what tools do i need?

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?

anybody?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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-Restoration-1967-1969-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760301603 - and that's your guide.

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

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.

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

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/product.do?cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&pid=00919987000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Automotive+Air+Tools&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

compressor - http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&pid=00916734000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Impact sockets - http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00915886000&cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&subcat=Impact+Sockets

Oiler - http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&pid=00916309000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Air+Tool+Accessories&BV_UseBVCookie=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/subcat.do?vertical=TOOL&cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&subcat=Air+Tool+Accessories&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

hope that helps. :)

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.

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.

Ingersoll Rand makes the best impacts.I have the IR2115 TI,the 3/8 drive impact and it still works since day one I had it.You have to use chrome sockets on impacts sometimes,Impact sockets will not fit in custom aftermaket rims.Some of Craftsman's air tools are made by Ingersoll Rand,their proffesional line.

You have to use chrome sockets on impacts sometimes,Impact sockets will not fit in custom aftermaket rims.

then you use thin-wall impacts. you should NEVER use chrome sockets, they don't have the strength and can shatter. that's pretty dangerous.

There were thinwall impact sockets for the rims.There was one problem:NO WARRANTY!I was told this by a retired Ingersall Rand rep 6 years ago.I use chrome socket on impacts and never had one shatter on me

thank you both. would this impact wrench be a good investment? http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=5_58_132&products_id=209

and what other air tools would i need? i was thinking of a ratchet, a grinder, maybe a reciprocating saw, and a sander.

it looks ok, i've never heard of Campbell, so i can't offer any insight there.

a recip. saw is good for removing material quickly. a sander's good for taking off paint, and can be used for buffing it with a good polishing cloth.

you'd be better off with a big AF socket set than a ratchet and some sockets.

An air ratchet is a must.Snap On does make a very good 3/8 air ratchet and is expensive,about $275.00 if you want to spend the money on one.Only thing that has to be done to them is send them in to get rebullt by a Snap On dealer once a year since they get used a lot,costs $110.00 for the rebuild.A 1/4 air ratchet is another one to buy.Stay away from the cheap air fittings and go with Milton type A air fittings.Those are the best air fittings I ever used

i dont think i can afford that. what about one in the $100 range?

If you intend to use it once in a while,yes.

ok thank you.

Here is a nice list of Air Ratchets (http://automotivetools.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/searchlink.html?E+scstore++addtocart_page=/online-store/scstore/scpages/showcart.html&sort=SortOrder:na,Price:na&logic=And&SoftCartCategory=Air%20Ratchets) for comparison Shopping.
Snap-on is good stuff, but you're still paying extra for the Snap-on dealer's truck, gas, and wages. That's why they're more money than other quality tools.

I use a Snap On air ratchet,like it and I bought it used on Ebay for $127.50.I like 3/8 drive Snap On's air ratchets better than Ingersall Rand's air ratchets.They have more power and fit my hand better.The seller I bought it from said it did work and told the truth.It is gettting due for a rebuild and will be handing it to my local Snap On dealer to get sent out to get rebuilt for $113.00.I get it back in 6 weeks,oil it up and works like it was new.

yeah craftsman is great but if you say you used them prof they void the warrenty. Never say you are ase certified or work a a shop with craftsman tools it will void the warrenty!!!!

im actually a freakishly organized person doing a frame up resto on a camaro. i made a list of all the tools i need including the ones i have. this list is a work in progressand is specific to my car and you may need other tools where i dont have on the list vise versa.

1. Adjustable wrenches
2. Air Chisel
3. Air Compressor
4. Air Grinder
5. Air Hammer
6. Any necessary wire or gas for welder
7. Armor-all (or other protectant)
8. Assembly Lube
9. Axel Grease
10. Bearing Grease
11. Bondo
12. Brake hold-down spring tool
13. Car Ramps (Made out of wood)
14. Channel lock pliers
15. Clutch plate alignment tool
16. Compression gauge w/ spark plug hole adapter
17. Cylinder hone
18. Damper/steering wheel puller
19. Dial caliper
20. Dial indicator set and holder
21. Door trim tool
22. Drill and drill bits
23. Engine Hoist
24. Engine Stand
25. Feeler Gauges
26. Gaskets
27. General purpose puller
28. Hammers (Ball peen, Regular)
29. Hand operated Vacuum pump
30. Jack
31. Jack stands
32. Lock-Ring pliers
33. Mallets (Rubber, Lead)
34. Metal-prep chemicals
35. Micrometer set (inside and outside)
36. Needle nose pliers
37. Oil Filter wrench
38. Paint
39. Paint gun
40. Paint stripper (acid or sandblaster)
41. Piston ring groove cleaning tool
42. Pliers
43. Pneumatic tools
44. Primer-surfacer
45. Random-Orbital Sander
46. Ratchet extensions (including long, short and wobbly)
47. Ratchets (including, Long handle, Short, and wobbly head)
48. Ridge reamer
49. Ring compressor (sleeve type)
50. Ring removal/installation tool
51. Rivet nut thread setting kit
52. Sanding Blocks
53. Sandpaper
54. Scraper
55. Screwdrivers
56. Self brake bleeding kit
57. Sockets, Full set (Including, crow’s feet, deep, shallow and pneumatic)
58. Suspension Spring compressor
59. Tap and die set w/ thread gauges
60. Timing Light
61. Top-coat
62. Torque Wrench (Clicker type)
63. Valve spring compressor
64. Vise Grips
65. Voltmeter
66. WD-40
67. Welder

68. Welding gloves

69. Welding helmet

Digital art is all the rage right now. All you need is a tablet (less than $200) and a computer.

Don't give up.. You need to start by getting a good repair manual for your vehicle, read all about what your wanting to fix. It will show you what parts you need. When you go to buy them. You can find them cheap with us. Better to get large sets if possible. A good idea to get you started is something like this: http://www.toolsupplycenter.com/hand-tools/2494-118PC-1-4-INCH-AND-3-8-INCH-SAE-MM-SOCKET-SET.html

Pick up a repair manual for your make/model/year. The Haynes is better than the Chilton. In the beginning of the book they will break down all the tools that you will need to work on your car... some of them are very specific tools that you won't need (or will only need to rent occasionally) while others will be "general" tools that will come in handy for almost any repair.

I am restoring my first vehicle too. I am learning as I go and asking for professional help when needed. Of course it's been frustrating at times but mostly it's been a lot of fun. Good luck with your project.

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?
I would suggest you go to large flea markets and working on making sets of 3/8 drive deep and shallow. 1/2 drive deep and shallow. Ratchets for each set.
Do what you can when a tool is needed look for a good quality tool. U.S. tools will cost more also German tools. Purchase as needed this way you will eventually have most of what you need.