Tools for the Cobra build

sambo · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 08:20 PM

Well it's been 5 years since I tinkered with cars and in that time I've had three house moves and slowly sold off most of my gear. I'm left with the trusty red tool box containing not much more than a Repco socket set and a few screwdrivers and other basic tools.

The Cobra is a bit of a unique project to work on, being much lower, more compact and fibreglass bodied (until I can afford a aluminium bodied Kirkham

). The chassis/body doesn't arrive for about 4 months so I'm going to spend the time getting the right tools together and I'd appreciate any suggestions. So far I've come up with the following...

To cut holes in the body for lights, vents, etc - a long list that I'd like to narrow down: dremel with reinf. cutter, roto zip, die grinder, sabre blade, air body saw, hacksaw?

Jack/stands: I like this low profile jack but is it overkill? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....MakeTrack=true

Electrical - multimeter, cutters, crimpers, etc.

Air compressor, dust blower, etc.

Flaring tools for brake/fuel lines.

This isn't meant to be a comprehensive list, mainly to get an idea about essential items and build that into the budget. Thanks in advance folks!

dbn04 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 08:31 PM

dont forget the soldering iron that will get afull workout!

Tenrocca · #3 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 08:33 PM

My small suggestions...

Dremel - definately. A set of ratcheting ring spanners are great. Get the local brake shop to flare your lines - they'll do a better job and it will work out a lot cheaper then buying a double flaring tool.

Cheers

Leeroy · #4 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 08:36 PM

Sambo

I think the best tool I got was a threaded nutsert rivet gun. This allows you to drill a hole in the steel/fibreglass and rivet a threaded female insert. This way you will not be using self tappers or retaining nuts to hold bolt in place. By far worth every cent.

I must thanks Aussie Mike for that was some of the best advise he gave me (and there was heaps)

Leeroy

sambo · #5 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 08:40 PM

Great thanks guys, already some great suggestions. (off to eBay now...)

LoBelly · #6 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 08:49 PM

Hi Sambo

My car has been constructed entirely from angle iron and cable ties, so for me the things you need are:

side cutters
small angle grinder

if your'e flush - a home mig for zapping some bits together.

Also consider

a bolted down bench with a nice vice and (if possible) a bit of space around it

open and easy to get to places to put your tools while working so they can be put back for next time

kettle/beer fridge/lemon tree - no need to go back into the house.

that should do you

LoBelly

PCC · #7 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 08:54 PM

Sambo,

The bigger the jack the better. Mine is a 2.5T one and I feel far more confident using such a size irrespective of the light weight of the car.

If you don't go for a hoist invest in good quality jack(s) and axle stands.

Got the Bug · #8 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 09:27 PM

Sambo,

The low profile floorjack that you found on eBay looks similar to the one I just bought from Summit Racing.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

The summit model is made by a company called American Forge...I got a kick out of the name, since the jack is made in China!

I'm also buying some new tools and reorganizing the garage while I'm waiting for my car to arrive.

Doug

Rebel1 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 09:36 PM

A workshop vac...you'll be surprised what mess you make.

David Hodgson · #10 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 11:01 PM

One thing I found very usefull, a cordless vac to clean up any fibreglass swarf and dust from cutting and drilling. You would not believe how itchy that stuff makes you if you leave it lying around

sambo · #11 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 11:14 PM

Ok vaccuum is on the list. Just hope the missus doesn't get any fibres under her skin while she's using it.

Rebel1 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 11:24 PM

Do what I did Sambo.....convince the first wife that her vac is broken and she needs a new one.

She'll pay for it outta "house" money, not "cobra" money.

sambo · #13 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 11:33 PM

Since I will be joining the dark side eventually I might as well start taking advice from you, Les Vader.

Rebel1 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 12:05 AM

Don't take any darkside advice from me Sambo....I'm only a newby to the darkside.

That Aussie Mike is the ringleader of the force. He even set up a web site wherein he assigned a film charactor image to each member.

He had to give that away tho as the images were not too unlike what they all looked like in real life.

Blair · #15 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 12:23 AM

It seems that Aussie Mike and Rebel1 are fighting to become the Leader of the 'Dark Force'. Whilst there is this unrest within the 'Dark Force' ranks the resistance is growing!

Nemesis

Aussie Mike · #16 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 01:21 AM

To quote Yoda regarding the Sith "Always two there are; no more, no less: a master and an apprentice."

Cheers

boxhead · #17 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 01:42 AM

How is the site going Mike?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebel1

Don't take any darkside advice from me Sambo....I'm only a newby to the darkside.

That Aussie Mike is the ringleader of the force. He even set up a web site wherein he assigned a film charactor image to each member.

He had to give that away tho as the images were not too unlike what they all looked like in real life.

Aussie Mike · #18 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 01:51 AM

Some of my favourite tools:

An 8" grinder with a belt linisher attachment on the end. I use a fine stone on the other end for sharpening tool steel for the lathe. The belt linisher id great for shaping parts and cleaning up welds or preping parts for welding. You can get a variety of belts in different grits. I also use scotchbrite belts for prepping parts for polishing.

Another favorite is a 6" grinder with a taper on one end to hold polishing mops and a whire wheel on the other end. Metal polishing is actually quite easy and reasonably inexpensive once you get set up and learn the basic techniques. The wire wheel is great for cleaning threads on bolts and other stubborn cleaning jobs. I probably should buy an 8" grinder to use as a buff but the 6" works OK. An 8" buff would probably just throw the parts further across the shed when it grabs an edge.

Both grinder an buffer are mounted on pedestals that I welded up. This gives you plenty of room to work around them. When they are mounted on a bench they chew up valuable bench space and make a mess.

As Leeroy mentioned the Nutsert tool is a must have. They make for a very professional finish and a reliable stress free fixing into fiberglass.

Get your self a little rool around gas lift stool. It'll save your back and knees when working down low on the car. They usually have a handy tray in the bottom to hold your tools.

Cheers

Blair · #19 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 01:51 AM

Remember Yoda drives for FORD! He ain't a part of the Dark Side!

Aussie Mike · #20 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 01:57 AM

I took the site down a while back Les. When I get some free time I'll put up a revised and improved version. There are so many more Darkside cars now.

Cheers