[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Vehicle maintenance (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/31/2013 9:27:58 AM EDT
|
For those who are NOT mechanics who either own or can use your buddy's shop...
What have you stocked up on and what equipment do you have to ensure your vehicles keep running during/post SHTF? I try to do all my own maintenance (brakes, fluids, filters, hoses, belts). A while back I came close to picking up a tire removal tool, bubble level/balance, etc. so I could do my own tire changes. However, pretty much everyone on another forum said it was a bad idea and not useful/needed. Everyone here agree? Also, those beads were suggested instead of balancing equipment. Again, thoughts? For vehicles I think a healthy supply of the normal wear and tear parts are great to have no matter what. But what about tools/equipment/books/downloads? Thanks -Emt1581 |
|
Quoted:
For those who are NOT mechanics who either own or can use your buddy's shop... What have you stocked up on and what equipment do you have to ensure your vehicles keep running during/post SHTF? I try to do all my own maintenance (brakes, fluids, filters, hoses, belts). A while back I came close to picking up a tire removal tool, bubble level/balance, etc. so I could do my own tire changes. However, pretty much everyone on another forum said it was a bad idea and not useful/needed. Everyone here agree? Also, those beads were suggested instead of balancing equipment. Again, thoughts? For vehicles I think a healthy supply of the normal wear and tear parts are great to have no matter what. But what about tools/equipment/books/downloads? Thanks -Emt1581 Well... I'm not a mechanic, that said, from the before the time I got my first car, a bull nosed 55 Chevy @ 16, I have been acquiring tools and equipment. To me, the first survival item in 'normal' times, is a place with a concrete surface that I can do vehicle repairs. Most every tool has paid for itself. I have from Harbor Fright to SnapOn tools. All do what they were purchased to do. I have a set of post lifts that can raise a bus, so you can walk under it, and they take up little space when rolled together into one spot. As you get tools, the best thing I can think of is to start with a medium set of Craftsman tools, despite all the Web mechanic commando BS, they are one of the best buys for the $$$. Get what you need to do basic maintenance on your vehicles. Then expand your skill set and equipment to doing brake jobs, everything your vehicle needs to have done. I've NEVER taken a vehicle to a shop except for body work, that I refuse to do. [IRN, there was the new Vet in warranty that the xmission failed in and I took it to the dealer, they kept it for a month, really couldn't fix it, so I sold it, and bought another the next day] Add to your tools as the need arises and anticipate needs and acquire tools even if they aren't needed immediately. Study shop manuals, to learn how to do your own repairs. Get A-C gauges and tools, so you are forever independent of the con artists who take so many folks to the cleaners. Smash your flatscreen, and get to work learning to ACTUALLY DO stuff, instead of TALKING about it. The first thing you need is a place to work, and it is unimaginable to me that most able bodied males have no initiative, interest or clue about this and play their childish video games, attend to every distraction that tickles their fancy and are basically -INCOMPETENT, other than for simple rudimentary tasks. Like chopping wood. 
How these incompetent gun fanciers could ever survive in a 3rd world environment ---that's looming, is beyond me. 
To be effective you HAVE TO HAVE a resource/loaction to do whatever work you choose to specialize at. This is one of the first objectives to obtain, to survive in life. For a couple years the truck with 130,000 miles was making a strange noise and for the life of me I couldn't pin down where it was coming from, by raising it, running it, using sound detection stuff, etc. So it got louder. Back when the truck was new I had an issue at 15,000 miles that the differential input seal began leaking. I raised it, and the pinion shaft had never been preloaded properly at the factory.  I always buy the shop manuals for any vehicle I own and after some study and buying some parts, I repaired and set the proper preload [you dooer's out there will know what I'm talking abt] and the vehicle pulled the trailer for another 65,000 miles.
So this past month the sound got louder and I decided to find the problem. I couldn't tell if it was the front or the rear or anything. SO I replaced the front wheel bearing cartridges on both sides. Didn't fix it. Pulled the rear axles and replaced the outer bearings and seals. [Had to buy some tools] Didn't fix it. So, where I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN TO START, was where there was an issue originally. The frigging pinion shaft... While the rear axles were out, I rotated the pinion and could hear the grinding sound. So I pulled the outer differential asm bearing caps and the whole assembly to isolate the pinion asm. This was over a couple days of research HOW TO DO IT! To make this long story shorter, the pinion input bearing was in bad shape, so I replaced it. Afterwards, I ordered all the bearings and shims, seals, ONLINE [and 1/2 the Ford Stealer's $$$$$$] to do a complete differential overhaul, ---later, and from the hours of studying and research, I'm a friggin walking talking Ford light differential EXPERT! 
With the Sefac lifts I acquired for a song, I can do this work lickety split. How's that for hubris? At least I feel confident working on ford differentials, have most any tool I need to do it, and AM NO LONGER INTIMIDATED by having to fix a bad differential. While many of my friends drank wine in the evening and sucked up garbage from their idiot boxes. [These same incompetent boobs ask me why I don't smell the roses and why do I do stuff like I do and related nonsense] Yes, stupidity and lack of initiative DOES annoy me.
Oh, the main point I'm trying to make, is I'm survivalistically SELF SUFFICIENT from the con artists would would have charged me thousands for this work, and I'd have no idea if it was done right, and I have acquired a friggin SKILL that is valuable in a SHTF for my own needs or to help others. While most of my friends haven't done one stinking thing to improve their capabilities except to play with their mononic Gameboys or shit. They don't hardly even play w/ their gunz.
