Basic Automotive Tools

[bczygan]

There have been many threads on this forum, discussing what basic tools an automotive tech would need. And also what would be good starter sets for kids and others.

I've read them, and they seem to focus on ratchets and dockets and 259 piece mechanics sets from Sears and others.

Well, I've decided that if I'm going to really save money working on the relatively older vehicles I have, then I need to equip myself like a beginning tech, rather than like a homeowner who only does brakes and fluids.

And if I'm going to do the same job more than once, then even the tools that can be rented from the auto parts store need to be in my hands and always available.

There is a YouTube video with a tech showing his service cart and tools, so I used that for a reference and made a list. And slowly, I am acquiring the tools in the list.

Bill

Potential tool list:

Next on the list:
Work light LED
Dental picks
Sockets handle trays, deep metric to 27 shallow too.
Electrical Terminal Kit and Crimper
LED 12 volt for testing coil on plug, etc. ($3 or so at electronic supply house)
Scanner Wide data logging Actron CP9135?
Cutoff tool
Snap ring pliers Astro 6 piece
Mapp gas
External retaining ring pliers Matco
Tap and die need good set
Irwin damaged fastener tool set
Tweezers
Impact screwdriver
Wrenches long box end metric
Shallow sockets
3/8 and 1/2" wobble impact extensions HF
Thread restoration kit Craftsman



Would like:
Small MIG welder - Would like
Air chisel - Would like
Spring compressors - Would like center one
Interior body panel tools - Have HF plastic - couple more HF
Short and long wobble extensions - Have some
Deep sockets - Have some
Oil Filter Wrench (assortment of strap and cap types) - Have some
Extensions locking and 3/8 - Have some
Special pliers cable cutters - Have some

Not needed yet:
Rear caliper cube - Not needed
Cordless impact - Not needed
Offset wrenches box end metric - Not needed
Quick disconnect tools
Axle nut socket set powerbuilt O'Reillys
Body panel pliers HF
45 degree pin puller
Leslie blind seal puller
CV joint boot band installation tool
Air chucks for pressure testing cylinders
Compression tester
Fuel pressure gauge
Vacuum gauge
Chain Wrench
Roofers magnet - Use HF magnet bar
Stud remover
AC tools
Disconnect tools
Hex shaped connector removal tool
2nd cart
Hose cutting tool - Use utility knife
Hose disconnect tools HF
Really long 90 degree pliers
Big channellocks
Curved needlenose
Slide hammer
E reverse torx wrenched chopped wrenches S wrenches
Oil sending unit socket
Eastwood pro flaring tool set - use small set
Specialty wrenches
Brass rubber mallet HF - Have separate ones
Cable actuated hose clamp pliers
Bolt puller set 40pc HF
Brake caliper tool set
MAC flare set
Balance puller
Block tester
Noid light HF


HAVE:
1/2" impact extensions HF
Reverse torx sockets E14 metric
Left Hand Drill Bits HF
Step drill bits large pair HF
Impact Swivel Sockets metric
Metric Impact Sockets HF
Pry bars Craftsman
Screwdrivers
Mirror & magnet
Flashlights
Small screwdrivers
Brush - Have
Electrical tape
Teflon tape
Pliers
Paper towels
Nitrile gloves 7 HF
Long 90 degree pliers
Torx or star sockets
Allen sockets metric and SAE
Blow mold 1/4" socket and ratchet set Gearwrench
Office paper clips for cam belts
Crowsfoot wrenches metric
Breaker bar HF 3/8 1/2
Torque wrench HF 3 sizes
1/2" Extensions HF
Air ratchet Husky
4# sledge
Side cutters
Ball joint set HF
Magnetic parts dishes HF
Mity vac HF
Pitman arm puller HF
Ox/ac set
Coolant tester
Calipers HF
Rivets
Rivet gun big hand HF
Multi-meter
Test light HF
Drum brake tools
Jack HF and Arcan Alum.
Jack stands HF 3 and 6 ton
Wheel chock
Impact gun HF Earthquake 1/2"
Safety glasses
20 gal air compressor
Alignment punches
Chisels
Hacksaw
Vise
Picks HF small set
Grease gun
Flaring tool set small

Supplies:
Super lube HF
Brake cleaner
Kroil
PB blaster
Wheel bearing grease
Brake lube
Anti-seize
Shop towels

Shop Equipment:
Grinders with wire wheels and stones
Drill press
Parts washer
Arbor press
Hyd. H press HF

Other:
Rolling stool HF
Creeper HF
Dead blow
Rubber mallet
Brass hammer
First aid kit
1/4" insert bit ratchet
Universal joint for sockets
Flex sockets
Files
Gasket scraper
Battery terminal cleaner
Wire Stripper
Feeler Gauges/thickness shims
Dial or Electronic caliper
Spark Plug Gap gauge

 

[LXCam]

Bored today huh?

