Newbie needs advice - Tools for Vette

[Revfan]

Hey Guys
I recently fufilled a dream and bought a vintage car... 1967 Corvette Convertible.
I work for the military overseas, so I had it shipped over and here it is in my barn.

I am a neophyte mechanic... never really done much... until this car. It got here in September and I have already been wrenching away on her.

I basically have the kind of tool set that somebody that only uses tools a couple of time a year would have, so I am looking to build a quality set of tools to help me work on this car.

I'd love some suggestions...

The military base has a USPS on site, so getting tools from the states isn't difficult, but I also have access to weekly German flea markets too.

Where should I start in my tool collection?

Cheers, and thanks in advance!

 

[MrMark]

In your case, you should be scouring the German flea markets for everything cool you can find. Those cars really only need basic hand tools. There is not much to them. I wouldn't even be considering getting any tools from here, you can do that anytime. The only problem you will have obviously is that the German stuff will be almost entirely metric and that car is all SAE. So, just get your Craftsman type basics sockets and wrenches for that car and stock up on everything else in German stuff.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Those have 6 u-joints, so maybe think about getting a u-joint press at sometime.

 

[arms1970]

Nice score is all i can say. Now time for a snap on corvette box

 

[zkling]

First off, beautiful car.

I would try to look for some quality tools over there (Germany I assume). Especially screwdrivers and pliers. As others brought up you may need to import some SAE stuff.

As for a box, I think a 60's snap on KRA-59A would look awesome in the same blue as the car. The chrome emblem is similar to the corvette emblem and the chrome drawer trim really sets it off. Plus it would be period correct.

A 6pt socket set, 12pt combo wrench set and some screwdrivers would probably get you on the right path for most stuff.

 

[wmartin]

lol. Here's a crazy idea.

I think if I had it to do from scratch, and had a 1960's Chevrolet product, I'd buy high end individual tools as I needed them.

You could probably buy a small cantilever box or one of those Snap on KRA65 things, and not even fill it. I'll bet if you bought complete wrench or socket sets, most of them would never get used. Instead, you could have variants (long,medium,short,wobble) of the sizes you do need.

 

[kd3pc]

I would get the shop manuals (GM real ones, if you can) the whole series. I did for one of my 65's back in the 70's and still use it as a reference.

IF your car is an air conditioned car, and original, scope out how to change the battery without having to crack the AC and set things aside. Similarly someone mentioned the ujoints, they are decent, but checking the hardware that attaches the half shafts needs to be grade eight or better and I switched to hex heads and filled the heads with RTV, rather than try and get a socket or wrench on the flange bolts.

If you need brake work, spring for the SS gear once, and you should be good to go.

That about covers the real tough things, everything else is pretty straight wrench work.

Enjoy your car, and truly a big thank you for your service. One of the best cars made, ever.

 

[BK13]

+1 on picking up German stuff. I'd be buying Hazet like crazy if I were over there. And I know that Hazet does make a lot of SAE stuff... They call it "Classic" or "Classic Motorcar" or something similar, IIRC.

 

[BK13]

Oh yeah, sweet ride, too. That's about my favorite year of 'vette, though I'll probably never be able to drive one... 6'6" tall guys don't fit in sport cars very well...

 

[doodah man]

I got a 72 Chevy truck a few years ago. The tool requirements are probably not too different from your Vette. I already had a pretty complete set of craftsman sockets and combo wrenches, basic set of pliers & cutters, screwdrivers, and hammers.

Here's a list of things that I bought afterward that I used:

- decent timing light

- dwell meter (I borrowed one before I swapped to HEI ignition, but if you're keeping the points dizzy, you will need one)

- decent digital multimeter (there's been some recent threads on here for automotive DMM, but a basic one will do)

- set of stubby wrenches

- set of ratcheting wrenches

- wobble extensions for your 1/4 and 3/8 sockets

- additional extensions and a spinner for 1/4 sockets (I use the spinners all the time. every time I see one at the flea or junk shop I grab it)

- jack and jack stands

- some klein canvas zipper bags to hold a small kit of tools I keep under the seat

- a few long reach screwdrivers

- some hemostats and tweezers

- like kd3pc mentioned, the original service manuals are great. I also bought the haynes manual.

- most important last: paid membership to 67-72ChevyTrucks Forum. The knowledge of other truck owners on that forum has been indispensable. I'm sure there's an equivalent site for vettes.

That stuff should get you through most of mechanical and electrical stuff. Body work and big engine/drive train jobs I haven't had to deal with.

Enjoy the vette and all the thumbs up you'll be getting in your future.

 

[Revfan]

Hey Guys!
Thanks for the great info... definitely a lot to think about... and very helpful.

Since I already go to local flea markets, I'll just start scouring for cool tools while I am there. I just need to familiarize myself with some of the quality German brands.

