[Randy Bishop]

Over Memorial Day weekend I'm going to fly from NC to Cleveland OH to pick up a 1982 300CD and drive it back. After speaking with the owner I feel the car will make it to NC without a hitch. However, I would like to be prepared in the event something broke and left me on the highway. What are the very minimum tools and spares I should consider taking with me? I appreciate your help!

 

[cooljjay]

Near impossible to tell you what to pack before a trip...

If the fuel tank strainer/filter clogs...you may need 5/16 fuel hose and a gas can...

If the filters clog may need spares...

If glow plugs fail, may need plugs...

Radiator over heats, maybe new radiator...

Primer pump fails..a condom..

valves get to tight, maybe valve adjustment wrenches...

The list can go on...

Can you find a local mechanic to give it a once over before a trip?

Highway/freeway driving can bring all sorts of odd stuff to light...specially on a long trip..

I blew the front main seal on one...

 

[AlecsNYC]

Just a suggestion if you are not committed 100% to the car yet. Check for rust and then check for rust again and again especially floor pans, rocker panels under the car around wheel wells especially where access holes to rockers are and also along the bottom edge of the doors in the trunk under spare! My Benz is from Ohio and this state really a Benz ruster!

I think the best day to buy w123 is on the rainy day. Driving it on a highway in the rain for a while may reveal multiple leaks and if there are leaks there will be rust guaranteed.

 

[Forcedinduction]

I agree with the rust belt bit. Don't be afraid to turn down a potential bad buy just because you flew all the way out there.

Fuel filters.
Wrenches- 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm, 19mm
Phillips and flat screwdrivers.
Tire air gauge, and chuck or handheld bicycle pump.
Brake, tail, turn, and plate light bulbs.
Ceramic fuse kit.
Premixed coolant.
1qt engine oil.

In addition to the above, I also keep these in my road toolbox in my trunk:
1qt ziploc bag of misc bolts, nuts, screws and trim clips.
1g ziploc bag of misc hoses and hose barb fittings (vacuum, injector return, 5/16 fuel, 3/8 fuel)
15ft roll of baling wire
Bundle of 6inch zipties
Alternator belt
Good used voltage regulator
Good used flex disc
Jumper cables
Wire cutters
Allen key set

In the trunk I also have:
Wheel chock pair
One jackstand
Fire extinguisher
1 gallon jerry can of diesel

 

[Randy Bishop]

Awesome! Thanks!!

 

[Randy Bishop]

Thank you for your response!

 

[Randy Bishop]

A Condom?? Now that's funny right there! Lol!! Thanks

 

[cooljjay]

A Condom?? Now that's funny right there! Lol!! Thanks

Sometimes a car even needs to practice safe sex lol

If the car has the original twist n pump primer pump, they are known to leak and will suck air....causing the car to die, not run or sputter and if you stretch a condom over it...It will keep the lift pump from sucking air into the fuel system...thus giving you a moment to get the newer push n prime pump...

 

[cooljjay]

I think the best day to buy w123 is on the rainy day. Driving it on a highway in the rain for a while may reveal multiple leaks and if there are leaks there will be rust guaranteed.

That is very true! I remember when my front windshield seal got so bad, that I was wiping off the drip on the inside of the windshield why driving with the other...