What tools should I buy?

[91Bear]

I am attempting my first restoration job - on a 1969 F-100, as some of you may have read on my earlier posts. I'm curious to find out what tools you would consider invaluable to your efforts - those who have done this before.

I have open end wrenches, box end wrenches, crescent wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and a hammer. I don't have any specialized tools like tie rod separators, brake tools and whatnot.

[GT-Racer]

Your hammer isnt nearly big enough, trust me, lmao.
Sounds like you got a good start, Keith is in a better position to tell you if you'll need any specialty tools.

Oh almost forgot, go to your local autozone and get the biggest tube of elbow grease they have, you'll need plenty of it. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[dotcentral]

I can tell you what I've done. I started out with a set of wrenches, sockets, and other misc. hand tools. Then as I need something I buy it. If I don't think I'll use it but once or the dollars are tight, I try to borrow it. I do the same thing with big items like cherry pickers since my space is limited.

Don't know if you considered it, but shelving is good to have. Not really a cool item to buy, but really helpful for small parts, paint, chemicals, and repair books and parts catalogs. I wish I had space for more. Lots of times you can get nice heavy duty shelves for free if your patient. A work bench is nice to, for rebuild carbs, clean stuff, etc.

If I run across a good deal on something, I pick it up if I have some extra money or a gift certificate on me, whether I need it or not. I ask most of my relatives & inlaws to give me gift certicates to Sears, Lowe's, or Home Depot. then I can buy a decent couple of things instead of some ugly shirt, tie, or hat that I used to always get.

Christmas & birthdays are good times to ask for something you might want. It was how I finally got my tool chest. If you can afford it, get ball-bearing slides for the drawers. They are nicer to use.

[tazzman68]

In my experience, if I can figure out what a tool is meant for, I need it! It took me YEARS to convince my wife of this, but now if I need something, she doesn't usually question it. But seriously, I think the #1 first thing is an air compressor. Nothing really fancy, a 3hp 110volt, with a 15 gallon tank is plenty. Then you'll need a grinder, a cutoff wheel, and a sander. This is just my , These are the tools that I don't think that I could live without. I haven't done alot to my truck yet, but I have been working on my Fairlane for about 4 years now. Most of all, have fun, be safe, and share anything you learn along the way with the rest of us!

[oldschoolrods]

You may want to consider a big ass breaker bar or air tools for frame work. If you plan on doing motor work you pretty much have what you need to disassemble an engine. Brake tools are a good idea. And what I've found is that if there is a special tool available it's worth it to buy it even if you only use it once, it makes the job a lot easier oh I almost forgot a multi meter. If you dont' know how to use it I'm sure there is a manual or available on the internet this is a very valuable tool.

[spartman]

If you can afford it get an Oxy Actelyne torch I just love mine. takes the smile off any rusted bolt.

Another thing you might want to consider is a complete set of 1/2 high impact sockets and one very nice breaker bar, these items combined with the torch and there isn't a bolt that stands a chance.

[spartman]

One more thing for your trouble light either get a flourescent one or do what I did.

Buy a regular bulb style unit and then put a compact flourescent bulb in it. Just as much light, little to no heat, and I have dropped mine many times now and have yet to blow out the bulb. Well worth the extra dollars for this setup.

It used to be if I looked at my shop light the filiment blew out now I can drop it on the floor from about 3 feet up and it keeps going.

[91Bear]

Oh, I forgot to include my new 3.5 ton hydraulic jack and 3 ton jackstands.

And with very few exceptions, I have Craftsman tools. Love the lifetime warranty.