And watch leftist brainwashing horseshit on their TEEVEES. |
|
FUEL FUEL AND MORE FUEL. Is what will get you further than any extra set of brakes, belts or hoses.
I am a mechanic and I over maintain my truck, but that means at any point in time I can hop in drive any place any time. I know my brakes are good, fluids are great, tires are at right PSI front end is tight, belts are in good shape. So out my truck will run as far as my fuel allows. If you are wanting to get your vehicle dialed in go to a repair shop and have them do a full inspection, check it over, they will most likely hand you a list of things your vehicle needs just take it say thanks. Now you have a base line of what you need, you can spend the week researching replacement of said part, and then when the weekend comes up you can tackle it yourself. lots of people say extra belts but belts do not just snap for no reason, yes they dry out and crack over time which could have played a large part of the problem, but how about extra pulleys? about 80% of cars I see with broken belts are for this reason. Hoses, go out to your vehicle and feel the hose does it feel soft and squishy ? or does it still flex but has some "rigidity" ? go to local walmart get coolant strength tester see how cold it can get before freezing. If the coolant is older than 5 years old a flush wouldn't hurt because of electrolysis. Get a basic plug kit for tires, learn how to plug a tire (very simple) In my personal opinion tire tools would not really be needed to change tire onto rim because are you going to have a tire to put on the rim? if you are keeping extra tires for SHTF buy some extra rims and have them pre mounted most trucks have full size spares go to JY and buy some spare tire/rim combos balance tools should be not necessary because again are you going to have enough fuel to worry about traveling long distances ? For tools basic hand tools should be all you need. Quality ratchet Quality extensions Quality sockets (most cars are metric now) Pliers Screw drivers Wrenches Breaker bar (impact wrench) if a compressor is available penetrating oil BFH small 1/4 drive tools All this is just my opinion but I dont think you need to stockpile parts for SHTF granted I keep a extra air filter and oil filter along with some oil at home but its mainly if I am off for the day and I realize that its overdue/dirty it just saves me the trip of going to parts store on my day off. and more time working on other projects. |
|
Shop manual! I try to buy a shop manual for all my cars, trucks, and equipment. Makes figuring out what might be wrong and how to fix it a whole lot easier. A good set of tools and a second set of cheap ones in case you lose or bugger up one from the good set. A crappy socket has saved me several times when I dropped one down into an abyss of an engine compartment. Quality jack stands and a piece of 6x6 or a log for that just in case margin of error |
|
A shop manual.
A set of hand tools that fits your vehicle. A working knowledge of your vehicle. Think of things that would cripple a car/truck if they broke. Belts, hoses, driveshaft, fuel pump, water pump. Maybe a set of brake pads and enough oil for a few changes. If things are bad enough that you can't get auto parts, how much do you really think you're going to be using your vehicle? I promise you won't be driving 10k a year like you do now. Not to mention, if things are really THAT bad...the world is your pick-n-pull. |
|
Craftsman would be fine for tools, Actually have pretty good screwdrivers. I personally am not a fan of ratchets but I own a few, they have decent wrenches.
Harbor Freight makes a Quick pump jack that actually works very very well for being HF Harbor Freight Jack stands or any auto parts store has own brand jack stands |
|
Quoted:
Craftsman would be fine for tools, Actually have pretty good screwdrivers. I personally am not a fan of ratchets but I own a few, they have decent wrenches. Harbor Freight makes a Quick pump jack that actually works very very well for being HF Harbor Freight Jack stands or any auto parts store has own brand jack stands I too like the jack stands from HF. When I had to do extensive work on the stealth trailer away from my 'base' and with limited resources, and replace both axles, those HF jack stands that go to ~30 inches worked great. Their lasers to rig up a means to align the axles did too. When I put the truck up high enough to walk under with the Sefacs, the H-F tall support jacks, that look like a 3 point triangle and go to over 5 feet, they can support a corner of the vehicle so the Sefac can be let down, to be able to remove a wheel, or support the back of the engine when removing a transmission. HF has some pretty nice stuff at damn good $$$. Their Earthquake 1/2 impact wrench really get's an A+ from me! For abt $70, what a tool! |
|
Figure out how far you can go on the fuel you possess or can produce somehow. A person with 5k gallons of diesel might figure things differently than someone with 100 gallons of diesel or gas. I have stuff on hand because I buy during sales for stuff my vehicle will need. air filters, fuel filters, oil filters, oil, and tune up stuff for gassers, and stuff like that. As far as tire changing stuff goes, I would get it if I had a use for it. Now and then I run into old equipment that can't handle the new super duper rims common on so many vehicles. I currently have 2 vehicles with 15 inch rims on them and equipment that works on that or smaller can sometimes be found used for cheap. I have not bought anything and don't know if I will. I do know I would have a spare set of rims with tires mounted up already before I would worry about tire changing equipment. |
|
Quoted:
