Needed Tools
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: CA
Needed Tools
Hmm, so far as I work on my c3 corvette, i find myself buying tools as I need them for each job i do.
I was wondering is there a list of basic tools that I should have to work on these cars?
I was wondering is there a list of basic tools that I should have to work on these cars?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1
From: grand prairie texas
In my opinion thats A hard question to answer it is going to depend on how much you are planning on doing. If its just basic keep running maintenance I would like to have a 1/4in socket set with extentions and a 3/8th socket set and a set of combo wrenches and pliers and vice grips and assortment of screwdrivers. that would be A good starter tools.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
You can get anything from a good to superb starter set of Craftsman hand tools at Sears and add to the set as you move along. Depending on your skill level, consider 3/8 and 3/4" torque wrenches, various vice grips in different sizes, a BFG, (Big Effin' Hammer) a 5lb one will do, various sizes and types of pliers including channel locks, diagonal side cutters, commonly called "dikes" by the non-PC crowd 
, wire stripper/crimper, feeler gauge, and a bench vise if you have a bench to mount it too. That should get you going. Others can join in any time.
, wire stripper/crimper, feeler gauge, and a bench vise if you have a bench to mount it too. That should get you going. Others can join in any time.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Pullers are specialized tools and should be purchased with caution. Only quality names and there several types of them. Snap on, Mac, and even Sears. No import stuff on pullers. And also a good vice.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 624
Likes: 24
From: Shoreline WA
more tools
The above all have good suggestions and you'll probably see that it's an "evolution" in your workshop. Years ago mine started with the basics but has grown. Lately most of the specialized stuff has come from ideas here on the Forum.
I built a nice set of wood ramps, so a creeper is essential for me for a visual on the underside plus ease of work access. I also had some electrical questions/issues so a multimeter came in handy (found a good one on sale). My timing light is probably more than I need but was a Christmas gift from my wife, so what can I say? (INNOVA #5568). Heat is a good information source, and I picked up a high temperature infraRed thermometer (on sale from Sears a few months ago) for headers & exhaust ports/thermostat housing/etc. Fun and easy to use.
I'll admit that my Corvette is a hobby and a retirement project for me, so there's no rush and I want to prolong the "fun factor." My next big step will be an air compressor for "pro" type shop air-power tools and accessories.
jaycall88 - just pick them up as you need them, but get good ones!
I built a nice set of wood ramps, so a creeper is essential for me for a visual on the underside plus ease of work access. I also had some electrical questions/issues so a multimeter came in handy (found a good one on sale). My timing light is probably more than I need but was a Christmas gift from my wife, so what can I say? (INNOVA #5568). Heat is a good information source, and I picked up a high temperature infraRed thermometer (on sale from Sears a few months ago) for headers & exhaust ports/thermostat housing/etc. Fun and easy to use.
I'll admit that my Corvette is a hobby and a retirement project for me, so there's no rush and I want to prolong the "fun factor." My next big step will be an air compressor for "pro" type shop air-power tools and accessories.
jaycall88 - just pick them up as you need them, but get good ones!
Last edited by Carl Granquist; Jan 1, 2009 at 02:57 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
If you are going to be working on a C3, sooner or later you're definitely going to need a vacuum gauge.
Since a Mighty Vac kit has a vacuum gauge built in to it it's a great tool to have.
It's a vacuum gauge/pump in one and it's invaluable for diagnostics, brake bleeding, tuning ect:
The plastic pumps are fine for occasional use and are about $30 or so.
Last edited by Bob Onit; Jan 1, 2009 at 05:01 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
A basic Sears tool set, a 150ft/lb Torque wrench, a breaker bar, a second set of Sockets the same size as the set and a second ratchet, then the specialized stuff as you need it, best way to build up a good collection. I have tools from 20 years ago in my tool box. Other then that, 2 sets of good jack stands and 3 floor jacks, 2 can be the cheap type (20 bucks each?) 
Looking at the set listed, you'll also need at least one and better two FULL wrench sets,, 4 pieces just ain't gonna cut it. C.
Looking at the set listed, you'll also need at least one and better two FULL wrench sets,, 4 pieces just ain't gonna cut it. C.
Last edited by RunningMan373; Jan 1, 2009 at 05:14 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
I haven't seen anyone mention a 1/2 inch socket set and ratchet. The older I get the more I need the extra leverage to break the nuts loose. Also the breaker bar for the 1/2 inch is longer (more leverage).
