Toolbox for TVR Vixen diff cover

Toolbox for TVR Vixen diff cover

Author
Discussion

Sonus

Original Poster:

294 posts

190 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
I am thinking of making a toolbox to fit where the diff access cover is in my Vixen. There is some height available to make a shallow box with foam inlay and lid for necessary tools to bring on longer trips. I won't be able to fit the largest tools, but spanners, ratchets, screwdrivers etc should fit.

The box would be made from FG and foam cut to make the tools fit snug.

Question is what are the essential tools to bring?

1/2" spanners x2
Philips screwdriver
Flat screwdriver
1/2" ratchet and sockets maybe?
Spare fuses
Spare bulbs

What else would fit within the width, depth and length confines of the diff cover?

Fitting would be via clip nuts

DavidY

4,474 posts

291 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Anything to fix an electrical problem - some spare wire, terminals, cutters, pliers, etc

But seriously a Roadside Recovery Card and a Mobile Phone is all you really need!

Andrew Gray

4,969 posts

156 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
In Many ways David is spot on however i dont really like the idea of coming home on a recovery Truck although its still worthwhile having cover.
I tend to probably carry far more than needed and the spares have been used on others cars over the years more than my own.

However in the Vixen Bodied cars there is a simple solution.
The Passenger side foot well when you sit in the passenger side you will find that your feet dont touch the end and dont have somewhere to rest your feet.

This was done on mine by Alan Bell when he re built her a number of years ago.

He built a frame 6,5 inches out and made a false floor that is trimmed and has clips under the carpet that keep it in place where you can store all sorts mine packed tight has all sorts from spare fuel pump to coil to a full socket set and many other bits hidden in there.
When i bought the car from a German Dealer after the owner sadly died did not even realize it was there.

Plus the weight is in the best area of the car.

here are a few pictures










Andrew

Sonus

Original Poster:

294 posts

190 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Neat idea Andrew, but My battery is going there smile

Moto

1,261 posts

260 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
I have all the above in a laptop size bag which slides down behind the drivers seat perfectly. It's not visible but easy to get out when required. Other items to consider are torch, contact points and condenser, HT lead, spark plug, cable ties, duck tape.

The item I don't carry is a jack, which makes having a spare wheel questionable. I'd love to find a really small jack that could be stored somewhere and it makes sense to put it where you're thinking, as when needed you'll need to get the spare out anyway.

Moto


Andrew Gray

4,969 posts

156 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Moto said:
I have all the above in a laptop size bag which slides down behind the drivers seat perfectly. It's not visible but easy to get out when required. Other items to consider are torch, contact points and condenser, HT lead, spark plug, cable ties, duck tape.

The item I don't carry is a jack, which makes having a spare wheel questionable. I'd love to find a really small jack that could be stored somewhere and it makes sense to put it where you're thinking, as when needed you'll need to get the spare out anyway.

Moto
Jack should be inside the back of the wheel as there is plenty of space there for it along with a tool role as well the spare goes in with the back facing up with the spare holder having a dish where the jack sits


Andrew

Moto

1,261 posts

260 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Andrew Gray said:
Jack should be inside the back of the wheel as there is plenty of space there for it along with a tool role as well the spare goes in with the back facing up with the spare holder having a dish where the jack sits
Makes sense. When I purchased the Vixen there was no tool roll or jack but there was a vinyl cover for the spare - original I think and not damaged but not very nice. So as I had all the wheels refurbed and the spare is immaculate I ditched the cover to the back of a cupboard, turned the spare the right way up so it now looks good. I could probably just cable tie a jack underneath the spare.

Moto

DavidY

4,474 posts

291 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Moto said:
I could probably just cable tie a jack underneath the spare.

Moto
Don't forget to pack some cutters in the car, nothing worse than something tie wrapped and nothing to remove it.

Another alternative for the OP is just considering carrying some key spares, then use the roadside recovery man to fit them, that way you won't be stranded and even better won't get your hands dirty!

Andrew Gray

4,969 posts

156 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Moto said:
Andrew Gray said:
Jack should be inside the back of the wheel as there is plenty of space there for it along with a tool role as well the spare goes in with the back facing up with the spare holder having a dish where the jack sits
Makes sense. When I purchased the Vixen there was no tool roll or jack but there was a vinyl cover for the spare - original I think and not damaged but not very nice. So as I had all the wheels refurbed and the spare is immaculate I ditched the cover to the back of a cupboard, turned the spare the right way up so it now looks good. I could probably just cable tie a jack underneath the spare.

Moto
Is the wheel loose in the back then thats some lump to hit you in the back in a Crash should one happen
Andrew

Moto

1,261 posts

260 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Andrew Gray said:
Is the wheel loose in the back then thats some lump to hit you in the back in a Crash should one happen
Andrew
No, it's bolted in situ with a long M10 bolt thru a wheel nut hole into the floor.

Moto

Dollyman1850

6,319 posts

257 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
http://www.tbcmainsite.co.uk

For the man who has everything... this is lovely and very apt for our cars...

N.

Dollyman1850

6,319 posts

257 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
http://www.tbcmainsite.co.uk

For the man who has everything... this is lovely and very apt for our cars...

N.

oliverb205

705 posts

233 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Moto said:
Andrew Gray said:
Jack should be inside the back of the wheel as there is plenty of space there for it along with a tool role as well the spare goes in with the back facing up with the spare holder having a dish where the jack sits
Makes sense. When I purchased the Vixen there was no tool roll or jack but there was a vinyl cover for the spare - original I think and not damaged but not very nice. So as I had all the wheels refurbed and the spare is immaculate I ditched the cover to the back of a cupboard, turned the spare the right way up so it now looks good. I could probably just cable tie a jack underneath the spare.

Moto
When I first bought my Vixen it had lost the spare wheel cover and the reflection of the polished rim in the rear view mirror drove me mad! Luckily I managed to pick up a used cover via the club classifieds.

Oliver.

Monkeythree

514 posts

236 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
I had a leathery old bag in my car once.













But then I stopped and the mother-in-law got out.

Andrew Gray

4,969 posts

156 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Dollyman1850 said:
http://www.tbcmainsite.co.uk

For the man who has everything... this is lovely and very apt for our cars...

N.
Rather Nice
Would work well in the 3000s boot
I opted for this for the Tuscan as i could not fit the footwell cupboard and the side vents
Jack etc and some other spares in with the spare wheel and a socket set under the seat then this set up which stores nice down the side of the spare wheel.



Andrew

Moto

1,261 posts

260 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
quotequote all
Just to put this into perspective, in some 12,000 miles over the past 5 years the Vixen has only needed a tool kit 3 times. Once with a broken fan belt where 3 cables ties joined together lasted 25 miles to get me home. A spanner to tighten an earth connection when the headlights started to flicker and last week when the car wouldn't start after filling it up with fuel. I don't know why yet but after a short time she fired up and all OK for now. I'm thinking possibly a failing coil.

Not too bad really for a 45 yea old car.

Moto

Andrew Gray

4,969 posts

156 months

Friday 24th March 2017
quotequote all
Moto said:
Just to put this into perspective, in some 12,000 miles over the past 5 years the Vixen has only needed a tool kit 3 times. Once with a broken fan belt where 3 cables ties joined together lasted 25 miles to get me home. A spanner to tighten an earth connection when the headlights started to flicker and last week when the car wouldn't start after filling it up with fuel. I don't know why yet but after a short time she fired up and all OK for now. I'm thinking possibly a failing coil.

Not too bad really for a 45 yea old car.

Moto
Very True they are robust little cars and not that much to go wrong its more peace of mind when it come to having tools with you
Andrew