Overhaulin'

What Tools do I need to restore a classic car?

I am looking to buy a 1960s mustang for my first car but before i can do that i need to figure out what tools i need to fix it on my own. i dont really have any experiance with fixincg cars and i dont really know anyone who does either. i plan on learning as i go and using the mechanic occasionally. i have vere little money but i want to know what tools i would need to make my mustang a daily driver. because the mustang i buy will definantly be under $3000 and probably less i am expecting it to be in need of restoration. if you could help me with these questions that would be great. What tools do i need to restore a classic mustang and how much do they cost? is there a mechanics set i could buy that has all of the parts i need? once i have the tools how will i know what to do and how to fix the car, is there some sort of ultimate classic mustang fixing guide?

Public Comments

1. Unfortunately, it really depends on the extent of restoration. FOr a car that old, and to restore it....expect to be spending close to around 20,000$ by the time you're done. Plus or minus a little. And that's just to bring it back to "like new". Typical tools, good set of wrenches, screwdrivers, all the basic things. Get a few power tools, an air wrench would help. Sander, etc. Beyond that, might need a sand blaster. Depends on how much of the restoration you intend to do yourself. You could easily lose 10,000+ in tools, and not get everything you need. There's lots of guides on how to restore a car, or rebuild a mustang. Try Amazon.com, for "car restoration".
2. Just start with the basics. Socket kits (SAE), wrenches, screwdrivers and such. You'll find as you go that there's special tools you need. You'll never know what all you'll need but if you keep the car several years the amount of tools you'll end up with will amaze you.
3. what year exactly are you talking about//do you have the car in sight??just by having some experience in this i would say a starter kit would include about 25 to 30k in tools and equipment plus garage devoted to this restoration/will need body shop equipment/torches/sanders grinders pullers etc/plus full set of mechanics hand tools and floor jacks and jack stands etc/need exprtise in body/mechanical/parts procurement/painting/and upholstering and glass work to say nothing of compressor/
4. you need many tools ! like a ratchet, sockets, screwdrivers, a hammer, wrenches and if your going to do head work you need a torque wrench and a breaker bar.
5. To start with, the most important thing you can do right now is lots of research. Research cars in your price range. Research the common problems with these cars(where they rust, how much$ are replacement parts, ARE there replacement parts available for this vehicle, what are common weak-points on these vehicles). Once you think you have found a vehicle you are ready to tackle, find internet car forums that support this platform and join them so you will have a community of people who have been there before. This will provide you with SOME technical assistance, but most of it will be getting the experience first hand. Restoration is a very expensive and time consuming process, even for the professionals. Most antique/classic cars can be worked on with basic hand tools(sockets,screw drivers, wrenches, etc) and most American classics use all standard sizes for their nuts/bolts/etc. Knowing what you will need to do to a vehicle will require having a vehicle in mind first. Once you have a platform with which to base you work load, you can start to assess the worthiness of that vehicle. There is no "guide" to this sort of thing. It varies far too much, vehicle to vehicle, restoration to restoration to have a set "guide" as to what to in your situation. The best advice I can give you is to read/study. Read everything you can about the maintenance and repair of classic model vehicles. Study the techniques to proper maintenance and study the different models and the quirks they bring with them. This will keep you from diving headfirst into an ocean with which you can not swim. Good luck
6. You going to need tools for sure.. you can buy new or used or you can see if Grandpa may have a set of tools you can use or have. Typical stuff is wrenches, sockets and screw drivers all standard. Other things to consider is brake tools, floor jack and jack stands. Depending on the level of restoration, your budget and how you plan your project will all be factors on when and what tools you will need to perform the task. You can find information and get a look into the restoration process and planning at averagejoeresto.com