Figure out how far you can go on the fuel you possess or can produce somehow. A person with 5k gallons of diesel might figure things differently than someone with 100 gallons of diesel or gas. I have stuff on hand because I buy during sales for stuff my vehicle will need. air filters, fuel filters, oil filters, oil, and tune up stuff for gassers, and stuff like that. As far as tire changing stuff goes, I would get it if I had a use for it. Now and then I run into old equipment that can't handle the new super duper rims common on so many vehicles. I currently have 2 vehicles with 15 inch rims on them and equipment that works on that or smaller can sometimes be found used for cheap. I have not bought anything and don't know if I will. I do know I would have a spare set of rims with tires mounted up already before I would worry about tire changing equipment. Agree with not needing the tire changing equipment. That's a real speciality and come SHTF, folks already in the biz will likely handle that. If the shtf, I expect used tire changing eqp will be available. Better to spend the money on extra rims and put used tires on them, initially. |
| In a SHTF situation how far do you think you are going to drive as there will be abandoned rigs blocking the roads and most likely road damage. I have seen rigs run 50000 miles without an oil change, air filters can be beat or blown out, tire will be a dime a dozen on the rim. Buy a couple cases of oil, a couple oil filters, a few gallons of antifreeze and a few quarts of the other fluids your rig needs then take all the other money you would have spent on parts and gadgets and buy an ATV. In a SHTF deal an ATV will get you further and faster then anything else. |
| + a Zillion on the HF Earthquake 1/2" Impact ! I've owned many over the years. You simply cannot beat the Earthquake for both performance and value! I bought mine when I had a 20% off any single item coupon,as my old gun was getting weak. That was 4-5 years ago,and I use it daily. |
|
Quoted:
+ a Zillion on the HF Earthquake 1/2" Impact ! I've owned many over the years. You simply cannot beat the Earthquake for both performance and value! I bought mine when I had a 20% off any single item coupon,as my old gun was getting weak. That was 4-5 years ago,and I use it daily. I need to do a ball joint replacement on one side of the Ford and a mechanic in a different part of the country told me he used a big Snapon air hammer to knock them loose. I had used a H-F ball joint remover they sell for abt $60 [as a kit for many vehicles], but man that was a hard thing to use and I feel I was close to breaking it. I looked hoping they had a big air hammer, no luck. So I bought a big Snap-On on ebay for close to $300. Excited a little looking forward to seeing how it works knocking one of those bad boys out. 
|
|
Quoted:
I need to do a ball joint replacement on one side of the Ford and a mechanic in a different part of the country told me he used a big Snapon air hammer to knock them loose. I had used a H-F ball joint remover they sell for abt $60 [as a kit for many vehicles], but man that was a hard thing to use and I feel I was close to breaking it. I looked hoping they had a big air hammer, no luck. So I bought a big Snap-On on ebay for close to $300. Excited a little looking forward to seeing how it works knocking one of those bad boys out.
Quoted:
Quoted:
+ a Zillion on the HF Earthquake 1/2" Impact ! I've owned many over the years. You simply cannot beat the Earthquake for both performance and value! I bought mine when I had a 20% off any single item coupon,as my old gun was getting weak. That was 4-5 years ago,and I use it daily. I need to do a ball joint replacement on one side of the Ford and a mechanic in a different part of the country told me he used a big Snapon air hammer to knock them loose. I had used a H-F ball joint remover they sell for abt $60 [as a kit for many vehicles], but man that was a hard thing to use and I feel I was close to breaking it. I looked hoping they had a big air hammer, no luck. So I bought a big Snap-On on ebay for close to $300. Excited a little looking forward to seeing how it works knocking one of those bad boys out.
Use air hammer to knock them out all the time we have a cable company account that has all e250 we replace about 2 per week use some heat on knuckles I am not a huge fan of HF wrenches they all seem to be weak miss sized spend a few extra $ and buy craftsman wrenches |
|
Same stuff you would use for a cross country trip. Tools, small floor jacks, spare belts and hoses, rare parts that aren't stocked or scavenged. Battery driven impact wrench is nice to have.
For home or BOL, oil, fuel, hoists, jackstands, etc enough to do small repairs. If you aren't handy, items to barter for those that can fix stuff. |
|
+1 on the shop (or "factory service") manual.
For many models, you can download it as a PDF file for free, or buy it on a CD-ROM for just a few bucks. Typically, it's keyword-searchable, which makes it a LOT handier than the printed version. You can duplicate it on to a flash drive or another computer in a matter of seconds. Back in the days when you had to buy the FSM from your car dealer for several hundred bucks, owning one might have been regarded as a luxury. Nowadays, you got absolutely no excuse for not having it. |
|
Tire tools are mostly a post SHTF tool unless you own a ATV or such- Today, you do not want to run tires that are not dynamically ballanced on the hightway- the tires will last far longer if ballanced. For lower speeds and shorter expected life, a bubble balancer is fine. But if you are payign someone to ballance the tires, they will usually mount them for little or no additional charge.
Being able to reset a bead, either pneumatically, mechanically, or chemically is a big advantage. As to how long far you might drive after TSHTF, I figher if you keep your job in an economic crisis, you would still commute 200 days a year. Gas would ahve to be incredibally high that it's not worth holding on to the job. |
|
Replacement lamps, to avoid getting pulled over frivolously, and to be able to see, and be seen.