I do have the Assembly and repair manuals for the 67, and they have been a tremendous help.

Here is a pic of me and my little dude a few weeks ago (when it was still "fall" here!)

Keep the advice coming, if you can think of anything... its greatly appreciated!

 

[Lexus]

It would be easier to get your hands on Hazet tools while you are there! They are not cheap in the states so get them now while you can! Dont forget about the other brands too!

 

[Monte]

get something like this and then start from there...
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Hazet-Assist...erker_Werkstattausrüstung&hash=item20db34ec58

Hazet, Gedore, Dowidat, Belzer, Knipex, NWS, Felo, Wiha, Wera, Witte, Stahlwille, VBW, Elora, Matador, WGB, Saltus ..are common brands in germany and should be available at most flea markets. SAE will be a problem though so i would visit your local tool wholesaler.

 

[BFHtime]

I noticed there is no DOD sticker. You should checkout MWR or check with motor T guys, to see what tools are available for your use. Often times there will be bays with lifts and tools, from MWR. Also there are usually other automotive enthiusiasts that would be happy to lend you a hand. Motor T is accountable for every tool so those could be harder to get, but you could always ask a friend.

Good luck.

 

[oldldh]

It's obvious, really...

Fiberglass car....Fiberglass tools...

A good 3/8 Drive socket set + Combination wrenches + Good set of screwdrivers...

Just that will give a good start...

I maintained a 72 R/T Charger in Spain with just the tools listed...and a 86 C-10 Chevy pickup in Belgium and England...and a 79 Z-28 in England...

Utilizing the Base Auto Hobby Shop for the things I didn't have...

Good luck with your Vette...

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hey Guys
I recently fufilled a dream and bought a vintage car... 1967 Corvette Convertible.
I work for the military overseas, so I had it shipped over and here it is in my barn.

I am a neophyte mechanic... never really done much... until this car. It got here in September and I have already been wrenching away on her.

I basically have the kind of tool set that somebody that only uses tools a couple of time a year would have, so I am looking to build a quality set of tools to help me work on this car.

I'd love some suggestions...

The military base has a USPS on site, so getting tools from the states isn't difficult, but I also have access to weekly German flea markets too.

Where should I start in my tool collection?

Cheers, and thanks in advance!

Depends. Since your car will be mostly sae you might have more a variety getting them from overseas than locally (though I'm sure you'll have access to sae equipment from german or other european manufacturers).

If you plan on doing repairs (versus maintenance), as in actually driving the car, you should get decent quality tools (not depending on the condition of the fasteners on the vehicle). People seem to like FACOM from the european manufacturers and it's probably more readily available than (most) traditionally american brands in europe. Don't go full bore off the bat, get a simple mechanics set and see if you're going to want to do it before going all in. Don't really use ratchets and sockets (that much) outside of automotive applications. If you have amazon and want an american brand I would recommend sk stuff. Real nice stuff for the money but you should stick with something that you can warranty if necessary (not sure what the facom warranty is probably the same as stanley).

Stanley professional lines are actually okay quality wise in my opinion. Many people use the proto industrial line on here without issues. The lower tier chinese stuff (even if it says professional on the package)...not going to butter your bread though.

 

[Revfan]

Thanks guys!
I have a basic home use set of Craftsmen sockets and ratchets... and an unknonw 3/8 ratchet that I have been using.

I noticed there is no DOD sticker. You should checkout MWR or check with motor T guys, to see what tools are available for your use. Often times there will be bays with lifts and tools, from MWR. Also there are usually other automotive enthusiasts that would be happy to lend you a hand. Motor

100% Correct. The Base has a Auto Hobby shop with lifts and tools for us to rent. I have already done this when I needed to replace the parking brake and some steering knuckle bolts.

So when I need to do some serious work, I can take it in there.

I'd still like to build a quality set of tools for things that don't warrant driving it to base and in the winter months as it will be off the road from Nov-April due to weather.

 

[shoggoth80]

That is a seriously NICE Corvette!
I can't do much else aside from parrot what the other guys have said already. Where are you stationed?

 

[Revfan]

Stork Barracks... its near Ansbach.
Small Heli base
(I am not a soldier though... School teacher (wife) for the department of defense. aka DODDS)

 

[sdguy55]

We can't answer any more questions until we have more pics

 

[GTO]

Nice ride,if your in the market for tools,look for new or slightly used SO Dual 80 ratchets.They're worth every penny.
Good luck with the Corvette.

 

[Revfan]

Ok... here is one

My dad is 86.... and worked as a bank loan officer in the 60s. He made a lot of loans for folks to buy vettes back in the day. Always wanted one for himself... but with a young family and all, never got one.

So I bought the car, and had it shipped to my folks house so that when I was back in the states last summer, I could ship it out to Germany (our duty station). The car arrived a day before I did.

First ride went to him... check out that smile!