Rookie in need of advice (Restoration work)

[LJS30]

Well guys, I am really tired of sitting on the sidelines watching other's restore and work on their Mopars. I am a high school teacher by profession, with nice long summers and nice breaks throughout the year that could be spent working on my Mopar. Up to this point in my life I consider myself mechanically inclined. By that I mean I've changed my leaf springs on my Mopar, spark plugs, wires, radiator, etc...... However, I just haven't done anything of substance on my car by myself. For instance, when it came to an engine rebuild I had my mechanic take the engine out, take it to various machine shops, and then break in and install the motor. It worked out great, however, I feel like I've missed a part of the whole hobby by out sourcing some of the bigger jobs to mechanics and such. I feel it's time I delve deeper into the hobby and start doing some of the larger tasks myself. What advice do you veterans have for me? What tools should I go out and purchase in order to properly arm myself for combat? What are the basic tools of the trade? I don't have an enclosed garage, but I have a open shed access. Thanks.:clock:

 

[cuda67bnl]

Basic hand tools are all you really need to do most things. A good wrench set, socket set, screw drivers, etc. What's the next issue you plan to address on your car?

 

[RedFish]

Actually without a garage, and for some with , You're probably doing right by farming out work. One man who knows everything and has all the needed tools to do everything is surely old and tired and still needs more work space. LOL

 

[LJS30]

Basic hand tools are all you really need to do most things. A good wrench set, socket set, screw drivers, etc. What's the next issue you plan to address on your car?

Well, I want to replace my rusted gas tank, retorque my SS leaf springs, along with possibly making them look better with some paint. Then, I need to either send out my Thermoquad for a DemonSizzler rebuild, or install an Edelbrock. I have numerous electrical issues involving my dash gauges and turn signals. All of those are immediate issues I want to address. Eventually I want to grab another 318 or 360 from salvage and build it up, install, and break in myself.

 

[Backtobasics]

Where do you plan on storing tools when not in use? Think about theft.
I would do this. There are several companies out there that you can get a toolbox, standup with upper and lower level, plus a reasonable assortment of sockets and wrenches, etc. for 150-200 range. Its not Matco or Craftsman, but still workable tools. I would get a solid assortment. Spend decent money for a premium set of 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 rachets. Start small, and work up.

 

[clhyer]

I might start by enclosing the shed. Safety, security and all that.
A nice enclosed shop sure beats the shade tree.
C

 

[cuda67bnl]

If you're gonna address electrical stuff, the first thing you'll want is a test light. They're pretty inexpensive. Go grab you an inexpensive wrench set and socket set and you'll be set for the other things you listed. A tool box is a plus, but not required. You'll just have to deal with finding everything after you leave it laying all over the place....

 

[cuda67bnl]

A nice enclosed shop sure beats the shade tree.

Oddly enough, I have an enclosed shop. But I push my car outside to work on it.......

 

[pupjoint]

Lots Of Patience

 

[LJS30]

Well guys, I don't really have to worry about theft because this shed space is on my Grandparent's ranch. However, since it's not enclosed you have dust, wind, cold, etc... to deal with in my situation. Good input and advice guys. I appreciate your honesty and experience. Keep it coming, I'm more than open for all kinds of advice and tips.:cheers:

 

[Rob]

I have just about any tool you can imagine but one of the best things I bought was a digital camera, I do complete restorations and it's great to have pictures to refer to when it's time to reassemble 8)

 

[tobysoldblue]

If theres not much theft in your area.I have always done 90% of my work in the yard,still doing it.I always seem to put the money into the cars,instead of a garage,lol.Being a school teacher,i assume you can read pretty good,that being said,the abosolute best tool you can have to start with are some good manuals,like chiltons,or go on ebay,find some old mopar manuals on your car.I have to say,i did get lucky thios winter,when my brother in laws work got slow in the body shop,he let me borrow his shop for a few weekends to get my engine built,engine compartment painted,and engine put back.It was really nice to have some concrete to work on for once,but this is the first of my personal cars ive ever had that luxury,lol

 

[1970duster440]

90% of my body work was done where the car is sitting in the first picture. It was out in the open and when I wasn't working on it I covered it up with a good tarp. The rest of the body work, most of the priming and all the block sanding was done under the shed and covered with a tarp. While it was at the painters i put tarps up all around the shed. Thats where its getting finished at but when it's done and I'm not spending all my extra money on the car I'm going to pour a concrete floor, put sides and doors on the shed to keep it in. I say go for it, do what you can do and if you get stumped ask questions, read books and do research. The main thing is ..When its done you can proudly say " I did it " OK I'll get off the soapbox now!