Its Halloween and I just replaced a headlight, they seem to burn out most frequently this time of the year because of all the ionic ghosts and goblins. W-M has best $$$, abt $10. |
|
Quoted:
Tire Plug Kits..... 12 volt air compressor for refilling repaired tires.... My dad actually bought me one of those 12volt pumps for x-mas and the thing is next to useless. It takes 10-20min to add minimal PSI to a tire. The can of fix-a-flat in each vehicle will be FAR more useful. -Emt1581 |
| In a SHTF situation, or more like TEOTWAWKI, you will more likely wish you were out in the country and had a little 30 hp tractor with a class 1 three point hitch and plow/disc. For tools, I'd say a compressorator for airing up tires or using an impact, a good set of hand tools and the knowledge to use them. In SHTF I don't plan on driving all over the place such that I would need a bunch of extra items from a lot of wear. I would be busy keeping my family fed, warm and protected. I mean, seriously, if you cannot find any mechanics still plying the trade nor parts to keep your car fixed up, why are you wearing out brakes, tires, etc.? In the cities, even small ones, you cannot look in any direction without seeing a lot of vehicles. I am sure carpooling or scavenging will be sufficient for those times where you have to travel. |
|
Quoted:
In a SHTF situation, or more like TEOTWAWKI, you will more likely wish you were out in the country and had a little 30 hp tractor with a class 1 three point hitch and plow/disc. For tools, I'd say a compressorator for airing up tires or using an impact, a good set of hand tools and the knowledge to use them. In SHTF I don't plan on driving all over the place such that I would need a bunch of extra items from a lot of wear. I would be busy keeping my family fed, warm and protected. I mean, seriously, if you cannot find any mechanics still plying the trade nor parts to keep your car fixed up, why are you wearing out brakes, tires, etc.? In the cities, even small ones, you cannot look in any direction without seeing a lot of vehicles. I am sure carpooling or scavenging will be sufficient for those times where you have to travel. Honestly, during a SHTF, I'd MUCH prefer a small 100-250cc dual sport to a farm tractor. Significantly better on gas, easier to work on, faster, lighter, etc. Not sure which would have more capability on diverse terrain though... -Emt1581 |
|
ATV's are actually quite fragile compared to a small tractor....
Tractors are made for relatively flat terrain. Gain knowledge and skills, make moar $$$, get both. Instead of watching the nonsense on the flat screen, ETC. That is a DEAD END ROAD OF FAIL -LITERALLY!
|
|
Quoted:
ATV's are actually quite fragile compared to a small tractor.... Tractors are made for relatively flat terrain. Gain knowledge and skills, make moar $$$, get both. Instead of watching the nonsense on the flat screen, ETC. That is a DEAD END ROAD OF FAIL -LITERALLY!
So then a 100-250cc Dual WOULD be more useful given the terrain restrictions of a tractor. Off topic, but I've been wanting a dual for a few years now. Seems like they'd serve a significant purpose during a SHTF where traditional roads might be blocked...in this case compared to a tractor. My thoughts are that for supply runs/errands where trees are down or the roads are blocked, a dual sport could still get through, just limits what cargo you can carry. As for the tools/skills, seems like basic tools and manuals are the most beneficial. Thanks -Emt1581 |
|
I have to emphasize flat fixing stuff for the tires, there is usually plenty of sharp and pokey garbage and debris on the road after a disaster. You Zombie Response Vehicle is going to look pretty pathetic sitting on 2 flats and you have to peddle your Zombie Response Bicycles to the car tire store. |
|
We have had threads on flat tires and stuff. We even covered how a lot of new vehicles come without a spare. As mentioned I backed up to older technology. Part of the reason was cheap sets of used rims and tires if I pay attention to craigslist and similar stuff. Yes I have to carry a full size spare around, but that means if something bends a rim I have a spare rim and tire on hand. As far as air compressors for airing up vehicle tires, get something decent. We covered some of the viar stuff and I personally prefer the stuff that clamps onto the battery vs. running off the cigarrette lighter or accessory port. You can get decent portable air compressors that are worth keeping in a vehicle, but they are not the cheap 10 dollar thing. We have discussed being able to plug a tire and how many folks plug tires instead of putting the spare tire on the ground. If you have the stuff and can find what punctured your tire, have at it. Current practice at tire repair shops is to patch and plug a tire. Or at least patch it, I just guess they plug it as well. If you like that fix a flat stuff you have not dealt with tires being patched by you. It sucks to clean up a tire. I would also check to see if it affects the tire pressure sensor new vehicles are coming with. I know if you get some of it stuck in the valve itself you can have a slow leak you don't know about if you are not careful. I have dealt with a bolt through a tire, I was young and dump and put several cans of fix a flat in that tire over a few weeks. Yeah it let me keep driving around but it would have been simple to actually have it fixed properly. One thing about driving around with stuff stuck in the tire, it can do further damage to the tire. The tire I mention above was cleaned out by me, I had a buddy at a shop remove the tire and I took it and spent a bit of time cleaning it out. The bolt that had put a hole in the tire had been run for a few hundred miles that way and it took several plugs and a patch to get the tire to hold air. Tire died an early death and I can not say that was the cause of the belts having issues, but I always put it down to that since the other 3 had no issues. I have a couple small 1 gallon or so coleman air compressors made to run on 110 house current. With an invertor on the car battery and one of these compressors plugged into the invertor I can air up tires and what not. Not the smallest setup, but not huge either. One was badged coleman and one was badged campbell hausefeld so I don't know who made it but they are identical compressors other than paint and stickers. Bought one used for under 50 bucks, probably more like 30 bucks, and one was trash picked and just needed cleaned up to go back to building up pressure decently for airing up tires that max out at 40 psi and I run at 35 psi. |
|
We've used fix a flat and saved our bacon once.
