I don't have my car here yet, but I'm getting my toolbox in order for when I go get my '80 from Virginia. What would you say are the most common hand tools you use on your 2nd gen? I've got a pretty well rounded selection of mechanics tools, but I'm looking for comments like "you'll need a high quality 3/4" to break loose that widget" kind of thing. What wrenches or sockets do you reach for the most?

I love hitting the flea market or hunting for tool bargains, so knowing of some things to keep my eyes open for would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

9/16" wrench

3 lb. hammer :)

For tool answers.................

see the tool forum at

www.garagejournal.com

For tool answers.................

see the tool forum at

www.garagejournal.com


I'm already an active member there under the same I.D. Good folks at GJ for sure. Thanks though!

Ratcheting box end wrenches.
You've got metric stuff on that 80.
A set of metric crow's foot wrenches will come in handy if you ever mess with the power steering lines.

Otherwise.... a 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive socket set (and some extensions) will handle most of the nuts/bolts on your car.

It's not until you get into rebuilding accesories, steering columns, engines, transmissions and rear ends that you start needing specialty tools.

T-50 Torx wrench for removal of seatbelts...Which I still need :P.

I buy as I go. I have found out that no matter what you have, there is always something that you need!

I find my self always grabbing the 9/16", 1/2", and 7/16" wrenches.

Like mentioned, it seems like 75-80% of the bolts on my car are 3/8"

Harbor Freight is your friend when it comes to buying basic tools on the cheap. Most are more than adequate unless you are a mechanic by trade.

I've bought a wide range of stuff from them over the years and been quite satisfied.

Personally, I would NOT buy Harbor Freight junk if I wanted tools that will last a lifetime. Most of my tools are Craftsman with a smathering of Snap On, S K Wayne, and Husky tools.

Open end box end wrenches 3/8" to 1", 10 mm to 18 mm

Crescent wrenches 4", 6", 10", 12"

Ball peen hammers: 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz.

Soft faced hamers.

Pry bars.

Selection of torx.

Selection of hex key sets.

1/4", 3/8", 1/2" sockets 3/8" to 1" shallow and deep and in metric.

Several p;airs of Vise Grip pliers in all sizes.

A good DVOM (digital volt ohm meter).

A good set of taps and dies (fractional and metric).

Nut drivers.

Drills.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936540000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

couple cans of PB blaster

grinder with wire wheel

baby sledge (3lb hammer)

cut off wheels for the grinder

dead blow or three.
air nibbler is an amazing tool but prolly not neccesary.
bfh
body hammers and dollies (depending on the shape your car is in)
a good welder-see above
cherry picker or chain fall

i have HFs pittsburgh brand wrenches and they seem to be a decent tool.

1/2 9/16 double box wrench. Comes in handy so much. i have a snapon one i use mainly, but also have a craftsmen version.

sears for tools........

I mostly grab a 9/16th or a 5/8th wrench.

If you have headers...the shortest 7/16th wrench you can find will be your best friend. I have a double open ended 7/16th wrench that fits in the palm of my hand...it stays in the console glove box because those hard to reach header bolts are always coming loose.

1/2" drive ratcheting breaker bar about 18" to 2 foot long

socket adapter set to converter 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4" drives

Dail back or digital advance timing light
Vac gauge
Compression gauge/tester

Thanks folks! This is what I was looking for. If more, keep 'em coming.

Personally, I would NOT buy Harbor Freight junk if I wanted tools that will last a lifetime. Most of my tools are Craftsman with a smathering of Snap On, S K Wayne, and Husky tools.

Open end box end wrenches 3/8" to 1", 10 mm to 18 mm

Crescent wrenches 4", 6", 10", 12"

Ball peen hammers: 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz.

Soft faced hamers.

Pry bars.

Selection of torx.

Selection of hex key sets.

1/4", 3/8", 1/2" sockets 3/8" to 1" shallow and deep and in metric.

Several p;airs of Vise Grip pliers in all sizes.

A good DVOM (digital volt ohm meter).

A good set of taps and dies (fractional and metric).

Nut drivers.

Drills.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936540000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4
This is a good list

Add a set of Flare Nut Wrenches to the list (for fuel lines, brake lines, bleeding brakes, etc...)

+1 on the metric for an '80. I have a metric and a SAE set of everything...

9/16" wrench


You said it! I have kept a 9/16" wrench in my glovebox for about 18 years now. This is sepearate from the tools in the trunk.

A dial back timing light would be a good addition to a tool set.

A good double flaring tool as eventually you'll need to replace brake lines and it is much less expensive to have the double flaring tool plus you can make the a brake line the correct length too. I buy rolls of 3/16" and 1/4" steel brake line, a dozen or so of the double flare nuts so that I can make ANY length line that we need.

A good hacksaw with a selection of hacksaw blades.

Also get a cordless impact wrench. A cordless impact wrench is THEE most useful tool you'll ever own. You don't need an air compressor (which a good CFM rated air compressor is a HUGE expense!) and it'll remove lug nuts, fasterns, etc. with ease! Here's a 19.2 volt reconditoned one on sale at Sears for $48.49! : http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911483000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 . Buy that and a 19.2 V cordless drill kit and you'll be in business!

4 manuals:

A. Fisher Body manual

B. Chevrolet Service shop manual, handles all the light duty chores, adjustment, etc

C. Chevrolet Repair shop manual, handles all the heavy duty chores, rebuild of major mechanical items

(here is a link for a pair on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1980-CHEVROLET-CAMARO-MALIBU-SHOP-MANUAL-SET-2-MANUALS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2c519f1eefQQitemZ190347943663QQptZMotorsQ5fManualsQ5fLiterature#ht_1072wt_941)

and the GM assembly manual

Invest in these before you buy tools ...

take a look at this set from sears, its a good starting point, plus you can carry it in your car.... you will need it.....
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P?vName=Tools&cName=Tool+Sets&sName=View+All&sbf=Brand&sbv=Craftsman

;) http://www.nastyz28.com/

A good list so far. Here are some I have found very handy for my 76 project

putty knives
chisels (diff sizes help)
wire brushes
slip joint pliers
vice grip pliers
needle nose pliers
lineman pliers
wire cutters
good utility knife
torque wrenches (at least 3/8")
blow torch
"magnet on a stick" tool to retrieve sockets, nuts, etc that fall in tight spots - VERY HANDY!!!

don't forget the safety gear, esp goggles and/or a full face mask. I recently did some very brief sanding with a small flap disc on my pneumatic grinder and got a tiny metal shaving in my right eye. Was absolutely horrible. I am religious about wearing my full face mask too, but that one time got me. Luckily no permanent damage occurred.

and get a good fire extinguisher for autos......:)

Beer lots of Beer!!!!

some open end wrenches that might not be in most kits are things like a 3/4, 7/8, 15/16

if youre at the flea market and see them for like a buck, pick them up.