 

[jd_1138]

Wow, great list. It is going to be pricey for all that, but it will save a lot of money. Allowing you to repair your vehicles, wife's, relatives, neighbors. Might can do some side jobs and make some $$$.

Don't forget:

safety glasses

 

[ChaseDE]

if you have a bunch of tools you probably have enough to do basic work. next time you are doing a job and need a tool, buy it.

 

[bczygan]

if you have a bunch of tools you probably have enough to do basic work. next time you are doing a job and need a tool, buy it.

So I'm going to be doing some front end work, so I just picked up a pitman arm puller and a Ball joint tool set at HF.

Need to add a slide hammer to the list.

Bill

 

[Jlbc212]

Maybe I read through the list too fast, but I didn't see a two post lift or at least a jack and safety stands.

 

[bczygan]

Maybe I read through the list too fast, but I didn't see a two post lift or at least a jack and safety stands.

I'll add the jack and stands.

Dare I hope to add the lift???

 

[LXCam]

I'll add the jack and stands.

Dare I hope to add the lift???

I bought my lift in my middle 40's. If I had to work off the ground now I'd sell every flipping mechanical tool I own and just pay someone.


So count my vote as a dare

 

[T45]

somebody do a realistic cost out of this toolkit

 

[sberry]

You can skip the spring compressors for the most part. Now can buy assemblies for less than the cost of a few parts and its all new.

 

[nine4gmc]

Most of the tools you don't have, you don't need for regular maintenance so I'd just wait until the need arises to pick them up, unless they are super cheap like garage sale or cl finds that are too good to pass up.

 

[Jlbc212]

Most of the tools you don't have, you don't need for regular maintenance so I'd just wait until the need arises to pick them up, unless they are super cheap like garage sale or cl finds that are too good to pass up.

^^^ This is excellent advice. I have all kinds of tools that I've bought as needed over many years. In just about every tool purchase it was less expensive to buy a tool and do the work myself rather than pay someone else to do it.

By the way, it took me over sixty years to get that two post lift and the garage big enough to place the lift.

 

[healing]

You got a link to the YouTube video?

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Is that basic automotive tools or tools needed to start an automotive shop. Basic would be brakes spark plugs trans fluid pumps. I've rebuilt an engine. I've replaced timing chain. I've swapped an engine. I've changed driveshafts center and differential ones. Replaced shocks and struts. Pulled transmissions. And have only used 1/2-3/4 of the tools you have listed. So I'm going to assume you mean basic tools for an automotive shop or for someone planning to work on cars 5 days a week starting from nothing. I have never seen someone buy specialty tools in preparation unless they were a couple bucks used. Get extra grommets and o rings and cotter pins if you don't have them:


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[sberry]

I agree, you don't need half that ****. Buy a tool if you really need it.

 

[finn]

If you are in Michigan, you'll need flaring tools for brake lines, and disconnect tools, but most of the other tools on the list are "buy as needed". You'll run into other needs, like Torx plus bits for Ford truck bed fasteners, and will never need some of the tools on the list.

I'd advise you to avoid stocking up on Harbor Freight tools. There are higher quality sources out there for specialty tools.

Amazon is your friend.

 

[bczygan]

You got a link to the YouTube video?

Here it is:

Bill

 

[brooktre]

Chisels, alignment punches, hacksaw, vice, tap & die
I use these all the time.

 

[bczygan]

"Chisels, alignment punches, hacksaw, vice, tap & die" - Thanks!

Someone PM'd me picks, so I'll add them and a few other things to an add on list at the bottom.

 

[jumbojak]

Yes, you can never have too many picks. I wouldn't bother with a lot of that stuff unless I knew I was going to use it in the near future but you'll find all kinds of uses for picks. Tweezers are surprisingly useful too.

 

[nine4gmc]

I would put picks near the top of the list too, those are always handy in the home, auto and shop. Stay away from specialized tools, those you can almost always pick up from autozone or oreilly's loaner tool program. You pay a 100% refundable deposit to borrow the tool, return it and you get all of your money back so you are not out of pocket anything for using them, never have to deal with storing them, finding them when you need them or warrantying them if they break.