We carry F-A-F and plugs, CO2, and a small 12 vdc compressor, ALL have been used with some frequency ['cept FAF], and are redundant QUALITY backups to each other. And a spare. If we had to travel far in a SHTF, we'd carry a second spare that's mt'd and ready to go. As Biere mentions, there's an extensive topic on this from late last Spring IIRC. Oh, a substantial jack to service the tires. We carry a small hydraulic jack. Takes a lot of stuff to be prepared for tire issues doesn't it???
|
|
Quoted:
Don't forget the cement! IME (and according to internet lore), the plugs work MUCH better when used with self-vulcanizing cement. Quoted:
Quoted:
We carry F-A-F and plugs Don't forget the cement! IME (and according to internet lore), the plugs work MUCH better when used with self-vulcanizing cement. Interesting, will look for it as we have our share of leaks, usually slow. Once you open a tube, toss it. Cement tubes are cheap at W-M. Don't impale your wrist with the cheap plug reamers that can break, either... Be careful. Sometimes it takes Superman to push a reamer thru a steel belt. A cordless drill helps a lot. |
|
Quoted:
My dad actually bought me one of those 12volt pumps for x-mas and the thing is next to useless. It takes 10-20min to add minimal PSI to a tire. The can of fix-a-flat in each vehicle will be FAR more useful. -Emt1581 Quoted:
Quoted:
Tire Plug Kits..... 12 volt air compressor for refilling repaired tires.... My dad actually bought me one of those 12volt pumps for x-mas and the thing is next to useless. It takes 10-20min to add minimal PSI to a tire. The can of fix-a-flat in each vehicle will be FAR more useful. -Emt1581 Some are far better than others. I've had a few that were excellent. I had one that was just ok and took it apart to find the little flapper valves weren't quite right, i fixed it and now it works great too. They have been a real life saver to me more than a few times. |
|
Quoted: Here's a small sample of my SHTF automotive fluids I have stored up. What you don't see here are others gallons of oil and filters and cases of antifreeze I have. http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac216/Rockyriver1234/57BC166F-1E48-4939-A5EF-AC0ACBF82097-11923-000014B460B01383_zps3e9102fb.jpg Thanks. I just went to Walmart and stocked up because of this picture. My wallet hates you.  |
|
Quoted:
Here's a small sample of my SHTF automotive fluids I have stored up. What you don't see here are others gallons of oil and filters and cases of antifreeze I have. http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac216/Rockyriver1234/57BC166F-1E48-4939-A5EF-AC0ACBF82097-11923-000014B460B01383_zps3e9102fb.jpg holy crap thats almost more stuff than we keep on hand where I work! |
|
Quoted:
Takes a lot of stuff to be prepared for tire issues doesn't it??? Not really. A spare, a lug wrench and basic jack will get you by 99.999% of the time. If I was having that much trouble with tires and flats, I would be re-examining my choice of tires, my maintenance regimen and my driving habits. |
|
Quoted:
Honestly, during a SHTF, I'd MUCH prefer a small 100-250cc dual sport to a farm tractor. Significantly better on gas, easier to work on, faster, lighter, etc. Not sure which would have more capability on diverse terrain though... -Emt1581 No one who has farmed sees lighter as an advantage, and few see faster as an advantage, If you want transportation of a person or two, the ATV wins hands down, but for work or transporting a significant load (I used to routinely move 10,000 lb trailers with tractors as small as a JD1050 (watch the toungue weight), the diesel farms tractor wins. |
|
Quoted:
No one who has farmed sees lighter as an advantage, and few see faster as an advantage, If you want transportation of a person or two, the ATV wins hands down, but for work or transporting a significant load (I used to routinely move 10,000 lb trailers with tractors as small as a JD1050 (watch the toungue weight), the diesel farms tractor wins. SHTF's here typically consist of bad storms that knock down trees/powerlines/etc. So being able to have something that is street legal and can go around/over some of the obstacles is a HUGE plus. I didn't have a dual sport after Sandy but my motorcycle let me get through some otherwise obstructed areas that I couldn't get through in my car. Now had I had the ability to maneuver more, which a dual sport would have given me, not much would have gotten in the way. Also, I can tow a dual sport/motorcycle with my car. One light enough I wouldn't even need my 4'x8' trailer. Can the same be said about any tractors you'd be referencing? I think we need to take into account that everyone's AO is different. That might be why a dual sport bike would be king around here during a crisis, where a tractor might really shine in your neck of the woods. -Emt1581 |
|
Didn't read the entire thread.
