A good set of hand tools along with several specialized pieces of equipment are necessary for undertaking almost any large automotive project. Don’t be tempted to purchase inexpensive tools that can slip and round off the head of original bolts and fasteners. Quality hand tools such as the Craftsman brand do a better job than less expensive tools, and they carry a lifetime warranty against breakage. Have a good selection of flat-blade and Phillips-head screwdrivers, pliers, locking pliers, combination wrenches, 3/8- and 1/2-inch-drive socket sets, as well as other commonly used hand tools organized by size on pegboard hooks or in your toolbox drawers.
Stripped of all bolt-on body parts, this 1968 AMX is ready for a thorough inspection, and then rust repairs can begin. Store any body parts that will be reused in a safe, indoor area. At this stage, a project car is fairly light so it can be moved around easily when needed.
Utilize shop space to your best advantage. A wood-framed work room enclosed with clear plastic allows plenty of light to enter, retains heat in the winter, and when used with a retractable plastic curtain contains dust and paint spray. Position your air compressor on the outside where it can draw plenty of clean air. An added bonus is the storage space created overhead, so use sturdy 2×6 lumber for the rafters.
An organized toolbox saves time and improves efficiency. The time you save not having to hunt for the proper-size wrench or socket each time can be spent actually accomplishing something. Keep your hand tools clean and your air tools oiled. Quality tools last a lifetime with proper care.
Don’t let your buddies tease you about being too organized; the time that you save by not having to search for the right size wrench or socket every time really adds up over the course of a long-term project!
Air Compressor
A large air compressor with the capacity to run a variety of tools or even a glass media blasting cabinet is another necessity. Compressors come in a variety of sizes, so it is possible to have one that is either too small or too large for your needs. A good size for a home shop is a 5- or 6-hp unit with a 60-gallon tank. An air compressor this size requires a specialized NEMA 6-20 receptacle, which is a 20-amp, 250-volt outlet. If your garage or shop is not wired for this type of service any licensed electrical contractor can perform the installation or upgrade.
Selecting a compressor with a vertical tank saves precious floor space; the tank can even be left fastened to the pallet it comes with to gain additional clearance for draining condensation from the tank. Accumulated water should be drained regularly to prevent corrosion of the tank and extend air tool life. Running the air line along the ceiling and installing an inline water filter also helps to prevent condensation from reaching your tools or contaminating the paint that you spray.
Useful air-powered tools include a 1/2-inch-drive impact wrench, 3/8-inch-drive air ratchet, and cut-off tool. These are great time savers, especially for vehicle disassembly. Other air tools such as a dual-action sander or air file will become necessary as you become involved with body repair.
Blasting Cabinet
Also necessary for a successful restoration is access to a glass-bead blasting cabinet. This is an enclosure that uses compressed air and finely ground glass media to cleanly strip old paint and surface rust from bolts, brackets, external engine parts, steel wheels, and anything else that fits inside. A spotlight inside the cabinet, along with a built-in vacuum to clear the dust, allows you to monitor the progress through the tempered glass window.
The glass-bead media is constantly recycled as it falls through the surface grid. Even parts with rubber components such as motor mounts or a complete Space Saver spare tire can be cleanly stripped, because the glass media does not damage the rubber parts. The glass beads do eventually wear out and become dust, which is removed by the vacuum; they must be replaced.
Be sure that your air compressor is up to the task of running your air tools or glass-bead blast cabinet. Regular maintenance includes checking the oil level and draining the condensation from the tank every day to prevent rust. Use an inline water filter to prevent damage to your equipment or contamination when spraying paint.
A blast cabinet uses compressed air and glass-bead media to strip multiple layers of paint or heavy surface rust from small to medium-size parts. It can also be used to freshen the appearance of aluminum parts such as a power steering pump bracket or aftermarket intake manifold. Because the glass bead does not harm rubber, parts including motor mounts or a complete Space Saver spare tire rim can be stripped without damage to the rubber.
Just as with air compressors, blast cabinets come in a variety of sizes from small bench-top models all the way up to those large enough to be used by two operators at the same time. A practical-size blast cabinet recommended for most auto restoration tasks measures approximately 46 to 48 inches wide and 28 to 30 inches deep. After using a bead blasting cabinet you will wonder how you ever did without it.
Shop Manual
No restoration or major repair should be attempted without the benefit of a factory-issued Technical Service Manual (TSM) for your particular year and model. Also called a shop manual, these books contain a wealth of information for repairing and assembling every system on your car. Generally included are exploded views, troubleshooting information, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and other detailed information specific to your particular car.
If you don’t already have one, copies are generally available on disc for use with your garage computer. Or you can buy a less expensive, pre-soiled printed copy so you feel less guilty about adding a few greasy fingerprints!
The factory-issued TSM will become your best friend during a restoration. These books contain information for servicing every system of your particular year and model. Buying a well-used copy like this one generally costs less and can be used in the garage without feeling guilty for soiling a mint-condition collectible. Check eBay; copies are also available on DVD.
General repair manuals such as those published by Chilton’s or Haynes are useful for doing routine driveway maintenance, but are not nearly comprehensive enough for reassembling a complete car.
Camera
Another necessity in the garage these days is a good-quality digital camera. You cannot take too many photos of your project both before and during the disassembly phase. You may think that you’ll remember how everything goes back together, but after six months (or even longer) many questions will arise, and consulting a set of clear digital photos can save you considerable time and frustration.
Upload your photos to a secure hosting site such as Photobucket where they can be organized and enlarged for easier viewing.
Welder
If you know how to weld but don’t own a welder, today’s MIG welding systems are fairly inexpensive. Costs are generally $1,200 or less for an excellent quality welder from Miller or Lincoln Electric, a cart, as well as a good-quality