GRM Garage

Ok, so let's just assume that I am planning on entering a 201x Challenge. Let's say I have the project in mind and am starting to accumulate the pieces to put it together. Hypothetically, this project could involve an engine swap.

This project is going to be a learning project for me (hence the x in the 201x). I am fairly mechanically inclined, I've done all the basic maintenance type items on cars (oil, brakes, plugs, etc) and even put on a few bolt-on aftermarket pieces. This project will be a steep learning curve. I am going to leverage some local resources and potentially a course or two at a technical school to help supplement my knowledge.

Here is what I need help with... what do I need in my garage as far as tools and supplies? I have socket sets and wrenches and the like, but what are some of the critical tools / supplies to have/own for a likely very slow coming together of a challenge car?

My brain says I need a reasonable air compressor and air tools, but I'm not sure what tools exactly. Engine hoists can be rented, but I'll probably need a engine stand. Good hydraulic jacks and jack stands. Sanders? Grinders? What do I need?

Thanks for the help!

Unfortunately, it really depends on what condition your entry is in when you start it. It's almost impossible to give you any more specific advice about tools other than what you've already described above since you don't have any detail about any "specific" tasks for your build.

A compressor and air tools can certainly make many jobs easier, but they aren't a requirement for any job that I can think of. Every job can be done by hand tools without the help of pneumatics.

A set of SAE and/or Metric hex wrenches, a variety of socket extensions, a breaker bar, a dead blow hammer, a set of punches, a decent soldering iron, etc. Obviously, the most common drawers I use in my tool box are the open end wrench and screw driver drawers.

Good luck!

A Welder!

208 is great (a Lincoln 175) but having a 110 unit around can solve all sorts of problems. It is one of those tools that you can not name the things you WILL use it for but I have a list a mile long for the things i HAVE used it for.

I like to portability of a 110 unit as well as using flux core. My welding projects are always on the car in the driveway or at a friends house. Hence I got the Mose powerful 110 MIG I could it for the $$$.

Hack even a stick welder is better than nothing and they are cheep!! I have a friend that has a little 110 unit that has a strap so you can toss ti over you solder. It is about the size of a lunchbox.

Craigslist is your friend. Stick to the brand name units. It makes getting consumables MUCH easier (sears sells Lincoln Stuff as does Home Depot)

I got it used for 1/2 list. It was used once to fix a railing and a deck table. They guy said it was cheaper to get purchased this than get a welder to come and do it. I am not sure about that bit his loss my gain. It also came with a auto darkening helmet (get one of these two it makes welding a snap!!!

I got the Lincoln Weld Pak HD 3200 (Google it) it is about the highest AMP unit you can get and still stay 110. Another thing to look at is how the adjustments work Some have rheostats for both wire speed and amperage. I prefer this. Many have a selector for the amperage with 4-5 presets and the wire speed is on a rheostat, This is not as good as you will have to adjust the wire speed to the amperage and your welding technique to the settings where as with both being on estates you can adjust the unit to your style depending on what you are welding

I'd also agree on the welder and a tech school course on how to use it. I don't know of anyone that regrets knowing how to weld. Also a nice selection of hammers...seriously. I full compliment of bolt out's and extractors, as you will always find rusted on parts that must be dealt with.

A decent 110v MIG welder is a good idea, but probably not a requirement. A stick welder is cheaper and far more versatile, but takes a lot more training/practice to get good at it. You can use a stick welder to cut metal as well as weld it back together.

I did my first challenge with a jack, jackstands, and a 120pc toolset from Sears. Any other tools i needed i borrowed from my neighbor, but nothing crazy. A breaker bar or a pry bar here and there... With the above, i replaced a bad bottom end, swapped turbos, did shocks and brakes, etc, etc.

Determination is the most important tool ;-)

since i got my cordless impact gun, i only use my compressor for inflating tires. i was never really into the air ratchet -- too noisy -- and i've got an electric sander for when i'm shaping Great Stuff into Miatas.

The one tool in any shop you can almost never have enough of is lighting. You need it on the floor, on the wall... everywhere EXCEPT the ceiling. The ceiling lights do a nice job of putting everything around the car in shadow.

For welding... I glued one of those LED headlamps to my helmet so I can see where I am with the shield down (auto-darkening).

For under the car - I have a 4' flourescent in a plastic tube I lay on the ground and a rechargable hand-held so the creeper won't keep getting stuck on the cord. Nothing sends me into a tool throwing rage like having to roll off the creeper because its stuck on a power cord.

The things I seem to always use a compressor for that isn't obvious is blowing stuff clear, drying things, bleeding brakes, cleaning radiators... reusing air filters.... and running a cold chisel. Never underestimate the pneumatic cold chisel's destructive power when looking to get that exhaust down or.... chop a huge messy hole in a firewall.

duct tape, chewing gum, bailing wire..zip ties.....

ckosacranoid wrote: duct tape, chewing gum, bailing wire..zip ties.....

...and WD-40.

Digital camera - take lots of photos before, during, and after. Besides giving depth to your build book, it'll help you remember how things went together, or didn't. Factory service manuals for your car and any major parts donors can really help with getting stuff apart and back together, as well as with wiring and diagnostics. Ziplock freezer bags and Sharpies help keep small hardware bits together.

A cracked out off the wall brain is the main tool needed. If you have that you can buy the rest along the way.

everything else is optional...

a true GRM'er needs only 2 tools.

For parts that are supposed to move and don't...

WD-40

For parts that aren't supposed to move, but do...

Duct Tape