“Usually, the only tool you need is the one you don’t have.”
Andrew A. Libby, Samba member
Basic Tools
The VW Vanagon will require few special tools, and most work can be performed with conventional tools available to the average home mechanic. The following is by no means a complete listing, but should give any home mechanic a strong start on repairing and maintaining a vintage van.
- Complete metric socket set: in 3/8″ or 1/2″ drive, with sizes ranging from 7 mm to 17 mm, in a variety of depths. Plus a breaker bar and optional length of pipe for added leverage; an assortment of extensions and universal-joint drive adapters for those hard-to-reach applications.
- 13/16” spark plug socket
- 46 mm Socket, 3/4″ drive, for rear axle nuts, with suitable breaker bar and length of pipe for added leverage
- Complete metric wrench set: combination (open on one end, hex or 12-point box on the other), in sizes ranging from 7 mm to 17 mm
- Adjustable wrenches: a couple of sizes to accommodate the above ranges
- Allen wrenches, sometimes called hex keys: 1.5 mm to 8 mm, plus a 17 mm hex bit socket, for transaxle/gearbox drain & fill plugs
- 8 mm Triplesquare (XZN) spline bit socket, for CV joint bolts
- Torque wrench(s): measuring fastener torque from 20 to 150 lbs.
- Screwdrivers: variety of sizes, in both slotted (flat blade) and Phillips-head
- Pliers: in a variety of sizes from needle-nose, standard, to larger slip-joint
- Wire cutters: diagonal and end-cutters
- Hammers: listed last here due to their frequent overuse, you’ll want ball-peen or mechanic’s hammers in a variety of sizes from small ‘tappers’, medium ‘persuaders’, to a 2-lb. ‘BFH’ (Big Freakin’ Hammer)
- Digital volt meter with 12V DC setting
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Optional Tools
I have also found the following tools helpful in certain instances:
- Metric ratchet wrenches: same sizes as above, allow wrenching in tight spots
- Brake flare wrenches
- Metric hex bit sockets: similar to Allen wrenches but can be affixed to socket wrench
- Complete metric crowsfoot wrenches: same sizes as above, allow wrenching in tight spots. NOTE: when used with a torque wrench, torque values must be re-calculated according to specs included with the crowsfoot wrenches
- Vise-Grips: listed last here due to its frequent overruse, a brand name of some of the best locking pliers available, allowing astronomical clamping forces on hardware and other parts. I’ve seen old Type-2 Buses sailing down the highway with certain crucial engine parts held in place by such pliers, a technique not endorsed by Camp Westfalia.
Depending on your available space, mechanical abilities, and how far you typically venture from home, you may want to carry some or all of these tools aboard your Vanagon.
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4 responses to “Essential Vanagon Tools”
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Hello! I am curious what tools you carry around in your van during your excursions? I am putting together an onboard kit for my van.
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** UPDATE **
Just posted a new article on tools to carry onboard for emergency repairs, adjustments, or other tweaks your Vanagon may need while on the road: http://campwestfalia.com/emergency-board-vanagon-tool-kit/
I’m planning to post an article and a complete list of tools to carry onboard, but in the meantime, here’s a list off the top of my head:
Complete set of metric sockets (including deep sockets) and ratchets, in both 1/4” and 3/8” sizes
Set of ratcheting combination wrenches, with conventional open jaws on one end and angled ratchet on the other
3/4” 18” breaker bar with 19mm socket for lug nuts
46mm socket for rear axle nuts
Combination screwdrivers
Adjustable wrenches
Pliers: regular, needlenose, locking, etc.
ball peen hammer
digital multi-meter
LED headlamp and magnetic work light
Leatherman-type multi-tool
latex work gloves
small packets of GoJo hand cleanerI’m sure there’s a lot more that I cannot recall offhand, but that’s the core collection. I consider my onboard tool set as the ‘last ditch effort’ I’d want on hand if stranded on the proverbial desert island.
My neighbor once asked me why I tinker on my van so much, and I replied that I work on it in the barn so I don’t have to work on it on the highway. It should go without saying that preventative maintenance is crucial on a 30-year-old vehicle, and should help avoid the majority of roadside repairs, but of course, stuff happens …
Hope this helps, and watch for the upcoming article!
Jeffrey Lee
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Thanks for the reply! This is a great list to get me going – i just acquired my first van (86 syncro weekender) and the previous owner loved and looked after this van so well. I plan on taking care of it in the same fashion – with that being said an article on your top-10 preventative maintenance actions would be appreciated!
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Thomas, glad to help. And congratulations on finding what sounds like a well cared for, sweet Syncro! You’re fortunate to have bought it in good condition, as they can be difficult and expensive to bring back once they begin slipping …
Will add a “Top Ten Tasks” to my list of upcoming articles, so watch the newsletter or Home page.
In the meantime, here’s a good place to start:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=457174Even if you end up only inspecting and not replacing all the items outlined there, you’ll come away with a valuable familiarity of your new Vanagon. As you go along, you’ll undoubtedly discover more things that need fixing. I find it helpful to keep a clipboard handy and add each item to “The Big List”.
Keep three separate pages:
Urgent, Critical Safety stuff that will kill you, others, or your van: brakes; fuel, lubrication, cooling systems; etc..
Secondary stuff that can leave you stranded somewhere: electrical systems; drivetrain; etc.
Minor Elective stuff that will make your Westy more functional, enjoyable, and cool: kitchen utilities; stereo & accessories; new paint, etc..Work on restoring the van in that order.
Good luck, and enjoy!
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