Thanks for your input. I am now on vacation for 3 weeks, and I will of course use some of the time to work on and drive the truck.
Fuel tank, pipes, pump and filter and even the gas gauge are already worked over, as is the battery charging system. The radiator and heater hoses are new and freshly clamped tight. I'd guess anything wrong here will show up while testing here.
Brakes were done before last years' safety inspection.
Most of the things you mentioned I have had already on the list. I will take the toolbox along, with all wrenches (even adjustable ones of 3 sizes), sockets, a hammer, a set of pliers, screw drivers of different size, knife, zip ties, simple multimeter, wire tester, jumper wire with crocodile clamps, feeler gauge, cordless tool, drilling and screwing bits.
What I had not on the list were those
- wire coat hangers (I've no idea what for, or if a spool of stiff wire will do as well?),
- the ignition switch (mine works well, but the lock is, as all other locks at the truck, a bit worn)
- and the water pump (will read the shop manual closely to check for what is needed).
What I have on list not mentioned yet: A strip of bicycle tube, a piece of sheet metal, a set of nuts, washers and bolts of different sizes.
I do not own a spare tire or wheel and there is no provision on the car for holding one. I wasn't much concerned about that, because the trip will be most of the time near cities and villages and all of the time on paved roads. In addition I haven't had a flat tire in the last 20 years.
As mentioned above, some of the locks are a bit of a concern to me, and I am not sure what I will do about them, if I can't replace them in time. Gas cap is new, and glove box lock unnecessary but door and ignition I think I will have to change.
Since I haven't driven the truck in rain I don't know if the window seals are leaking or if humidity will give any problems with electrical equipment. I hopefully find out in the next weeks that all is well (or what to do)
Thanks again, Helmut
