Recommended tools?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio
Recommended tools?
I will be buying a 1982 Vette in the relatively near future, and I had a few questions about tools needed.
I would, of course, like to do as many repairs/modifications/upgrades by myself as possible without taking the car into the shop.
What tools do y'all recommend that I buy? I would want to be able, for example, to put in new headers, cam, exhaust system, and cat.
The only tools I have right now are standard screwdrivers. I will not do any welding or anything that cannot be done without training.
I would like to spend less than $1000 on tools, if possible.
Thanks, y'all
I would, of course, like to do as many repairs/modifications/upgrades by myself as possible without taking the car into the shop.
What tools do y'all recommend that I buy? I would want to be able, for example, to put in new headers, cam, exhaust system, and cat.
The only tools I have right now are standard screwdrivers. I will not do any welding or anything that cannot be done without training.
I would like to spend less than $1000 on tools, if possible.
Thanks, y'all
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Dumont New Jersey
I couldnt do without my Socket Set. Also if you are getting a project car, maybe a Sandblaster kit.
If you plan on doing the frame and bigger pieces, buy the biggest you can afford, saves lots of time.
And Welding kits if you can.
If you do not know how, quickly find a friend that can!
If you plan on doing the frame and bigger pieces, buy the biggest you can afford, saves lots of time.
And Welding kits if you can.
If you do not know how, quickly find a friend that can!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
An air compressor and impact wrench are very handy tools to have. I bought a Craftsman 30-gal tank compressor a few years ago and I use it all the time. It came with some air tools but the impact wrench was pretty crappy. I purchased a much heavier-duty Craftsman impact wrench that was able to loosen bolts that the free wrench couldn't budge. There are many other uses for compressors also that you will discover as you go along.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have a good starter set that has not ben opened yet if you are interested. I got these and don't need them. I already have a LOT of tools and these are just duplicates. I'll post a link to the set if you are interested.
This is not my auction but is the set I have. I will let it go for a less than they are asking. I don't know what shipping would be, due to not knowing where you are located. PM me if you are interested.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=015
This is not my auction but is the set I have. I will let it go for a less than they are asking. I don't know what shipping would be, due to not knowing where you are located. PM me if you are interested.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=015
Last edited by Gordonm; Aug 27, 2007 at 05:56 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Williamsburg VA
Shop Press!!
This thing has paid for itself 5 times over at least...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33497
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33497
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
In a shop I used to work for, one of the mechanics said "Dave's favorite tools are a two pound sledge and a prybar. My favorite tool is a torch. Between the two of us we can fix anything!"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 114
From: St. Louis Mo
I will be buying a 1982 Vette in the relatively near future, and I had a few questions about tools needed.
I would, of course, like to do as many repairs/modifications/upgrades by myself as possible without taking the car into the shop.
What tools do y'all recommend that I buy? I would want to be able, for example, to put in new headers, cam, exhaust system, and cat.
The only tools I have right now are standard screwdrivers. I will not do any welding or anything that cannot be done without training.
I would like to spend less than $1000 on tools, if possible.
Thanks, y'all
I would, of course, like to do as many repairs/modifications/upgrades by myself as possible without taking the car into the shop.
What tools do y'all recommend that I buy? I would want to be able, for example, to put in new headers, cam, exhaust system, and cat.
The only tools I have right now are standard screwdrivers. I will not do any welding or anything that cannot be done without training.
I would like to spend less than $1000 on tools, if possible.
Thanks, y'all
Jack and Jack Stands...........LT
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If you want a lot of good tools and for little money, look for an auction at a machine shop or car repair place. Tools are expensive...and good tools are even more expensive. Auctions with good tools are a great way to stock up with brand name stuff for little money. Call some auction outfits in your local area (or the nearest big city) and see if they have one coming up.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
Socket set with spark plug socket, wrench set, Jack stands/Jack, torque wrench, breaker bar, timing light/dwell meter, pliers set, adjustable wrench set, bandages, knowledge of curse words and when to use them, PB blaster, box of rags.
Best thing I bought when I first started this hobby was the shop manuals, assembly manual, etc., etc. Can't do squat unless you have these.
Don't go overboard just yet...one grand can get you a lot of tools or a lot of replacement parts. Plan a job or repair and make sure you have the right tools....if you don't have the right ones, go get what you need to add to your collection.
Ohhh and a nice tool chest to put all the new stuff in....don't go for the tool box, go for the large chest on wheels...after 2 years, it will be full..they are expensive, but well worth it.
Best thing I bought when I first started this hobby was the shop manuals, assembly manual, etc., etc. Can't do squat unless you have these.
Don't go overboard just yet...one grand can get you a lot of tools or a lot of replacement parts. Plan a job or repair and make sure you have the right tools....if you don't have the right ones, go get what you need to add to your collection.
Ohhh and a nice tool chest to put all the new stuff in....don't go for the tool box, go for the large chest on wheels...after 2 years, it will be full..they are expensive, but well worth it.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio
Last edited by habu987; Aug 27, 2007 at 09:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio
Back when I was in 8th grade, I saw a book with the SR-71 spyplane on the front of it. I bought the book and have been in love with it ever since. That's probably the main reason why I like the C3 so much--it reminds me of the SR-71. By the way, its nickname was Habu.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio
Aight, y'all have given me a lot of good recommendations. My sister bought an 80 piece tool set for her car several years ago, and is giving me the tool set for Christmas. I'll hafta see what all's in it, and what else I need to get.
So y'all say that jacks are definitely useful? 4 of them, to pick the car up? I figure that if those are worth it, I'll go and get some from Sears.
Thanks to all of y'all.
So y'all say that jacks are definitely useful? 4 of them, to pick the car up? I figure that if those are worth it, I'll go and get some from Sears.
Thanks to all of y'all.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
As for wrenches and sockets go with craftsman. Lil more expensive but if they break you take them to sears (who owns craftsman) and they'll replace them for free. I've taken a craftsman ratchet from like, 10 years ago in and they replaced it.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
I have had the same cheap-o tool set for years. Nothing bigger that 3/4 socket and wrench. No need for it yet.. I just purchased my 77 in april and have been getting tools a liitle at a time. Like Smokin said get it as you need it. I just purchased a jack and jack stand set. Its a cheap-o set but the stands look real good. Pulus for 15.00 from kragen you cant beat it. Im going to be changing plug wires this weekend so I bought the stands for that job. I know they say dont borrow tools from friends But sometimes its ok. Just remember you break you bought it.. I used my friends dremell to cut my kick panels for my speakers.
So i guess there are many ways to start to get tools.
So i guess there are many ways to start to get tools.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
The thing about tools is that you will never know what you will need untill the day of the job. My recomendation for you is, start with a good large craftsman multi set. Then, as you see a job coming,, go and get the special tools you don't have, but will need for the job. Very expensive tools you may only need to use once you can rent at most auto parts stores. This way you build your tool collection up over time,, having what you need to do each job as it comes along, and having a deeper bench, so to speak, after each job is completed. works.