Tool or Accessory for Car Guy

[bower4311]

I have a really good neighbor as I'm in college. He teaches the BOCES program for auto repair at the local school. He done a TON of work on my truck for just parts and he's helped me out countless times. I'm looking for something that he may not have to get him as a gift. I know how forums work and one guys finds something that works real well then everyone seems to pick up on them. He probably has most everything he could need but is there some newer tool or accessory that he might use? He's fixing cars all the time for friends and his own projects. I know that headlamps are getting a little more popular with mechanics but still aren't the most useful. Just something like that, something that is tried and trued that he will use and that will be helpful, but something he probably doesn't have. I can always ask him too, I don't care.

This might be an impossible task but I figure there has to be something out there that someone has discovered that goes very under the radar that he may actually use.

Thanks!

 

[lisiecki1]

You came to the right place.

If you could let us know what kind of money you're looking to spend we could give you some better ideas than just throwing out random items.....

 

[bower4311]

Beautiful. I'm part of a chainsaw forum and if someone ever posted this same question there would be a million ideas. $50-100 I would say. For example something non tool related that popped into my head. Being a young college kid I can access any song ever recorded. He probably has a million old songs that he wants to hear again that don't get played on the radio. I could burn him CDs or buy a cheap MP3 player to hook up to his sound system in his garage.

I'll probably do that anyway but that's the type of thing I'm looking for. Something he wouldn't know about or be able to get his hands on, that I can use the internet to order or find.

 

[bower4311]

Also, he has a new Dodge Power Wagon that he doesn't really drive. Basically keeping it in new condition forever haha. He's always working on that and painting any raw metal and whatnot. Maybe something related to that. He says the Power Wagon is sentimental to him because his relatives all drove them for the electric company they work for. Just brainstorming.

 

[48RON54]

Beer

 

[bower4311]

Beer

He fixed a girl I know's car yesterday and she's bringing him beer today. I'd like to be a little more creative.

 

[lisiecki1]

In that case, what about a real nice model of a dodge power wagon that he can display?

 

[badss98]

Go to a local print shop that make vinyl banners and get the biggest banner you can within the price you can afford and have them put DODGE POWERWAGON on the banner. We all like stuff we can hang in our garages

 

[larry_g]

Consider giving him some consumables. If your in his shop take a gander at what he uses for oil, penetrates, towels, and other cleaning supplies and replace some of them. Ask what brands of stuff he would recommend for you to use and that would likely be a good choice to give to him. I find that consumable are the most expensive part of working for free on other peoples (my childrens) rigs.

Does he have a good broom and dustpan? Do you step up and clean the shop after he works on your rig or do you just zoom off with a thank you thrown over your shoulder?
lg
no neat sig line

 

[d.mcfarland]

How about tickets to a local comedy show or something way out of the ordinary? I know you said car or garage related, but sometimes the best thing is to forget about that stuff and enjoy life.

 

[BajaBound]

You have PM

 

[brit road garage]

How about tickets to a local comedy show or something way out of the ordinary? I know you said car or garage related, but sometimes the best thing is to forget about that stuff and enjoy life.

this man speaks the truth

 

[Trey T]

Everybody needs a good portable work light and an M12 Stick Light (handheld, hang, or mount) would be an awesome gift. You can piece together the light + battery/charger for about $150.

the M12 Stick Light w/ the 1/4"-20 female thread is awesome feature!!! There are just hundreds of way to mounting it

 

[bower4311]

Wow good start to this thread.

Model Wagon or banner is a great idea

When I say he has done a ton of work for me, I mean his students at class. I have never had a vehicle in his personal garage at his house. I want something more than consumables even though that's a good idea too.

I'm about as far north as you can get in New York. No entertainment up here but a gift card for dinner has crossed my mind.

The light is a little expensive but a good idea. Actually, he already has one now that I think about it. He used it yesterday haha.

 

[Lost Road]

One of these can be handy: http://m.summitracing.com/parts/mor-89570

Even if he has one in his box, a spare for the car or truck can be really handy, especially if he ever has to air down for off roading. If you search through summit, they have gauges that go up to 150lbs.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Guys who work professionally with tools like your teacher are picky about tools. I would do the music, $100 HF gift card, and snap on T Shirt. If he is a tool snob do $150 gift cert from snap on with the music and no t shirt. It's so hard to buy tools for someone. I think $150 is a solid number because he has spent more than that on his labor helping you. Plus he will probably keep doing it in the future. He could have said he couldn't fit you in and sent you on your way to Firestone hehehehehe....

 

[Trey T]

M12 Stick Light

 

[bower4311]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll do some more brainstorming. Then let everyone know what my choice is.


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[toomanytoyzz]

You could also go the custom route if you have the means. For example, find a quality US made vise for $80 or so and tear it down, get it to bare metal, repaint it and put a few coats of paint on it. He will always remember who gave him that vise.

 

[bob from indiana]

A high quality flashlight or a good pocket knife is always a good gift.

 

[Farmall450]

Guys who work professionally with tools like your teacher are picky about tools. I would do the music, $100 HF gift card, and snap on T Shirt. If he is a tool snob do $150 gift cert from snap on with the music and no t shirt. It's so hard to buy tools for someone. I think $150 is a solid number because he has spent more than that on his labor helping you. Plus he will probably keep doing it in the future. He could have said he couldn't fit you in and sent you on your way to Firestone hehehehehe....

Agreed, gift cards don't have the same "touch" but unless one of us happens to know him there's a good chance we'll recommend something he already has.

Maybe a H. J. Epsteins gift card?