Hi all,
I'm trying to compile a list of parts and tools that are specific to routemasters and essential to daily running and maintenance. I know this sounds really open but I'm thinking along the lines of parts you should always have spares of or tools you cant just find at any mechanics. Any input much appreciated. Cheers, Gwilym.

My bus number (if any): rml2579

hi,

As a new routemaster owner this sounds like a great idea!

I look forward to seeing the results

My bus number (if any): RMF2771 (also known as RCN701)

Big hammer, lots of patience, selection of bad language... you never have the right tool at the right time!

Daily maintenance is the usual selection of UNF spanners, a few screwdrivers, socket set. The more specialist tools are almost impossible to find, such as rear hub nut spanner, things for pulling the front wishbone suspension rubbers out, huge spanner for tightening front body mountings, ball joint pullers...

If you wish to do more than change the oil, filters and tinker with the engine then you will have to be prepared to spend serious money to be able to work safely. Practically everything else is underneath the vehicle, big, heavy and tight.

The average HGV/PSV fitter will have about £10-25K worth of tools. Workshop equipment will add roughly the same again.

When I bought my bus 20 years ago nearly, it came with a selection of parts, which I carried around and some have come in handy recently, mainly because they are no longer available or expensive. (brake pump, compressor, drive belts, assorted oil seals, gaskets, alternator, starter motor, rubber hoses, injector pipes, lift pump etc)

Preventative maintenance and regular use is best policy, not that I've followed that advice much! Breakdown insurance if you are the worrying type or you own a wreck
Not probably the answer you were looking for.....sorry

My bus number (if any): 1842

But very true! I suspect the "mobile" tool box I carry in my car when working abroad has about £2k worth of quality spanners and sockets alone, plus an intensifier for accumulators, probably about £4k worth of spares (shoes/brake cylinders/accumulators, assortment of Dowty washers etc).