Tools!
#1
Tools!
I am mechanically inclined, but haven't done much wrenching on cars beyond the basics.
Given the relatively simplistic nature of the S197 chassis, I thought that I could start wrenching on the suspension and save a bunch on labor and learn something about working on my car.
That said, what sort of tools should I invest in? I just have a few basic pieces of kit for working around the house. No torque wrenches, no jack stands, nothing
What should I invest in?
Thanks in advance!
Given the relatively simplistic nature of the S197 chassis, I thought that I could start wrenching on the suspension and save a bunch on labor and learn something about working on my car.
That said, what sort of tools should I invest in? I just have a few basic pieces of kit for working around the house. No torque wrenches, no jack stands, nothing
What should I invest in?
Thanks in advance!
#3
RE: Tools!
I used to have a 69 stang as part of a full restoration so I have a lot of tools that I def use. The following are def necessary for a gear head who plans on doing lots of work
Impact Drill and Air Compressor
Tq wrench
Jack stands
2 tonjack
Breaker Bar
Volt-meter
Complete socket set (mm and inches)in both 3/8 and 1/2 drive size
couple sticks of blue loctite
Some people recommend creepers, I hate mine though. Cardboard ftw
And I have two or three big *** wrenches, each is different but basically like a pipe wrench so if you cant get a breaker bar in there, you can still get the leverage you need.
Good luck dude. May the go be with you.
Impact Drill and Air Compressor
Tq wrench
Jack stands
2 tonjack
Breaker Bar
Volt-meter
Complete socket set (mm and inches)in both 3/8 and 1/2 drive size
couple sticks of blue loctite
Some people recommend creepers, I hate mine though. Cardboard ftw
And I have two or three big *** wrenches, each is different but basically like a pipe wrench so if you cant get a breaker bar in there, you can still get the leverage you need.
Good luck dude. May the go be with you.
#4
RE: Tools!
In addition, there are some funky bolts on the Mustang that you'll need Crow's foot ratchet heads to be able to torque down. Particularly the upper strut mounts and I think the sway bar-strut mount.
Other than that, deep socket ractchet heads are always nice, as are a **** load of wrenches. In all shapes and sizes.
Other than that, deep socket ractchet heads are always nice, as are a **** load of wrenches. In all shapes and sizes.
#5
RE: Tools!
You HAVE to have a good torq wrench and jack stands and a good jack....these are required! You need a full socket set also and another set of wrenches. Never use your torque wrench to loosen bolts unless it says you can do that.
#6
RE: Tools!
Stands are a must - get four. Obviously a nice floorjack. I'd recommend two torque wreches... a 3/8 and 1/2.....Sears had a killer sale on their good ones about a week ago. $50ish a piece versus $75ish.
It's also very nice to havedifferent size/lenght ratchets and some with flex heads for working in tight sports. I have about five different 3/8 drive ratchets...
You can never have too many tools.
It's also very nice to havedifferent size/lenght ratchets and some with flex heads for working in tight sports. I have about five different 3/8 drive ratchets...
You can never have too many tools.
#7
RE: Tools!
Thanks for all of the feedback guys! This definitely helps me put together a shopping list. I'll have to check Sears out and see if they still have that sale going on.
I figure if I do all of the work the investment in the tools should more than pay for themselves.
Keep the list coming. Very useful when people ask me what I want for Christmas
I figure if I do all of the work the investment in the tools should more than pay for themselves.
Keep the list coming. Very useful when people ask me what I want for Christmas
#8
RE: Tools!
To add
-Look for safe and strong jack stands, its your life.
-floor jack that can go under a lowered car
If you go to sears, the have complete craftman packages that are really nice, try to buy also deep sockets between 9 - 18mm, this cars are basically metric now but you need to have some imperial sockets and wrenches cause some bolt-ons are.
- a fender mat
- if you can get some torx and allen bits
-Look for safe and strong jack stands, its your life.
-floor jack that can go under a lowered car
If you go to sears, the have complete craftman packages that are really nice, try to buy also deep sockets between 9 - 18mm, this cars are basically metric now but you need to have some imperial sockets and wrenches cause some bolt-ons are.
- a fender mat
- if you can get some torx and allen bits
#9
RE: Tools!
I'd add that an electric impact is really convenient to have around. The newer ones are fairly good and have enough torque for getting most bolts off. People that swap wheels a lot (track days, winter to summer, etc.) use 'em a lot. I have the goodyear one from pepboys, and for being under $100, it has held up well. Several friends have this one as well with great results.
Tom
Tom