 

[jumbojak]

Decent tweezers should be on there too if they aren't already. When a pick won't quite grab something small a sharp pair of tweezers usually will.

One other item off the top of my head if you ever have to work outside or in the field - a STRONG magnet. I can't tell you how many times something has sailed away and was retrieved by sweeping a grid with a magnet. I'd like to get one like I've seen roofers use around houses to collect wayward nails.

 

[bczygan]

I would put picks near the top of the list too, those are always handy in the home, auto and shop. Stay away from specialized tools, those you can almost always pick up from autozone or oreilly's loaner tool program. You pay a 100% refundable deposit to borrow the tool, return it and you get all of your money back so you are not out of pocket anything for using them, never have to deal with storing them, finding them when you need them or warrantying them if they break.

True.

But I just picked up the ball joint press kit from HF for $60. Avoids tying up $200 at the auto parts store. Going to need for at least 2 vehicles.

Bill

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Wobble extensions I never use
Never liked a gearwrench because if I'm using box end it's because I need to break loose and the gears would fail in a ratcheting wrench
I've never had a need for long wrenches or offset. Don't buy until you come across the need for them. Just get a normal set of double box end and double open end. Why buy a cordless impact driver if you have an air one? Do you see a need for really long 90 degrees pliers? I've never even needed long pliers or 90degree ones. What hoses are you cutting that a knife won't work? If knife doesn't then tin snips should. Wait until you need the damages fastener tool set to buy it. Do you have a need for an oil sending unit socket in the near future? Wait until you need specialty wrenches to buy them. Don't buy a flaring tool set until it is needed either. As for tap and die. Go to Lowe's buy Irwin metric and standard thread gauges $4 a piece. Buy taps and dies as you need them. I have atleast 100 and I can tell you every size i've used. 1/4 20. 1/4 28. 5/8 11 or ten I forget. 3/8 24. 4 40. But only two were automotive related uses.
Not criticizing just trying to save you money.


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[Richard Cranium]

Yes, Bill, you have way too many tools on your list. At least wait until you need them before running off spending a bunch of money.

 

[ssdave]

I've done a lot of work over the years, and have most of the tools on your list. A half dozen or so I don't. But, I'd cut at least half of them off your list unless you want to work as a pro or have a lot of years of heavy automotive work ahead of you. Buy then as you need them. or when they're absolutely at give away prices at a garage sale.

But, if it's about getting the tools; here's some more for you list:

Oil Filter Wrench (assortment of strap and cap types)
Chain Wrench
1/4" insert bit ratchet
Universal joint for sockets
Flex sockets
Impact Swivel Sockets
Files
Left Hand Drill Bits
Gasket scraper
LED 12 volt for testing coil on plug, etc. ($3 or so at electronic supply house)
Battery terminal cleaner
CV joint boot band installation tool
Air chucks for pressure testing cylinders
Compression tester
Fuel pressure gauge
Vacuum gauge
Electrical Terminal Kit and Crimper
Wire Stripper
Feeler Gauges/thickness shims
Dial or Electronic caliper
Spark Plug Gap gauge
Stud remover

 

[four.cycle]

^ I would tend to agree that the list is a bit lengthy.
I sent you a PM on the picks.
As for that sending unit socket, you can find them used on Ebay for $5-$8 used in different brands. Yeah, it's an oddball, and there aren't a lot of times you're going to use it, but: if you've ever had to pull an oil sending unit that's down in a damn hole behind the exhaust manifold or alternator bracket, you'll be damn glad you have one. I wouldn't rush on it, though - that one I sent you the link to isn't the best one I've seen but I couldn't find the Thorsen one that was listed a couple weeks back for $3 bucks and change - maybe somebody bought it.
Indestro number was 2738
Thorsen number was 382
and like I said: damn near every old tool company made them, so it shouldn't be hard to find one for cheap.

 

[WittHay]

The tools depend a lot on the age of the vehicles.
For old,old vehicles you need a timing light and a remote starter and brake tools for drum brakes. Front end work you need a tie rod separator.

I read another post in a old thread and it said: More tools you own, more jobs you will try, more jobs you try, more tools you will have to buy. It never ends

 

[bczygan]

I've done a lot of work over the years, and have most of the tools on your list. A half dozen or so I don't. But, I'd cut at least half of them off your list unless you want to work as a pro or have a lot of years of heavy automotive work ahead of you. Buy then as you need them. or when they're absolutely at give away prices at a garage sale.

