Tools. The Right tool for the job.
I didn't have a lot of tools when I started this project but that slowly changed. As usual I looked for bargains. The best value I guess is a better way to say it. I have to say that there are a hand full of times that I have had to buy a tool that I only used for 5 minutes one time and it has sat on the shelf since. I hated the thought of that until I realized that 'the right tool for the job' is worth every penny. Any time I hear a tip on a tool that does a certain job that I can mod or make my self I try to remember that. Hope this info helps you out.
Your FIRST Purchase after you buy your ride!
Don't wait till later. Get one before you need one.
Daze ball joint tool
Daze came up with this great tool. You use it to seperate the ball joint from the upper or lower control arm. It cost a whopping $3 to make. I have used it and it works great. Read more here. Cost = $3.00. Throw Away Gloves
These are great for all sorts of things. I use these for everything from keeping my fingers warm to working with grease. If you don't have some, grab a box soon. Seal Puller
Cost is under $10. I got this one from HarborFreight Tools. That place is great for certain things. This is one of them. I used it for two jobs that took less than 1 min each. With out this tool pulling a seal will take longer for sure and you can cause some no good damage. Just get the seal puller. Intake Guides
When I did my motor project I installed an Aluminum Intake. I picked up a tip that costs nothing. Take 2 to 4 old intake bolts and cut the heads off of them. Screw them into the motor and prep everything for assembly. Then when you install your intake these will act as guides so you get the intake and seals lined up perfectly. Cost $0.00, 2 old intake bolts, 2 min to cut the tops/heads off the bolts. Flux/Gas Mig
OK.. This one is not cheap but check sites like craigslist.com and look for sales. I got this one for $300 new at Tractor Supply. The first project I did was the floor pans. What I spent on the mig more than made up for what it would have cost me to source out the job. If you pick one of these up spend some money on some material and build your own welding cart. As you can see I need to add my wheels and some paint for my car and it will be done. Welding is a skill well worth the time to learn. Cost $ worth it! Wiring Diagrams
I have these available for you on my Electrical page, but I thought they should be here to. If you are going to do any wiring repair or trouble shooting these are a must have. I even rebuilt my under-dash wiring harness with these. Cost = Free
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Top Dead Center Tool
There are lots of ways to set TDC on your motor but to really do it right and be right on get this little tool. It screws into the #1 spark plug hole. You then screw in the little tabs so you can gently turn the motor by hand until your piston hits it. Then mark the timing cover where 0 is on your balancer. Turn the other way and when you stop, mark the timing cover again like you did before.. Then between the marks on the timing cover you have a PERFECT tdc. Set at 0 there. This tool costs $7 at summit.com. Well worth the money. Cost = $7.00. Timing Gun
This goes hand in hand with the TDC tool. You can't set your timing with out one. You can guess but then it is just a guess. This was $30 at my local Auto Zone and works great. Wish I had a case for it. I have used it 3 times for less than 10 min total running time. Cost $30.00. Worth every penny. Brake Caliper Compressor
This is a nice one to have and I use it all the time. Put it in place and turn the handle. The piston will easily compress into the caliper. Cost under $10 Engine Oil Primer
This was another free tip. When you rebuild your motor you might want to prime it with oil before you start it up to prevent damage. I took the shaft out of a old distributor and put it in my drill. This fits perfectly and cost me nothing. Cost = $0.00 Car Dollies
These RULE! I bought them at the same time that I bought my auto dimming welding helmet from Harbor Freight Tools. They were half price and I had a 50% off my purchase coupon so I got two pairs (4 total) for $40. What a deal. This is one of them cheap products that does work great. I have a two car garage and I use these all the time. I am sure that there are better quality dollies out there but for the money I would get these again. Cost $40 but worth it at $80 |