Alan, I wan't some of those.

 

Basic tools, wrenches and ratchets/sockets.
Air tools and compressor.
Engine hoist.
Parts cleaner.
Powder coating equipment; sprayer and oven.
Spray booth.
Car hoist.

Costs goes up as you get deeper!

 

 

Even you you do the job once. Just sell on Ebay after the job is done

 

nobody has said a word about tool STORAGE. If you got a good tool, you gotta store that bad boy somewhere. Sears has good tool boxes, but I hav 3 big boxes of tools, 1 Snap-on Harley anniversary, and 2 Cornwell boxes.

Anybody need a good Cornwell box? I can't take mine to work now (I work for the USAF and they have tool control measures out the wazoo), so I'm ready to part with one. Tucson, AZ

 

I was about to mention the tool box. You can buy a good roll around setup one piece at a time. Just remember that if you hint to the wife what tool box you want you will need to spend the same amount on her present or she may use that 5 pound BFH mentioned earlier on you.

 

I have to agree on the Crafstman. Not a fan of their power tools, though. My 2c. And yes, you'll be surprised how often you need two of the same wrench, and nothing else will fit/work...one of the wrench sets should be the ratcheting type, for sure. I would also encourage deep sockets for your second set. Go for the 1/2" sockets, and get several extensions. Plan on buying some individual larger wrenches and sockets, too, up to 1" at least. Seems like the sets only go up to 3/4" or 7/8".

Get a decent multi-meter, a set of feeler gauges, hose pliers and hose pinch-off pliers. Long and long/curved needle-nose pliers.

When you've been at this for a while, you'll think you can judge which cheap import tools are a good deal and which are junk. I think I can, and so I buy the cheap stuff sometimes, but the truth is about 98% of that stuff is junk. For example, Ironcross' comments on pullers are spot on...you likely won't need them until your maint/upgrades get more involved, but when you do, spend the money to get good ones! Ask me how I know...

Good tools are their own reward. I like using them, of course, but I also like having them, if that makes any sense...?

Finally, I have used the following items for every project I've done on my car. Most of these are not the first thing you think of when you hear the word "tools," but tools they are, just the same:

1) A good floor jack. Forget about scissor jacks and bottle jacks. If you are serious about this, invest in a good jack.
2) A good quality trouble light with a plug-in and adjustable hook/legs so you can direct the light where you want it, no matter how you are forced to set/hang the light.
3) A good creeper. I hated creepers and never used them until my wife got me the Bone as a gift. This thing works.
4) A couple of disposable aluminum turkey roasting pans. Put these under what you're working on. They will catch drips, leaks, and falling fasteners. When I'm in the middle of something involved, I just toss everything in there as it comes off the car--nothing gets lost, and I'm going to clean the parts either way, so it saves me time.
5) Plastic sandwich bags and a Sharpie. If you walk away from that pan full of parts without bagging and labeling EVERYTHING, you will BE SORRY.
6) Nitrile gloves.
7) Rags-in-a-Box
8) PB Blaster. Buy 3 cans.

Enjoy tool shopping! When you consider the price of good tools, keep in mind what your local shop charges for an hour of labor...it's up to $100/hour in my area. Makes the decision much easier, in many cases...

Happy New Year!

 

I can't find this tool listed anywhere in any of the catalogues.
Would you consider renting me yours?
Or I could trade my left handed ratchet wrench for it? ( I picked this one up on Ebay and I am right handed so it is of no use to me). If you are not left handed either maybe I can interest you in a different tool? How about a right handed dent puller - all my dents are on the left side of my truck?
Txs
Bman