Christmas List
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 8
From: Attleboro Falls MA
Christmas List
OK....so I have this beautiful 73 sitting in my garage awaiting my restoration attempt. I have a limited tool supply and I'll need to beef up my collection. My wonderful wife is asking for a christmas list. What are some of the must have tools (i.e. tools worth owning, not renting or borrowing)? I have a good mechanics tool set with basic sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers. I have a basic jack and stands. How about air tools? I have a compressor and a basic impact wrench so far. I plan to do as full a restoration as possible, hopefully with an engine rebuilt included.
Specifically, I'll need a torque wrench (or two). What torque range will I need?
And before the first wise guy says it, no, I can't ask for a restored C3 for christmas.
Specifically, I'll need a torque wrench (or two). What torque range will I need?
And before the first wise guy says it, no, I can't ask for a restored C3 for christmas.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
I like to have various pullers for work on the suspension, balancer, steering wheel. To me good pullers are a force multiplier in the garage.
6 beers a chillin'
fiiive golden gears
4 bolt mains
3 inch duals
2 holley carbs
and a resto'd c3 in the gay-rage.
Last edited by RobbSalzmann; Nov 21, 2011 at 11:18 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Your most valuable tool is the "Search Function".......Here use mine!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...rk-on-c3s.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...rk-on-c3s.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 9
From: Auburn, WA
Buy quality and you only have to buy once. Cheap tools don't last and they only cause greif in the long run. I keep a snap on catalog with my other auto lit just to pull it out before Christams (circle what you want and leave it where she can find it). If you're doing a full restoration, you can't have enough tools. I've been collecting tools over thirty years and I still come up with things I need.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 8
From: Attleboro Falls MA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i bought an impact wrench from sears, a 500 ft/lb model. beat it to death on all the rusty bolts(it actually broke) and took it back and got a new one at no cost. i felt bad about that, but not for too long. you'll need two torque wrenchse, a 1/2 " that goes to 100 ft/lb, and a 3/8" that goes to about 70 ft/lbs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
What size/brand compressor do you have or would anyone recommend. I'm getting ready to hit up Sears this Black Friday. Initially I was considering the 20gal or the 26 gal version. Then I read that they may be too small and will need to recharge too frequently. Should I go with the 30gal or is it overkill? I believe they all have at least a 125psi maximum.
I also have read that Craftsman quality is falling. Made in China, compressors leaking, blowing motors, etc. Any personal experiences.
As for the impact wrench....should I look for a 400 ft/lb minimum to get all the rusty bolts off? 2 days left....Im excited! Going to be purchasing a bunch of new tools.
I also have read that Craftsman quality is falling. Made in China, compressors leaking, blowing motors, etc. Any personal experiences.
As for the impact wrench....should I look for a 400 ft/lb minimum to get all the rusty bolts off? 2 days left....Im excited! Going to be purchasing a bunch of new tools.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 8
From: Attleboro Falls MA
What size/brand compressor do you have or would anyone recommend. I'm getting ready to hit up Sears this Black Friday. Initially I was considering the 20gal or the 26 gal version. Then I read that they may be too small and will need to recharge too frequently. Should I go with the 30gal or is it overkill? I believe they all have at least a 125psi maximum.
I also have read that Craftsman quality is falling. Made in China, compressors leaking, blowing motors, etc. Any personal experiences.
As for the impact wrench....should I look for a 400 ft/lb minimum to get all the rusty bolts off? 2 days left....Im excited! Going to be purchasing a bunch of new tools.
I also have read that Craftsman quality is falling. Made in China, compressors leaking, blowing motors, etc. Any personal experiences.
As for the impact wrench....should I look for a 400 ft/lb minimum to get all the rusty bolts off? 2 days left....Im excited! Going to be purchasing a bunch of new tools.
As for sizing it right, it all depends on what you plan to do. Every tool has an minimum scfm rating at a particular pressure. And the compressor has scfm ratings over different pressures (obviously higher at lower pressures). As long as you compressor can handle it, it will be fine. Spraying usually has the toughest requirements which is how I wound up with a 30gal. I was spray finishing my kitchen cabinets.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 850
Likes: 12
From: Shakopee MN
I've liked every suggestion so far. I'm not sure what type of restoration you're planning on, mine was to meant to preserve the car for a number of years.
My #1 tool pick of my restomod is.........Harbor Freight Abrasive Blast Cabinet.
There were so many small pieces of metal that I wanted to clean up, but paint stripper and scrubbing weren't an option. Sand blast cabinet to the rescue. Then paint or POR-15 and it's as good as new and looks like it.
It would make a perfect addition to that air compressor you're getting. Get the biggest one you can. I bought the 33 gallon one but planned on using to blow out my sprinklers, it's worked great for many years.
