I am going to be tearing apart my 1951 Cadillac Convertible starting in November. what are some must have tools? I do not weld (yet), and I do not do body work (yet), but what are some of the tools that are required to do things yourself (like compressor, etc)? I will be pulling the body off of the frame and starting with the chassis first.
i dont think a compressor is a MUST have. a good socket set and a breaker bar works wonders. an angle grinder helps too.
Tin snips (straight, left and right). Sandblaster, Welder (110 and 220 mig) Drill press. Body hammers and dollies. AIR TOOLS (die grinders) 90 deg. and Straight. Three and four jaw pullers.
a first time list.. I have gotten alot done with few tools but to make life a bit more easy i will give you my suggestions..(in no specific order) welder ..(even if you dont, you can learn) at least get one you can tac stuff together so you can take it to a guy that welds small 3 or 4 horse compressor is nice to have good set of hand tools pry bars Hammers, and BFH..(Big Fuckin Hammer) Good set of matching Jackstands Jack or jacks some wood blocks Vice Hand grinder with grinding wheels cutting disc, and wire wheels Good drill motor and drills torch non incandecent trouble light..or lights square, and level good pair of working gloves and safety equipment..like Heavy pants, shirts, and goggles and safety glasses, dust masks ear plugs Fire extinguisher
Extensions ranging from one inch up thru 3 feet. The shortest and longest will both be handy as hell when you need them. I also can't live without flex sockets anymore. Not a universal joint, but actual flex sockets. And for disassembly specifically, the previously mentioned air compressor and a heavy duty impact wrench. The impact motion will either break the rusted stuff loose or shear it off, thus saving days of labor. Literally. If you only own one electric cutting tool it should be a die grinder. Get a couple grinding bits for use on iron/steel and a 3"x1/8" abrasive wheel & arbor. The abrasive wheel is an absolute weapon against stuck fasteners in tight spots but use gloves and a faceshield, because it's literally a weapon and the car may decide to use it on you. Good luck
A good corded 1/2" drill is pretty much a basic. A set of wrenches and sockets. Basic handtools (screwdrivers, etc.). Sawzall (reciprocating saw) is handy. Allen wrenches. Hammers. Drift punches are a good bet too. There's a lot more you could put in the list, but start out with what you need to do the job you're trying to do, that way you only buy what you need. Also buy QUALITY hand tools. You can get away with cheap powertools, but a cheap handtool is a waste of money. Craftsman is a good choice for the beginner because of their price and easy return policy in case of breakage (and there will be breakage) I use Klein screwdrivers because they're what work best for me, I used them for my work (electrician) and the grips are comfortable.
Ask the guys who do on-site fleet maintenance and repair out of trucks. Basic hand tools Oxy-acetylene torch set 4 1/2 Angle grinder Add to that as the need arises....
_CHARLES_ just remember you can never have too many tools. A good socket set and get it with a good case so you can keep track of where they are at . A good screw driver set dont schimp on this One or two pry bars. jack stands and a good jack. if you are under the car use the jack stands. If you are getting ready to tear her apart. sawzall. grinder with cutoff wheel also. A torch or plasma cutter. A plasma is really handy if you can get one or have acess to one. check with local buddies too they may have some stuff that you can use and dont have to buy . It wont take long to figure out what you need. These are all good list . Ive done my engine swap with the basic tools and a few specialty. good luck and enjoy the journey Todd
I see alot of rusty fasteners in your future. Get lots of WD-40, a 1st aid kit and vice grips. And before you spend any $$ on power tools, get at least one A-B-C FIRE EXTINGUISHER and mount it near the garage door.
No ones mentioned the all necessary beer fridge !!!! This is the utmoust priority for AFTER the day's work is done !!!
I agree with this 100%. I would also add a nice big chunk of brass for assistance in welding up small trim holes.
basic hand tools... sockets ratchets, combination wrenches. 4.5" grinder with cut off wheels, flap wheels, etc. pry bars. good set of screwdrivers. sawzall. if you want to save a little you can get an electric impact instead of a compressor that can actually run an air impact.
Besides the normal Sockets, Ratchets, wrenches, pliers, screw drivers get a good floor jack, jack stands, then a compressor with cut off tool(whizzer), impact gun, air chisel, grinder, and a good bench grinder with wire wheel on one end and grinding stone on the other. Dril press comes in handy as well. Alomnost forgot for heavy lifting you will need an good engine hoist and engine stand for the engine, dont skimp on these two.
Amazing what you can do with very little, I tend to use the same half dozen good quality wrenches over and over, I have bought a few things off the snap-on man down the years, simple stuff like 'cam action' grips which have paid for themselves ten times over.
1. Liquid wrench - soak over night 2. Safety Glasses 3. Quality Breaker bar and sockets 4. Air will be necessary for death wheel and DA sander - later in the game - do mechanical first My MG was underwater for a while and these were all necessary http://picasaweb.google.com/MotorsportsComposites.com/MG?feat=directlink
Impact and IMPACT SOCKETS and IMPACT extensions. The #1 most valuable tools in my Cad disassemblies...
A nutcracker, butter knife and a good size rock. I think the list would be shorter what don't cha need.
Hunks of metal and big blocks of wood, 4X6, 4X8, 6X10 and up. Start looking now, at job sites and demo sites, they call them "cut-offs". Same with misc. hunks of aluminum and steel. Those old school computer printers have a long stainless rod in them that makes a handy punch. 5 or 6 inch vise, 4 in. isn't really big enough for a lot of things.
2'-4' pipe to put over breaker-bar. If you're not ready for a torch, a $20 paint heating gun and PB Blaster (fire extinguisher at ready) can do wonders on stubborn rusted bolts.
Lots and lots of PB Blaster(Walmart sells it two bucks cheaper than the auto stores.) Or, if you want to spend the cash, buy a case of Kroil: http://www.kanolabs.com/google/ One thing to not have around is yer dame, as you, in an inevitable bout of pure frustration, will get her nice and mad at ya.
I use a tap and die set all the time, Corded 1/2" drill, 4 1/2" grinder, socket set, combo wrenches, BFH, Good screwdriver set, good set of dill bits. Full face shield (not just safety glasses) ear protection. I use a jig saw and a sawzall a lot. And big ass vise for sure.
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