But, if it's about getting the tools; here's some more for you list:

Oil Filter Wrench (assortment of strap and cap types)
Chain Wrench
1/4" insert bit ratchet
Universal joint for sockets
Flex sockets
Impact Swivel Sockets
Files
Left Hand Drill Bits
Gasket scraper
LED 12 volt for testing coil on plug, etc. ($3 or so at electronic supply house)
Battery terminal cleaner
CV joint boot band installation tool
Air chucks for pressure testing cylinders
Compression tester
Fuel pressure gauge
Vacuum gauge
Electrical Terminal Kit and Crimper
Wire Stripper
Feeler Gauges/thickness shims
Dial or Electronic caliper
Spark Plug Gap gauge
Stud remover

Thank you, added to list. I guess this has become more of a complete list.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

I agree with those who suggest not buying tools until needed.

Just trying to put together a list for when needed.

Bill

 

[ChaseDE]

So I'm going to be doing some front end work, so I just picked up a pitman arm puller and a Ball joint tool set at HF.

Need to add a slide hammer to the list.

Bill

Right, my grandpa was a general mechanic and my dad a retired auto worker so I learned a lot about turning wrenches growing up. I am actually the first male in my family to not work in the auto industry (my mom even works for GM)

When I was about 18 or so my dad got me a 200+ piece craftsman mechanic set, in the blow molded case, nothing fancy, that I still use to this day most of the time because it is my most complete set of metric stuff and the wife and my cars are japanese or german.

With that small kit, some c-clamps, jack, stands, I can do most work on the cars. If I need a pricey special tool I rent it from autozone. I have a $30 bluetooth OBDII reader and an app on my phone for reading codes.

I inherited my grandpas tools which is awesome, a few snap-on chests, etc, ALL standard, almost no metric at all haha, so they are great but not much help although I DO Love the air guns and hammers/chisels/etc he had amassed.

Months ago I was replacing the AC Clutch on a car, needed a few special tools I got as rentals from AutoZone, also needed a decent set of 3 jaw pullers, picked them up from Harbor Freight for like $30 or so? All I need for pullers, work great.

 

[DakotaMan]

One thing I'd add or consider is a pair of tin snips. I use them to cut open plastic packaging. There may be a better product out there for that. I prefer using that over a box knife.

One thing I'd also consider is renting a lot of these tools. Some of them are single purpose that doesn't come up very often and you can rent it from a local auto parts place.

 

[signcrafter]

If you are in Michigan, you'll need flaring tools for brake lines, and disconnect tools, but most of the other tools on the list are "buy as needed". You'll run into other needs, like Torx plus bits for Ford truck bed fasteners, and will never need some of the tools on the list.

I'd advise you to avoid stocking up on Harbor Freight tools. There are higher quality sources out there for specialty tools.

Amazon is your friend.

Right there is the problem of waiting until you need something to buy it. Amazon and other online retailers are your good friend. But if something breaks and you need to fix it right away you have to shop local and take what you can get which at least around me means IF you can find a specialty tool that you need it most likely won't be a quality one and you will end up paying as much as you would for the quality one online. I don't make a habit of shopping at HF but if I am doing a repair and run into a situation that I need a specialty tool usually HF is my only option. Where if I buy a tool here and there I can search out the best quality and best price since I don't need it right away.

I did something like this a few years back and started buying specialty tools that I would eventually need. I was able to take my time and search out used tools or deals on tools online. I bought a lot of quality tools used for a good deal that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to or would have had to settle for the HF version. I do have a few tools that I only used once or probably even a few I've never used. But overall I've never wasted money on tools I bought ahead of the time.

Also you have to take into consideration the aggravation of not having the right tool when you need it. Nothing worse then starting a repair that should be fairly simple and something like a broken bolt turns things sideways. It's nice to have the tools to deal with the unexpected that always seems to happen. Also nice when you have older cars and something breaks on the way home from work and you can pick up a part and fix it that night because you have the right tools. I remember back when I started out buying tools and always running into situations where I couldn't fix my car because I had to stop and find a way to go buy a specialty tool. Or the job would take many hours longer then it should just because I didn't have the right tool and fought the job the whole way to get it done.

