Classic Car Repairs: Using The Right Tools and Equipment

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Using the proper tools and equipment for a repair, fabrication, or modification on your classic car or muscle car is essential. However, it's an area that many do-it-yourselfers take shortcuts on because the proper tools and equipment can be outrageously expensive!

Because Guy Algar and I own a classic car repair shop, we use tools and equipment on a daily basis, and know the importance having and using the right tools.  We rely on these like we rely on our own hands, and have invested a lot of time and money into obtaining the equipment and tools we need and use each and every day. We see the value in these investments because it is our business. But how important are these tools to those that have a project car or project truck that they want to work on themselves?

Photo:
Fastenal

Not only will the right tools save you time, they help prevent damage to your precious vehicle, especially your stock parts and pieces. It disheartens Guy and I to see how often we get projects that someone else has worked on and see the hack jobs that have been done because the wrong tools were used, or were used incorrectly. Many tools and pieces of equipment are made to perform very specific functions, ensuring that that particular portion of the job is done correctly and safely.

Because purchasing these tools is expensive, we know it prevents many do-it-yourselfers from using the right equipment. Most homeowners do not get visits from their local Snap-On truck like our shop many others, and not everyone can afford the top quality mechanics tools they sell. However, a household tool kit is simply not designed to accomplish the job, and if you do attempt this, you'll soon be in over your head. Many resort to taking the wrong steps or using the wrong tools when they're in this predicament. This often results in poor results, damage to parts, and even getting hurt yourself.

While some tools can be rented from auto supply stores such as Advance Auto, O'Reilly Auto Parts or AutoZone, it is important that you receive instruction on the proper use of them. Not all tools are available, and undoubtedly, if you intend to do classic car repairs or classic car restoration work yourself, you will need to make a substantial investment in tools and equipment that is designed especially for the type of work you're planning.

Local stores such as Northern Tools, Fastenal, Sears, NAPA and others will have the basics of what you may need for mechanical repairs. If you're looking to do body restoration work, you'll need to look at Internet sites like Eastwood and others that sell quality tools and equipment that are specific to auto body work. Blast cabinets, welding equipment, drill presses, chop saws as well as specialty tools like pullers, etc. will quickly eat through your restoration budget, and you will need to consider these costs carefully when planning your project.

Shop Equipment is even more costly. Items such as lifts, blast cabinets, parts washers, compressors, grinders, drill presses, pipe benders, metal fabrication equipment, A/C equipment, welding equipment and so much more are available to make life easier, but for investing in quality equipment is costly. Here you have to take a hard look at how often you are apt to use this type of equipment, and how much your budget can afford. Some at-home gearheads like having a complete shop with all the bells and whistles and consider it their alternative to a sports fanatics "man cave". We can understand this!

Since we mentioned quality, it's important to note that all tools are not created the same! You've probably experienced the frustration from working with cheap tools. Not only will they give you a short-life, but they really don't perform as well as quality equipment. In our opinion, it's not wise to cheap out on your tools and equipment, especially if you plan on using them frequently. No, your average do-it-yourselfer doesn't necessarily need to spend top dollar for Snap-On tools and equipment, even though there is a certain prestige associated with the name. If you want bragging rights and have the money, go for it, but there are other quality tools that'll do the job nicely as well.

Our advice:  Do not attempt a classic car repair or restoration project without the proper tools and equipment. It could end up costing you both time and money.

RESOURCES:
Amazon.com - Auto Repair Tools - Assorted Brands
Eastwood - Air Tools, Body Tools and more
Fastenal - Automotive Specialty Tools
J.C. Whitney - Automotive Repair Tools
NAPA - Tools & Equipment On-line Catalogue
Northern Tool - Auto Repair Tools
Sears - Craftsman Auto Repair Tools
Snap-On Tools - http://www.snapon.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.