There are ways to seat a tire with flame. I don't suggest them... but SHTF, might be useful. You basically ignite the air inside the tire. I've seen it done off-road, where people have lost a bead. Myself... I'd put on the spare. I try to do most of my own work. I did pay for some AC work on the Jeep this year, the leak was a tricky one and I couldn't find it... and it took them 2 tries, and we still almost changed what turned out to be a perfectly good Evap. (The Evap on a Jeep is really hard to see, so they figured - and I agreed - that it was probably where it was leaking from. On the third pass we found a leak in the condenser, in a hard spot to see.) One thing I do, though, is keep all of my 'used' hardware with some life left in it. Things like U-joints, Brake components, etc, that have some life left, but you replace because you are in there, and they aren't that expensive... and you don't want to go -back- in. I don't keep known bad parts (though I do have one bad U-joint... I'm not sure which of the 3 I replaced was making the noise, they all look fine...), but I keep parts that weren't bad, and do have some life. I mostly only do this for the Jeep, but I've kept stuff for other vehicles at times. It -does- come in handy from time to time when someone breaks something on the trail, and I magically have a spare in my big box 'o stuff. 
|
|
Quoted:
What have you stocked up on and what equipment do you have to ensure your vehicles keep running during/post SHTF? I have a decent collection of spare parts and tools/supplies/repair materials intended for dealing with offroad emergencies. I actually use these on a regular basis already. Long term, though, I think the fuel will run out quickly. At that point I'm relying on mountain bikes and spare parts for them. |
|
Quoted:
I have a decent collection of spare parts and tools/supplies/repair materials intended for dealing with offroad emergencies. I actually use these on a regular basis already. Long term, though, I think the fuel will run out quickly. At that point I'm relying on mountain bikes and spare parts for them. Quoted:
Quoted:
What have you stocked up on and what equipment do you have to ensure your vehicles keep running during/post SHTF? I have a decent collection of spare parts and tools/supplies/repair materials intended for dealing with offroad emergencies. I actually use these on a regular basis already. Long term, though, I think the fuel will run out quickly. At that point I'm relying on mountain bikes and spare parts for them. This is a good point, fuel...but again we're talking a few months plus...not your run of the mill week or two power outage. Anything motor vehicle, even motorcycles...I don't really envision them in a longer term scenario. Not unless everyone creates a gassifier to run their car on. I've seen it done once or twice but it's usually for a small pickup and the unit takes up a lot of space. Still it'd be VERY nice to be able to drive wherever so long as you have something to burn. Only place they wouldn't do well is the beach or desert. -Emt1581 |
|
Quoted:
This is a good point, fuel...but again we're talking a few months plus...not your run of the mill week or two power outage. Anything motor vehicle, even motorcycles...I don't really envision them in a longer term scenario. Not unless everyone creates a gassifier to run their car on. I've seen it done once or twice but it's usually for a small pickup and the unit takes up a lot of space. Still it'd be VERY nice to be able to drive wherever so long as you have something to burn. Only place they wouldn't do well is the beach or desert. -Emt1581 Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
What have you stocked up on and what equipment do you have to ensure your vehicles keep running during/post SHTF? I have a decent collection of spare parts and tools/supplies/repair materials intended for dealing with offroad emergencies. I actually use these on a regular basis already. Long term, though, I think the fuel will run out quickly. At that point I'm relying on mountain bikes and spare parts for them. This is a good point, fuel...but again we're talking a few months plus...not your run of the mill week or two power outage. Anything motor vehicle, even motorcycles...I don't really envision them in a longer term scenario. Not unless everyone creates a gassifier to run their car on. I've seen it done once or twice but it's usually for a small pickup and the unit takes up a lot of space. Still it'd be VERY nice to be able to drive wherever so long as you have something to burn. Only place they wouldn't do well is the beach or desert. -Emt1581 My goodness, what sort of TEOTWAWKI do you expect??? And my trips to the beach, well, gassifier or not, it just isn't fair if I can't go. 
|
|
I have oil, filters, plugs, grease guns, an air compressor, and tools on hand.
I need to pick up some more metric tools for the wife's car. I'm looking in to one of the OBD II Diagnostic tools as well as owner's manuals. I figure the OBD tool will be handy since it will work on both cars. Gonna get some plug wires. Gonna get some extra trans fluid for wife's car. My trans is sealed.
Brake fluid Antifreeze I don't think I'll be able to do major repairs, but it should get me through some basic issues. |
|
Quoted:
My goodness, what sort of TEOTWAWKI do you expect??? And my trips to the beach, well, gassifier or not, it just isn't fair if I can't go.
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
What have you stocked up on and what equipment do you have to ensure your vehicles keep running during/post SHTF? I have a decent collection of spare parts and tools/supplies/repair materials intended for dealing with offroad emergencies. I actually use these on a regular basis already. Long term, though, I think the fuel will run out quickly. At that point I'm relying on mountain bikes and spare parts for them. This is a good point, fuel...but again we're talking a few months plus...not your run of the mill week or two power outage. Anything motor vehicle, even motorcycles...I don't really envision them in a longer term scenario. Not unless everyone creates a gassifier to run their car on. I've seen it done once or twice but it's usually for a small pickup and the unit takes up a lot of space. Still it'd be VERY nice to be able to drive wherever so long as you have something to burn. Only place they wouldn't do well is the beach or desert. -Emt1581 My goodness, what sort of TEOTWAWKI do you expect??? And my trips to the beach, well, gassifier or not, it just isn't fair if I can't go.
Honestly, I don't envision like a meteor strike or solar flare...I think it'll be much more man-made whether a virus/plague or some other WMD. Even those are slim. Still, I don't see oil procurement being easy/cheap so it might be cost prohibitive if not impossible to get regular unleaded. So you can go to the beach...lots of options there!! But, as my great grandmother put it, you'll wear out your legs to give your ass a ride....or you'll have to feed and clean up after your animal. Maybe solar? ...or you could just move there now and beat the rush...