So my advice is a little different then the other posters. Make a list and start chipping away at it finding the best quality tool for the best price. And my most used tools are my diagnostic tools. Coolant pressure tester and adapters, fuel pressure tester, DVOM, and other electrical testing tools. And learning how to use them so you can accurately diagnose problems.

 

[bczygan]

Right there is the problem of waiting until you need something to buy it. Amazon and other online retailers are your good friend. But if something breaks and you need to fix it right away you have to shop local and take what you can get which at least around me means IF you can find a specialty tool that you need it most likely won't be a quality one and you will end up paying as much as you would for the quality one online. I don't make a habit of shopping at HF but if I am doing a repair and run into a situation that I need a specialty tool usually HF is my only option. Where if I buy a tool here and there I can search out the best quality and best price since I don't need it right away.

I did something like this a few years back and started buying specialty tools that I would eventually need. I was able to take my time and search out used tools or deals on tools online. I bought a lot of quality tools used for a good deal that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to or would have had to settle for the HF version. I do have a few tools that I only used once or probably even a few I've never used. But overall I've never wasted money on tools I bought ahead of the time.

Also you have to take into consideration the aggravation of not having the right tool when you need it. Nothing worse then starting a repair that should be fairly simple and something like a broken bolt turns things sideways. It's nice to have the tools to deal with the unexpected that always seems to happen. Also nice when you have older cars and something breaks on the way home from work and you can pick up a part and fix it that night because you have the right tools. I remember back when I started out buying tools and always running into situations where I couldn't fix my car because I had to stop and find a way to go buy a specialty tool. Or the job would take many hours longer then it should just because I didn't have the right tool and fought the job the whole way to get it done.

So my advice is a little different then the other posters. Make a list and start chipping away at it finding the best quality tool for the best price. And my most used tools are my diagnostic tools. Coolant pressure tester and adapters, fuel pressure tester, DVOM, and other electrical testing tools. And learning how to use them so you can accurately diagnose problems.

I've run into these problems myself. Drum brakes were a 2 day miserable odyssey because of the wrong tools. And when light is fading or storms coming, and you have to go to the parts store for a tool, it's misery.

And other jobs, where I've had just the right selection of some usual and some oddball tools, made the work a breeze.

So what you suggest is exactly what I'm doing. Some of these, are tools I wish I had during prior jobs, and some anticipate future ones that I know are coming.

Working in the street or driveway is bad enough without also having the wrong tools.

Not going to tear down and rebuild an engine or trans yet, but want to be able to do any of the running gear and some gas and electrical.

Bill

 

[sberry]

There is nothing wrong with getting general stuff, a flare kit is good but a guy can get it off the store shelf if he needs it and I managed with a generic one for a long time, same for bubbles, use it on occasions I need to re use a fitting other wise I buy ready mades and a few couplings.
The HF ball joint press is good, I go for that one, a couple uses and its paid for at your own schedule and is modest. But there is no need in buying sockets for 4wd hubs for trucks you are likely never to own.
Keep some cash in your pocket, Bill is in an area there is no shortage of tools, if he has to stop to go to the store it is better than collecting and sitting on 1000's and still not having the right thing for the car or 2 he does have.
3rd ly, not every part you see has to be replaced, the last wheel bearing job should have been a learning experience. It took be a while to get this concept but I got no problem replacing a brake pad if its the problem or 1 ball joint if that's what it needs, same for steering parts. The car is 20 yrs old, sees modest use, if it needs an end change it and often the cheapest **** will outlast the car.
You already have been in to cars where you did a perfect job to one or 2 items to have it chunk a ******,,,, now the car isn't worth a major repair and headed to the junkyard with a new front end where a simple tie rod or brake pads would have made it to the same point.
There is enough stuff wrong with them you actually need without fussing over which is the "best" at every turn and throwing money at it that will never return.

 

[Adam.C]

Right there is the problem of waiting until you need something to buy it. Amazon and other online retailers are your good friend. But if something breaks and you need to fix it right away you have to shop local and take what you can get which at least around me means IF you can find a specialty tool that you need it most likely won't be a quality one and you will end up paying as much as you would for the quality one online. I don't make a habit of shopping at HF but if I am doing a repair and run into a situation that I need a specialty tool usually HF is my only option. Where if I buy a tool here and there I can search out the best quality and best price since I don't need it right away.