You won't need many or maybe no metric sockets for the Vette, but if you get into doing repairs on any newer car you'll need them. That said, I would buy the socket set with the most versatility (metric, standard, in both deep and shallow sockets for each of the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives).
Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers etc are cheaper if you buy sets. Sears has sales on them all the time. Again, would get the most versatile set I could afford. You'll use basic hand tools for almost every job and having the right tool makes it a lot easier.
For everything else, I buy them as I need them. Just consider it a part of the cost of the job. You'll still save money over paying to have the job done and you get to keep the tool for the next time.
You won't need many or maybe no metric sockets for the Vette, but if you get into doing repairs on any newer car you'll need them. That said, I would buy the socket set with the most versatility (metric, standard, in both deep and shallow sockets for each of the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives).
Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers etc are cheaper if you buy sets. Sears has sales on them all the time. Again, would get the most versatile set I could afford. You'll use basic hand tools for almost every job and having the right tool makes it a lot easier.
For everything else, I buy them as I need them. Just consider it a part of the cost of the job. You'll still save money over paying to have the job done and you get to keep the tool for the next time.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
Don't ever buy cheap tools as they are expensive. Any tool kit must have a quality floor jack. I have 3, but that is over many years. Jack stands, and use them. If there is any room in your budget, Snap-On tools feel real good in a mechanics hand. Oh yeah, band-aids... Pretty soon you will need that lift.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
This is an inexpensive set that can help prevent a lot of grief. We all know that screws, nuts, bolts, valve spring keepers, etc. can take on a life of their own, often flying off into places that are inaccessible to human beings. The rod is telescoping with a swivel magnet end/probe. When you do capture that little critter you can prevent further flights by placing it in the stainless steel magnetic dish.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
When I was 15 my parents bought me a nice Craftsman set with standard and metric tools. Since then, I have bought tools as I need them. I also consider it part of the cost of the job. It is still cheaper to buy the tools and do the job yourself, then to have someone else do it.
I also inherited my grandfathers tools. He was a mechanic for 35+ years and had very nice stuff. Then when my Dad retired, he gave me his work tools. So now I have 3 sets of many things, but you can never have too many tools.
I also use lots of jack stands. I have 10 of them and will put them all over the place. I knew a guy that died when his car fell on him so I don't take any chances.
I also inherited my grandfathers tools. He was a mechanic for 35+ years and had very nice stuff. Then when my Dad retired, he gave me his work tools. So now I have 3 sets of many things, but you can never have too many tools.
I also use lots of jack stands. I have 10 of them and will put them all over the place. I knew a guy that died when his car fell on him so I don't take any chances.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Needed tools
Depending on the year of your car you will need Metric as well as SAE for your socket sets and boxed/open end wrenches.
The C3's built around late 70's and into the 80's have a mixture of both.
I have an 80 and this is the voice of experience.
The C3's built around late 70's and into the 80's have a mixture of both.
I have an 80 and this is the voice of experience.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine FL
A set of reversible ratcheting gear wrenches.....absolutely indespensible! They'll reach those hard-to see and reach places. Craftsman has 'em at your local Sears. Oh, and an air compressor + air tools will spare you time and skin. Plus a beer cooler.....to sit on and store barley/hop formula.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Not bad for a starter set (says out of stock by the way). It's shy on extensions for the ratchet wrenches but extensions are one item that you can buy separate at lower quality because there's really not much that can go wrong with them.
If you are going to be working on a C3, sooner or later you're definitely going to need a vacuum gauge.
Since a Mighty Vac kit has a vacuum gauge built in to it it's a great tool to have.
It's a vacuum gauge/pump in one and it's invaluable for diagnostics, brake bleeding, tuning ect:
The plastic pumps are fine for occasional use and are about $30 or so.
If you are going to be working on a C3, sooner or later you're definitely going to need a vacuum gauge.
Since a Mighty Vac kit has a vacuum gauge built in to it it's a great tool to have.
It's a vacuum gauge/pump in one and it's invaluable for diagnostics, brake bleeding, tuning ect:
The plastic pumps are fine for occasional use and are about $30 or so.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
Buy them as you need them. Also consider renting tools that are specialized for one job. It does not pay to buy a tool you will only use once in a couple of years or perhaps never again. The fact that you do not have tools now tells me that you are new to this game. Take your time and buy them as you go. You may not enjoy working with tools and end up sending out your work to someone else thereby negating the need for tools.