-Emt1581 |
|
Quoted:
Honestly, I don't envision like a meteor strike or solar flare...I think it'll be much more man-made whether a virus/plague or some other WMD. Even those are slim. Still, I don't see oil procurement being easy/cheap so it might be cost prohibitive if not impossible to get regular unleaded. So you can go to the beach...lots of options there!! But, as my great grandmother put it, you'll wear out your legs to give your ass a ride....or you'll have to feed and clean up after your animal. Maybe solar? ...or you could just move there now and beat the rush...
-Emt1581 Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
What have you stocked up on and what equipment do you have to ensure your vehicles keep running during/post SHTF? I have a decent collection of spare parts and tools/supplies/repair materials intended for dealing with offroad emergencies. I actually use these on a regular basis already. Long term, though, I think the fuel will run out quickly. At that point I'm relying on mountain bikes and spare parts for them. This is a good point, fuel...but again we're talking a few months plus...not your run of the mill week or two power outage. Anything motor vehicle, even motorcycles...I don't really envision them in a longer term scenario. Not unless everyone creates a gassifier to run their car on. I've seen it done once or twice but it's usually for a small pickup and the unit takes up a lot of space. Still it'd be VERY nice to be able to drive wherever so long as you have something to burn. Only place they wouldn't do well is the beach or desert. -Emt1581 My goodness, what sort of TEOTWAWKI do you expect??? And my trips to the beach, well, gassifier or not, it just isn't fair if I can't go.
Honestly, I don't envision like a meteor strike or solar flare...I think it'll be much more man-made whether a virus/plague or some other WMD. Even those are slim. Still, I don't see oil procurement being easy/cheap so it might be cost prohibitive if not impossible to get regular unleaded. So you can go to the beach...lots of options there!! But, as my great grandmother put it, you'll wear out your legs to give your ass a ride....or you'll have to feed and clean up after your animal. Maybe solar? ...or you could just move there now and beat the rush...
-Emt1581 Man, if it get's that bad without fuel, there ain't gonna be a rush, most everybuddy will be dead... |
|
Quoted:
I don't understand. Why would it mean almost everyone is dead? -Emt1581 Quoted:
Quoted:
Man, if it get's that bad without fuel, there ain't gonna be a rush, most everybuddy will be dead... I don't understand. Why would it mean almost everyone is dead? -Emt1581 Probably because without fuel we would lose the ability to mass produce, refrigerate and transport food, provide healthcare or produce medicines, heat home on cold regions, cool homes in hot regions, etc that we currently do to support the existing population density. If we're going to return to 18th century technology, it's likely only going to support an 18th century population level. I don't know who it would suck more for, the ones who die or the who ones who survive. |
|
Quoted:
Probably because without fuel we would lose the ability to mass produce, refrigerate and transport food, provide healthcare or produce medicines, heat home on cold regions, cool homes in hot regions, etc that we currently do to support the existing population density. If we're going to return to 18th century technology, it's likely only going to support an 18th century population level. I don't know who it would suck more for, the ones who die or the who ones who survive. We did just fine prior to gasoline being used to fuel engines. You might be right about mass production being effected. But as far as heating home...I've been using a wood stove for a few years now. And I have plenty of wood out back, it'd just be more labor intensive to saw/split it by hand. There are tribes all around the world that do just fine without gasoline. Hell, even the Amish have been surviving without it. As I mentioned, we might go back to using animals more, but there's more than one way to skin a cat. -Emt1581 |
|
Quoted:
We did just fine prior to gasoline being used to fuel engines. You might be right about mass production being effected. But as far as heating home...I've been using a wood stove for a few years now. And I have plenty of wood out back, it'd just be more labor intensive to saw/split it by hand. There are tribes all around the world that do just fine without gasoline. Hell, even the Amish have been surviving without it. As I mentioned, we might go back to using animals more, but there's more than one way to skin a cat. -Emt1581 Quoted:
Quoted:
Probably because without fuel we would lose the ability to mass produce, refrigerate and transport food, provide healthcare or produce medicines, heat home on cold regions, cool homes in hot regions, etc that we currently do to support the existing population density. If we're going to return to 18th century technology, it's likely only going to support an 18th century population level. I don't know who it would suck more for, the ones who die or the who ones who survive. We did just fine prior to gasoline being used to fuel engines. You might be right about mass production being effected. But as far as heating home...I've been using a wood stove for a few years now. And I have plenty of wood out back, it'd just be more labor intensive to saw/split it by hand. There are tribes all around the world that do just fine without gasoline. Hell, even the Amish have been surviving without it. As I mentioned, we might go back to using animals more, but there's more than one way to skin a cat. -Emt1581 That might be great for you, but what about everyone else? Look at the bigger picture. You're the one envisioning a scenario where fuel isn't available for 6 months or more. Think about everything that we really do with petroleum and what it's sudden complete disappearance would really do to us as a society. That being said, a long term fuel/power outage like that is really just another survivalist masturbatory fantasy anyhow. Domestic oil and NG production is booming, we could always increase nuclear/solar/wind/tidal/geothermal power sources and we have centuries' worth of coal beneath our feet. Not to mention that as fuel/power becomes more limited, it becomes more expensive and our use of it becomes much more efficient. |
|
Quoted:
That might be great for you, but what about everyone else? Look at the bigger picture. You're the one envisioning a scenario where fuel isn't available for 6 months or more. Think about everything that we really do with petroleum and what it's sudden complete disappearance would really do to us as a society. That being said, a long term fuel/power outage like that is really just another survivalist masturbatory fantasy anyhow. Domestic oil and NG production is booming, we could always increase nuclear/solar/wind/tidal/geothermal power sources and we have centuries' worth of coal beneath our feet. Not to mention that as fuel/power becomes more limited, it becomes more expensive and our use of it becomes much more efficient. Great for me but what about everyone else??...you do realize this is a prepper forum right?