I did something like this a few years back and started buying specialty tools that I would eventually need. I was able to take my time and search out used tools or deals on tools online. I bought a lot of quality tools used for a good deal that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to or would have had to settle for the HF version. I do have a few tools that I only used once or probably even a few I've never used. But overall I've never wasted money on tools I bought ahead of the time.

Also you have to take into consideration the aggravation of not having the right tool when you need it. Nothing worse then starting a repair that should be fairly simple and something like a broken bolt turns things sideways. It's nice to have the tools to deal with the unexpected that always seems to happen. Also nice when you have older cars and something breaks on the way home from work and you can pick up a part and fix it that night because you have the right tools. I remember back when I started out buying tools and always running into situations where I couldn't fix my car because I had to stop and find a way to go buy a specialty tool. Or the job would take many hours longer then it should just because I didn't have the right tool and fought the job the whole way to get it done.

So my advice is a little different then the other posters. Make a list and start chipping away at it finding the best quality tool for the best price. And my most used tools are my diagnostic tools. Coolant pressure tester and adapters, fuel pressure tester, DVOM, and other electrical testing tools. And learning how to use them so you can accurately diagnose problems.

Man, I agree with that. Buy as you need works for some things. But you can find incredible deals on tools sometimes.

I've been searching for a milling machine since I sold my little HF mill years ago. A decent mill is $2000+ in my area, maybe $3-4000 depending on condition. My search paid off. I found a mill for $500 in good condition.

Ditto, was looking for a Snap On KRL. Bought one after over a year of searching for $700. That was the cheapest box (and mill) by over $1000. That's why knowing what tools you need and actively searching is smart. And know that the list is not infinite.

Your list is missing plastic prybars, which I think are absolute necessities. Screwdrivers are not trim tools. And the older the vehicle, the more brittle the trim and harder to source replacements in good shape cost effectively.

I would also argue that you have a lot on the list, but you are missing some silver bullets that are perhaps more important than other items. We could argue about it endlessly, so I won't go further except to say, that list could have a priority superimposed on it. Just a couple examples of what I've calling silver bullet tools:

Stubby torx bit sockets
swivel sockets
swivel torx
ball end allens
wobble extensions
long DBE wrenches - 0 and 15 degree off sets
Snap On SHLF80A ratchet
in general, tools that help you reach in areas so you don't have to remove stuff for access.

Here is my very basic list:

 

[sberry]

I've run into these problems myself. Drum brakes were a 2 day miserable odyssey because of the wrong tools

Yes, should have stopped somewhere before 2 days and went to get a tool.

And when light is fading or storms coming, and you have to go to the parts store for a tool, it's misery.

How often this really happened? Just like most compulsive types, threw one rubber band away a decade ago and then collect a box ever since, never use one again.

 

[bczygan]

This is a good thread. Sberry, Signcrafter and Adam.C are all right.

Not everything on the list is something I need. Like the 4WD spindle nut sockets or the cordless impact.

I need to find a balance.

One funny thing, is while my wife sometimes gripes about more tools, she is now pushing me to do more work on the vehicles. She even wants me to do rear end and trans work now, to save and keep her favorite vehicles.

So keep the suggestions coming. Like the plastic pry tools (I already have).

Bill

 

[bczygan]

And let me make a nod to sberry's advice.

It becomes clear to me that vehicles have a life. And unless you are doing a "project" vehicle, at some point it becomes unreasonable and economically unviable to keep repairing them. I have had the situation where I just finished brakes and tires all around on a vehicle for the trans to go and time to scrap it.

Bill

 

[sberry]

I am not sure about the used car market where you live but bet its vast. I have a couple cousins live there, they got some nice stuff. One just bought a like new Hobart 140 with bottle, wire, the whole deal for 150$. Same for a couple snowmobiles, fix nothing more than a couple brackets on them.
One looks for stuff better than the one he has and sells the old. While it may be your wife's favorite car today she would likely be as impressed by a nicer one without the need to go to the work and mess of major work, very expensive and complicated especially on the side of the street.
I can do this work,,, and don't unless I need to, again, no point in putting work in to an engine worth more than the rest of the car and as you mention, exercise in endless frustration and I don't look for chances to do this work or dream up scenarios where it seems romantic,,, it isnt.
Look back at the experience with air compressors, so much easier to get one going that needed little or no work vs sourcing expensive parts and never finishing, this will be the case with major rebuilds. I scrapped a Cadillac a while back, no way I am going to reman a queer engine at 5K and shove in a car with a weeks R&R for a professional where I could buy another one running with a better interior for 1500$.