My #1 tool pick of my restomod is.........Harbor Freight Abrasive Blast Cabinet.
There were so many small pieces of metal that I wanted to clean up, but paint stripper and scrubbing weren't an option. Sand blast cabinet to the rescue. Then paint or POR-15 and it's as good as new and looks like it.
It would make a perfect addition to that air compressor you're getting. Get the biggest one you can. I bought the 33 gallon one but planned on using to blow out my sprinklers, it's worked great for many years.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I ran a 30 gallon compressor for years. When using a die grinder is was not enough. It slows down quite a bit and the compressor runs constantly. A blast cabinet there is no way a 30 gallon can take care of it. I worked a deal and now have a 6 HP 60 gallon. No more air issues. It is even a little small for constant blast cabinet usage but does great for small parts. Look at the CFM usage of tools at 90 psi and make sure your compressor has enough air to keep it suppplied. I have a pretty good array of air tools. The impact will not always break a bolt loose. You may need a long 1/2 breaker bar and i keep a 6 foot pipe near by for those really stubborn bolts. I have been collecting tools for 30 years now and am busting the seams of my tool box. Need a bigger tool box. My wife does not understand why though. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I ran a 30 gallon compressor for years. When using a die grinder is was not enough. It slows down quite a bit and the compressor runs constantly. A blast cabinet there is no way a 30 gallon can take care of it. I worked a deal and now have a 6 HP 60 gallon. No more air issues. It is even a little small for constant blast cabinet usage but does great for small parts. Look at the CFM usage of tools at 90 psi and make sure your compressor has enough air to keep it suppplied. I have a pretty good array of air tools. The impact will not always break a bolt loose. You may need a long 1/2 breaker bar and i keep a 6 foot pipe near by for those really stubborn bolts. I have been collecting tools for 30 years now and am busting the seams of my tool box. Need a bigger tool box. My wife does not understand why though.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...7&blockType=G7
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
For a compressor, tryt to stay away from "direct drive". They are noisy and have reported problems. With horsepower ratings, look for "running HP" and "starting HP". You want to know the "Running HP". Also look for a compressor with cast iron compressor. Don't get aluminum. Here is a site that talks about compressors and what to look for.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/206953.htm
Call them up and talk to Matt Cain. He will help you figure out what you need.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/206953.htm
Call them up and talk to Matt Cain. He will help you figure out what you need.
Last edited by builder; Nov 23, 2011 at 02:55 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
This will be my first compressor so my knowledge and previous usage is limited. I see you mentioned the 6HP rating.....the Craftsman at Sears say 1.6HP. Are there different ways to report HP or is this really 1.6? My friend has this same one but in the 26gal version and is sufficient for the usual jobs on his cars. I will most likely be picking this one up.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...7&blockType=G7
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...7&blockType=G7
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
For a compressor, tryt to stay away from "direct drive". They are noisy and have reported problems. With horsepower ratings, look for "running HP" and "starting HP". You want to know the "Running HP". Also look for a compressor with cast iron compressor. Don't get aluminum. Here is a site that talks about compressors and what to look for.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/206953.htm
Call them up and talk to Matt Cain. He will help you figure out what you need.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/206953.htm
Call them up and talk to Matt Cain. He will help you figure out what you need.
I think I am somewhat limited to this option as the higher end compressors are just too expensive and I probably would not use them to their full potential. Now if I can just decide whether to get the 33gal or the 26 or maybe even the 20......
BTW...sorry for hijacking the thread but I guess this is "tool" related
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
http://www.lowes.com/pd_221565-14989...7C1&facetInfo=
For 20% more you can get this and it will do probably anything you will have the need for.
For 20% more you can get this and it will do probably anything you will have the need for.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 8
From: Attleboro Falls MA
Thanks for the info. Yea Ive been to this website and others which explain compressors in more detail. Unfortunately with a limited budget and with plans of only using the compressor for short burst tools, I narrowed it down to the Sears Craftsman. I do realize these are loud, my friend has one of these and have not had any problems.
I think I am somewhat limited to this option as the higher end compressors are just too expensive and I probably would not use them to their full potential. Now if I can just decide whether to get the 33gal or the 26 or maybe even the 20......
BTW...sorry for hijacking the thread but I guess this is "tool" related
I think I am somewhat limited to this option as the higher end compressors are just too expensive and I probably would not use them to their full potential. Now if I can just decide whether to get the 33gal or the 26 or maybe even the 20......
BTW...sorry for hijacking the thread but I guess this is "tool" related
The compressor discussion is interesting. I hadn't thought about it much. I thought I had a decent amount of capacity in my 30 gal, 6hp craftsman. I wasn't thinking about it being too limiting, but I guess I'll have to look into this. I have no plans to replace my compressor, but I will now check the specs and see what I can run with it.