I never said I could envision a scenario where gasoline all of a sudden dried up. Can you?? I can think of a few situations that would make it's production/acquiring more difficult. And on top of that I said it was unlikely/slim chance. But how does this train we're on of gasoline being unavailable relate to what tools/parts you keep on hand to work on your vehicles? Again, this thread is really about shorter term issues rather than the elimination of gasoline. -Emt1581 |
| As for the topic at hand, beyond basic vehicle PCMS, I keep a couple of oil changes, various lubricants, fillters, coolant, a couple of spare tires, etc on hand. Enough to sustain operation for 10-15,000 miles. What sort of realistic SHTF scenario is going to require anywhere NEAR that much driving? |
|
Quoted:
As for the topic at hand, beyond basic vehicle PCMS, I keep a couple of oil changes, various lubricants, fillters, coolant, a couple of spare tires, etc on hand. Enough to sustain operation for 10-15,000 miles. What sort of realistic SHTF scenario is going to require anywhere NEAR that much driving? Hmm...good question. But what I'm thinking is if you want to just use the vehicle itself...NOT to really go anywhere but for heat, charging things, maybe popping off a wheel and creating some sort of dew-hikey with a belt/band (saw it on Predator and Duck Dynasty). Your supply sounds like mine. -Emt1581 |
|
Quoted:
Great for me but what about everyone else??...you do realize this is a prepper forum right?
Quoted:
Quoted:
That might be great for you, but what about everyone else? Look at the bigger picture. You're the one envisioning a scenario where fuel isn't available for 6 months or more. Think about everything that we really do with petroleum and what it's sudden complete disappearance would really do to us as a society. That being said, a long term fuel/power outage like that is really just another survivalist masturbatory fantasy anyhow. Domestic oil and NG production is booming, we could always increase nuclear/solar/wind/tidal/geothermal power sources and we have centuries' worth of coal beneath our feet. Not to mention that as fuel/power becomes more limited, it becomes more expensive and our use of it becomes much more efficient. Great for me but what about everyone else??...you do realize this is a prepper forum right?
So your plan is to sit in a warm house with a full belly while everyone else is expected to just lay down and die. Um, okay. Good luck with that. I never said I could envision a scenario where gasoline all of a sudden dried up. Can you?? I can think of a few situations that would make it's production/acquiring more difficult. And on top of that I said it was unlikely/slim chance. But how does this train we're on of gasoline being unavailable relate to what tools/parts you keep on hand to work on your vehicles? Again, this thread is really about shorter term issues rather than the elimination of gasoline. -Emt1581 LOL, you're the one who brought it up! Quoted:
Anything motor vehicle, even motorcycles...I don't really envision them in a longer term scenario. Not unless everyone creates a gassifier to run their car on. I've seen it done once or twice but it's usually for a small pickup and the unit takes up a lot of space. Still it'd be VERY nice to be able to drive wherever so long as you have something to burn. Only place they wouldn't do well is the beach or desert. -Emt1581
|
|
Quoted:
So your plan is to sit in a warm house with a full belly while everyone else is expected to just lay down and die. Um, okay. Good luck with that. LOL, you're the one who brought it up! Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
That might be great for you, but what about everyone else? Look at the bigger picture. You're the one envisioning a scenario where fuel isn't available for 6 months or more. Think about everything that we really do with petroleum and what it's sudden complete disappearance would really do to us as a society. That being said, a long term fuel/power outage like that is really just another survivalist masturbatory fantasy anyhow. Domestic oil and NG production is booming, we could always increase nuclear/solar/wind/tidal/geothermal power sources and we have centuries' worth of coal beneath our feet. Not to mention that as fuel/power becomes more limited, it becomes more expensive and our use of it becomes much more efficient. Great for me but what about everyone else??...you do realize this is a prepper forum right?
So your plan is to sit in a warm house with a full belly while everyone else is expected to just lay down and die. Um, okay. Good luck with that. I never said I could envision a scenario where gasoline all of a sudden dried up. Can you?? I can think of a few situations that would make it's production/acquiring more difficult. And on top of that I said it was unlikely/slim chance. But how does this train we're on of gasoline being unavailable relate to what tools/parts you keep on hand to work on your vehicles? Again, this thread is really about shorter term issues rather than the elimination of gasoline. -Emt1581 LOL, you're the one who brought it up! Quoted:
Anything motor vehicle, even motorcycles...I don't really envision them in a longer term scenario. Not unless everyone creates a gassifier to run their car on. I've seen it done once or twice but it's usually for a small pickup and the unit takes up a lot of space. Still it'd be VERY nice to be able to drive wherever so long as you have something to burn. Only place they wouldn't do well is the beach or desert. -Emt1581 And so I did...
As for sitting at home with a full belly and warm...me and a bunch of other people on this forum. I've done it before and I'll do it again. If the situation gets bad enough, the have-nots could come...but that's a totally different issue/thread. -Emt1581 |