Starting a resto - let's have your tool recommendations

Ok so let's talk tools, I've took the plunge and bought a beetle that needs a fair bit of work. I've sorted out a welder (I'm having a time share with my Dad ) but want to know what else people think I'll need. I've looked at grinders, trolley jacks, stands and socket sets etc but really want some recommendations. Whatever I get I want to be able to use it on the van as well as the beetle so know I'll need to get a beefy jack etc.

So come on lovely people, what have you got and what do you recommend??

 

A breaker bar would be a good start to get off all those rusted bolts. I got a nice one down Machine Mart for about £18. Save messing around with blow torches and hammers.

 

Bottle opener

 

decent trolley jack and some axle stands are a must. Plus a DAB radio so you can keep yourself amused with some nice music.

 

I've found this to be really useful. Fits on a variety of vehicles and is a lot easier to use than a jam jar.

 

a decent clutch alignment tool is always helpful, along with impact sockets, a good bit set and GOOD SPOTWELD DRILL BITS! (something i am currently lacking, and paying for it!!)

 

Para's a proper tool , not sure if i would recommend him though

 

you will deffinatley need an angle grinder!

a variety of 1mm cutting discs, grinding discs, flap discs and paint removing discs (poly--something)
welding grips are handy, ive managed most stuff with a pair of mole-grips though
welding intergrips are good. i only have 5 but they do the job
safety goggles, ive got bored of picking metal out of my eyes
and as mentioned above.. a bottle opener.

oh and also a punch bag is pretty handy for struggling with fiddly bits

 

Cheeky bugger

 

first aid kit
but you can throw your wallet away as you will never have any money again.
a good socket set
a good set of rachat spanners
A hammer
A bigger hammer
hand cleaner
lots of rags or blue paper roll
a big flat screw driver
Wire brushes
A small paint scraper
A very big hammer

 

I think the basics I started out with were:

1/2in socket set
1/4in socket set
MIG welder
gas torch (oxy or map gas powered blow torch)
a good selection of screw drivers
impact driver
good 115mm grinder (don't get a cheap one as they generally don't last, and you might find that they have high vibration)
drill and bits
pry bar
decent trolley jack
welding clamps
hammers, panel and ball
bench mounted vice

I'm sure there's plenty of bits I've not thought of...

 

A joddler tool, that's my tool of the moment.

 

If you re doing body work a few chisel and bolsters, SHARPENED. Pannel hammers and dollies. Got mine £20 notes at a local auto market, check out if there's one in your area, they re realy worth a look for both cheap and quality tools. Pry bars, nut breakers, reciprocating saw; get quuality blades. Dust masks. Copper and hide mallets. Diazapan Patence. If its not shifting dose it in WD and go have a fag and talk to the missus. And most of all good luck. To get you started,good luck bud:y

 

an i pod with some awesome tunes to keep your spirits high when you're feeling the stress building x

 

Thanks for all the replies, there's a lot of good ideas to get me started (and empty my wallet)

It does worry me that I have no idea what this is or does lol

 

It's just a hand tool that puts a step in the edge of sheet metal so the old piece can over or underlap the new bit. Google or eBay it and it should come up!

 

A large limit, empty credit card!

 

What sort of workspace have you got? If you have room for a bench and a decent vice they always come in handy (especially when joddling I imagine). A decent battery/cordless drill always come in handy too, with a couple of spare batteries so you can keep one charging.

Take LOADS of photos as you are taking things apart and label up wires etc really clearly as to what the are and where they go. Even take photos of the wires with their new labels before you disconnect them.

Also post LOADS of photos on here so we can follow your progress. I am dead jealous that you have got a beetle to play with. I am seriously thinking about it myself but have too much other stuff to sort first.

 

A special twist socket set a life saver for removing ancient bolts etc...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290839985097?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
and a set of these is useful http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230908108844?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
and loads of welding clamps
Oh, last but not least. A good woman, you'll find out

 

Get yourself some decent protective gear

A box of latex/nitrile gloves,
Goggles/full face shield,
Ear defenders,
Leather gauntlets for welding,
Some decent rigger/rubber faced gloves for general stuff,
Some heavyweight overalls as you will get hot rock burns welding,
Some safety boots - as handy for kicking the van or bits off it.
An electric welding mask.
Roll of 1" masking tape, for 1st aid emergencies.
Roll of 2" masking tape, for bigger emergencies.