you can use it to fix any of the others cars that are with your group. I also carry a small red tool box with essentials including an assortment of wrenches and screwdrivers.

I also carry my car cover.