Best Tools to Start Restoration

[pauletts]

Hi there,
I have two sons that are restoring Model A vehicles. One has been doing it for some time. The second is just starting. They have limited tools, but recently one son got 240 installed in his shop and is really happy he can run the compressor and do other things without straining the power.

I am writing on their behalf - since it is Christmas time, what type of tool do you recommend I buy them? I figured some type of pneumatic tool, but don't know where to start on type or brand. Can you please recommend some?

Thank you,
pauletts

[pgerhardt]

Hmmm? What would I like if I had 220 in my shop? Maybe a shop heater to keep it nice and warm this winter.

[Y-Blockhead]

What a nice Mom. It kind of depends on what all they are doing, i.e. mechanical, body, paint, etc.

One air tool I personally use the most is a 3/8" butterfly impact.



They come in a wide price/quality range. I abuse my butterfly from Harbor Freight and it just keeps working.

But I'm sure you'll get as many answers as there are tools...

[Rex_A_Lott]

A sandblasting cabinet.

[Mitch//pa]

welcome,
maybe it would be best to just pick his brain so you get him something that he would really want..
there are countless tools that have to do with using compressed air so it would be tough for us to know his needs
let us know what he says and then maybe we can help you with the best advice for a particular item....

[tudoor]

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A camera is a tool that should be in anybody's tool chest. Pictures are valuable when you forget what goes where.

[1930artdeco]

Originally Posted by Rex_A_Lott

A sandblasting cabinet.

+1 on this. If the car has small rusty parts this will help out immensely. But I also like what Mitch said.

Mike

[C26Pinelake]

The experts have to know what is being worked on ! Body panel work, paint, mechanical of motor or setting up garage. Any clues you can provide will help immensely.
Good luck Christmas shopping !
Wayne

[pauletts]

Thank you all for your replies. I will investigate further. I think they are doing it all. I know one day my son was so excited when he was able to get some bolt off. I like the idea of sand blasting cabinet. I am going to see if the other son thinks that is a good plan. I'll get more details! You've been very helpful!

[pauletts]

I will get him that impact thing...it's only $22. On the sandblasting cabinet, do any of these look good?
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...asting+cabinet

He told his wife he wants "nuts and bolts" but criminy, where would we start for that?

Thanks again for helping me!
pauletts from Seattle

[700rpm]

A copy of the Judging and Restoration standards from MAFCA or MARC, and a copy of Vol. I of Les Andrews restoration manual. Indispensible for good restorations.

[Greg Jones]

A can of Kroil makes for a great stocking stuffer.

[wrndln]

I considered the Harbor Freight blasting cabinet, but it looked pretty cheesy and flimsy. I bought a more expensive TP Tools (Ohio) top loader cabinet that is USA made and is well built, but it is in the $450 range. I am glad I did as I use it a lot since I can only sandblast outdoors here in Minnesota in warm weather. A beadblasting cabinet might be a little pricey for a Christmas present. You didn't mention how much you were thinking of spending. There are a lot of air tools like right angle sanders, die grinders, cutoff tools, impact tools, etc. However, your son might already have some or all of these tools. I have had good luck with the cheap Harbor Freight air tools. Even though they are real cheap and made in China, they work well for occasional users. Hope this helps a little.
Rusty Nelson

[Kevin in NJ]

Sand blast cabinet, but not a small one. The 960 is a decent sized cabinet for most things. Much smaller and a lot of stuff will not fit well. I can do wheels in mine.

TP tools 960

TIG welder, there is so much that can be done better with a TIG welder and it does not have to be the new fancy ones. Some old ones like the Miller 330A/BP from the early 1970's will do the job, though it is very large, and can be found on Craigslist for $600+-.

If the TIG welder is not in the budget. Then look up a micro torch like the Meco



Set up properly you can do TIG like welding of panels. You also need to get proper gas welding rods.

Renting some metal working videos from Smartflix could make for some wonderful father son time

Buying some old basic body hammers -important- with the original handles. Nothing more comfy in the hands then the $.25 garage sale buy of an old old Snap On basic round head and short pick hammer. The control and feel is wonderful. That is the hammer I might let you try some, but only some and I would never loan it out.

There are some 32nd sized sockets that are no longer available you need for A work.

A high quality rear hub puller.

A Barret Brake Doktor full tool would make your sons proud. Then they can make their brake shoes exactly correct on the car.

Anyway some thoughts.

[Mitch//pa]

i have the same cabinent that kevin posted from TP.. its a good size and comes with the evac system. my personal opinion if you want to buy something for your son that will last stay away from harbor freight for most things..
TP tools are known for there quality made in the USA blast cabinets

[Merc Cruzer]

Parts washer

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-gall...ump-60769.html

[Ted Duke]

Mom,

I suggest a VISA Gift card and a big hug! Let him buy what he needs.

You must be a good Mom to have two sons interested in Model A's!

Merry Christmas

Ted

[Tom Wesenberg]

I wouldn't attemp any restoration without a blast cabinet.

[apbright]

Hi there,

I re-emphasise others' suggestion of a blasting cabinet - it get's regularly used in my garage, and there is something magical about spraying decades of rust away. I have the first one in your Harbor Freight tools link (item 68893, ~$210). It is not the best quality, but I have been able to make it work regularly with minor tweaking; I would say it is adequate for an enthusiastic amateur. More serious restorers will choose better-made cabinets, costing upwards of $1500. I wouldn't go there until restoring becomes a money-earning activity.

[Fred K-OR]

Some simple things from Harbor Freight would be some jack stands (total 4) and maybe a hydraulic jack. Total cost maybe around $100. Get the jack that goes down to 3 1/2" and is rated at I think 2 ton.