what tools do i need?

[DrummerBoy1234]

hey, i am new here. i am sure this has been discussed many times, but there was no search feature, so if there are a lot of threads like this, i will gladly delete mine.

so, there is a a 69 Camaro i want to pick up and restore. the problem is, i only have a few basic tools, wrenches, a ratchet, pliers, etc. so, that being said, what exactly would i need as far as tools go? i have a general idea of what i might need, but i am new to this area of building, so i am kind of lost. i found some articles online that helped me, but what exactly are good brands to buy?

[DrummerBoy1234]

anybody?

[2.2 Straight six]

i'm sorry to say this, but i have to be honest.

if you don't know what tools you need, you probably can't restore the car.

more than that, it depends waht you're doing. if you're doing bodywork you'll need different tools to doing a total mechanical overhaul.

if you're doing both, you'll probably be spending at least $1,000 on tools alone.

[DrummerBoy1234]

sorry, i know what i generally need. wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers, those type of things. i was thinking more along the lines of specific tools, like not things you would ordinarily find in a workshop.

[2.2 Straight six]

yeah, i didn't mean to offend you or anything, it's just that there's a certain level of auto knowledge you need before embarking on this kind of thing.

bodywork, without reshaping doesn't need much, a flap wheel and a drill gets rid of rust ready for filler and primer. sandpaper is good for that too, but takes longer and requires more energy.

for engineering work you need:

screwdrivers
socket sets
wrenches
torque wrench(es)
hex keys
piston ring compressor
flashlight

that'll probably take care of most of the stuff. you may need other tools that i can't think of.

i've actually got a list here of tools i'm going to buy (when i have a spare $2,000 laying around..) but a lot of that is stuff you won't need (metric things, torx sockets etc..)

what's your budget for tools?

[DrummerBoy1234]

thank you. i will definately not be going about this half-assed. my budget for hand tools is around $900, $1000 at most. that does not include air tools or a compressor, if i need one. my total budget is around $2000, $2400 at most.

[2.2 Straight six]

you should have a look at the Sears website, at the craftsman set. they do sets for engine work, and bodywork.

you might find you can get all the tools you need in one of those, and they're at a good price too.

[DrummerBoy1234]

also, are there any websites that will tell me more information about this? i searched around here, and i looked around a lot through google, but i cant seem to find a whole lot.

[2.2 Straight six]

look for an article about a restoration on the car, lots of pictures and text to read.

http://www.drclassic.com/index.html - parts for '69 Camaros, should the need arise.

http://www.amazon.com/Camaro-Restora.../dp/0760301603 - and that's your guide.

[DrummerBoy1234]

I think i will definately get craftsman tools. they look like a better bang for your buck than Snap on.

[2.2 Straight six]

snap-on are good, but i really don't think they warrant the price they ask.

>$500 for a 1/4" set? i don't think so. i can get 1/4 of the things on my list of desired tools for that, and have change left over.

i have Draper tools (the Cratfsman of the UK) and they're excellent quality, and a very good price too. another virtue of Craftsman is their no-questions lifetime warranty. over the counter replacements aren't something included with snap-on tools, they inspect any broken tools, and if they think you didn't use it correctly, no warranty for you.

[DrummerBoy1234]

so Craftsman would be a good choice? and what about air tools?

[2.2 Straight six]

craftsman would be a very good choice, have a loot at their large mechanics'/bodyworkers' sets too, lots of tools and excellent value.

from what i've heard, Craftsman air tools are very good too. i'd say a 1/2" drive air impact wrench would be perfect, and a 33-gallon compressor would be just right.

for impact wrenches, you need impact sockets. (thicker walls, always in a black finish) never use chrome vanadium sockets with an impact gun, they can shatter and that's pretty dangerous.

Impact gun - http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

compressor - http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

Impact sockets - http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...Impact+Sockets

Oiler - http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

an oiler is essential, it adds a little oil to the air going to the tool, this lubricates the internals like the turbine in the impact gun. you mayb also want a pressure regualator, which prevents "spiking" in the ait pressure going to the gun.

you'll need to choose the hose(es) yourself, depending on size of workshop, whether you want a long straight hose, or a coiled one or whatever.

this is the page with the accessories, it has all the hoses in there, hopefully that should help. when choosing these things, it's probably worth going to your local Sears and having a look at them, picking them up and that'll help you decide.

accessories - http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/subca...seBVCookie=Yes

hope that helps.

[DrummerBoy1234]

What about Ingersoll-Rand and Campbell Hausfeld air tools? i sort of wanted to be able to buy these once, and i was planning on just getting one set of good air tools that i will have for a long time.

[2.2 Straight six]

ingersoll-rand is good, as far as i've heard. if you're willing to spend the money, go for it. it's worth buying tools that last forever, so long as your budget allows. if you didn't want to spend so much, craftsman would do the job and then some, but if you're prepared to spend the extra cash, go for it.