I have a small tool box with metric wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers. Plus a set of points and a condenser. I haven't logged many miles, but have been fortunate not to have broken down.
A few years ago, I read a book about this American who drove across Siberia with a couple of Russians. Not speaking the language, he sent them off to buy a new van for the trip, but they returned with an old rattletrap and some Vodka. They set out and the van invariably broke down. The technique was to walk along the highway until you found the necessary parts for your repair laying around in the roadway or on the shoulder. The roads were so rough, that parts would keep falling off the vehicles, available to the next guy with the talent and in need. Apparently one of the Russian companions was a genius at making field repairs and kept the van going.
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