 

[71dustar]

before you go out buying all sorts of tools that you may not need, i would make a list of what you want to accomplish highest priority first and if you dont have the tools needs to get the job then i would go out and buy them. that is what i've been doing as my car progresses. make sure though that when you buy some tools that you can see yourself in the future using them otherwise i would borrow

 

[LJS30]

90% of my body work was done where the car is sitting in the first picture. It was out in the open and when I wasn't working on it I covered it up with a good tarp. The rest of the body work, most of the priming and all the block sanding was done under the shed and covered with a tarp. While it was at the painters i put tarps up all around the shed. Thats where its getting finished at but when it's done and I'm not spending all my extra money on the car I'm going to pour a concrete floor, put sides and doors on the shed to keep it in. I say go for it, do what you can do and if you get stumped ask questions, read books and do research. The main thing is ..When its done you can proudly say " I did it " OK I'll get off the soapbox now!

Thanks guys, all excellent advice. Even though I'm not responding to each one of you, I am taking your advice and tips seriously. As for being proud, that's exactly what I feel I'm missing out on. I remember when I dropped the old leaf springs and inserted the SS springs my Dart now has, man, the feeling of accomplishment I felt was immense. I also saved money and learned at the same time. I guess I just have to get out there and "DO IT".

 

[3406pk]

A couple of things from my experience. The digital camera idea is great to show how to put things back after it sits for a few months. I finally wised up and stated wearing mechanics gloves when disassembling. The wrench slips or bolt suddenly loosens and you get skinned knuckles without the gloves. Get the basic combo wrench set and socket set. There are some good quality tools at decent prices now without the expense of snapon, etc. Get the specialty tools only when you need them. Some special tools can be rented at parts stores. Just jump in and start wrenchin. Good luck.

 

[LJS30]

How about working underneath the vehicle guys? I know the typical would be jack stands of course. However, any tips to ensure safety?

 

[66340SEDAN]

Heavy duty jack stands are a must! Don't by a cheap pair, also a good floor jack! I also like to use wheel chocks or blocks behind the tires to keep the car from rolling back while on the jack or stands. I also like to use ramps from time to time, they get your car nice and high, then you don't have to work around the jack or stands. A creeper is nice too!

 

[440valiant]

for bodywork, the only tool you need is a bar sander, a nice "dura-block" does the trick.

 

[LJS30]

Heavy duty jack stands are a must! Don't by a cheap pair, also a good floor jack! I also like to use wheel chocks or blocks behind the tires to keep the car from rolling back while on the jack or stands. I also like to use ramps from time to time, they get your car nice and high, then you don't have to work around the jack or stands. A creeper is nice too!

Yes, my wife bought me a creeper and is mad I never use it. :read2:

 

[spikekid999]

didnt read the whole topic but a 5gal air compressor and a impact are good tools to have. we have a air impact and an electric impact and i prefer the air, the electric just dont have as much power as the air one does

 

[Bigmacdak]

I love my air tools but 90% of the time I find myself using my hand tools If you are going to be under the car while its on jackstands or ramps ect. a cell/ cordless phone within arms reach is a good item to have in case of an emergency (god forbid). & like the other have said, as long as you can keep the weather off of it, you really dont need a fancy shop. A guy I know in town hand built a 9 sec. chevy vega, 572, tube chassis & all under an old lean-to shed in his back yard!

 

[LJS30]

I love my air tools but 90% of the time I find myself using my hand tools If you are going to be under the car while its on jackstands or ramps ect. a cell/ cordless phone within arms reach is a good item to have in case of an emergency (god forbid). & like the other have said, as long as you can keep the weather off of it, you really dont need a fancy shop. A guy I know in town hand built a 9 sec. chevy vega, 572, tube chassis & all under an old lean-to shed in his back yard!

Yes, I always keep a cell phone on me just in case. Man, sounds like alot of you guys are working under rough conditions such as myself.

 

[mullinax95]

It sounds like you are on your way off the sidelines LOL!

I have found that if I don't have the right tool for the situation I will go buy it no matter the cost because I will have it next time. For instance sockets, wrenches, side grinder, palm sander, harmonic/steering wheel puller, Dremel tool, bench grinder. I have bought these tools this year working on my car. You got to have the tools to do the job!

Working on your car in the out doors I would suggest getting some good thick plastic or tarps to cover your car or parts will you are not working. Also get you some of those plastic clamps to help hold the tarps down. You can get a big bag of them at Walmart.

A big moving blanket thrown under the car will give you something to lie on. The creeper is useless unless you are on a hard smooth surface. What I would do is always leave the creeper half way under the car that your wife will think you are using it LOL!

 

[BrianT]

Good ideas from everyone. The best resource you can have on any job is right in front of you. Several times, in the middle of a project, I'll get lost or unable to determine the next step. Come in, post a question. Usually have an answer within 30 minutes or so. You'd be surprised what you can accomplish with this many "experts" helping you!

Don't forget your safety glasses when lying on your back under a dirty, rusty car! DAMHIK