I think one
of the basic tools every garage needs is a welder. Mine is a
Millermatic 220 volt Mig welder with shielding gas . I have the 220
volt because I weld thick steel along with sheet metal. For Jeep
restorations you can get away with a 110 volt welder with flux core wire.
Ebay: $700 |
A good hammer
and dolly set will go a long way in repairing and straightening steel
panels.
Harbor Freight: $15 |
A stud puller
set is a must for pulling those head studs, and exhaust & intake manifold
studs.
Harbor Freight: $12 |
A cylinder
bore gauge is needed to check for out-of-round on the cylinders if you are
rebuilding the motor yourself.
Ebay: $35 |
A step drill
makes quick, neat work out of drilling large diameter holes like the drain
in the toolbox, and for firewall holes.
Lowes: $30 |
You will need
a valve spring compressor like this to remove the valves for a rebuild.
Ebay: $15 |
This piston
ring tool will help you install the rings on the pistons without breaking
them (trust me, I know!).
Napa: $7 |
A cylinder
hone will break the glaze on the cylinder walls and give them a nice smooth
finish. For best results, make sure you have the motor rebored.
Napa: $30 |
A cheap valve
regrinding tool like this used with grinding compound helps reseat the
valves. The suction cups grips the top of the valve, and you spin the
valve tool between your hands.
Napa: $5 |
Piston groove
cleaner. Does just that.
Napa: $15 |
Various brake
tools. A brake flaring tool, and a tubing bender.
Napa: $20 |
A good
micrometer is needed to precisely measure anything.
Harbor Freight: $20 |
A compression
tester will help diagnose certain motor issues. This is the first tool
I use when I get a new project home. You can even take it with you to
test a Jeep before you buy it!
Pep Boys: $25 |
This piston
ring compressor does just that and helps in the installation of the pistons.
Pep Boys: $15 |
Torque
wrenches are one tool you can not live without! I have both a 1/2"
drive, and a 3/8" drive. Use these to torque all your bolts to factory
specs.
Harbor Freight: $40 (on sale!) |
You must have
a good tap and die set (mine is cheap). Helps clean up those old
bolts, and restores rusted holes.
Harbor Freight: $30 |
Okay, here it
is: The one tool that you won't believe you ever lived without!
It's a hub puller. If you have ever tried to pull the rear hubs from
an early CJ, then you know what I mean. I spent hours trying to make
one, only to have it break in frustration. Break down and buy one of
these!!
Ebay: $70 |
A dial
indicator and magnetic base like this one is used to measure runout on
things like the flywheel, and endplay on the crankshaft.
Ebay: $40 |
A bench
grinder and drill press are very helpful. That wire wheel on the
grinder is a must and makes quick work out of cleaning up parts.
Lowes: $200 |
Depending on
how many Jeeps you rebuild, you may want to invest in an engine hoist.
I bought the foldable type and can't believe I ever spent $30 to rent one!
This has more than paid for itself.
Harbor Freight: $190 |
A large air
compressor can be used for all sorts of stuff: air tools, spray guns,
and plasma cutters.
Lowes $250 |
I use a die
grinder to polish the inside of the head ports, clean up metal, and use it
with a cut-off wheel to repair panels.
Lowes: $20 |
This spot
weld cutter works great and does just what the name implies.
Ebay $15 |
A plumber's
torch is good for heating up and shaping metal.
Lowe's $30 |
More to come...... |
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