Hi all,

I just bought my dream car, a Camaro 1979 350 auto, 5 days ago. I live in Europe and the car has been in Texas until 2010 and it's completely restored, in immaculate conditions.

One thing I'd love to have your feedback on, is about what tools you use mostly to mantain you car and basic repairs.

I am not a mechanic, but I learn things quickly once I put hands on - I just don't have the tools and I am wondering which ones to get - and which ones always to bring with me.

This is my first car and I looking forward to many years of exciting road trips with it. I don't really vare about tuning (maybe some improvements on mpg, but it's already 24mpg now so I'm pretty happy with it), but I do care in keeping it in a perfect state

Thanks for your answers and your feedback. From what I read so far, this forum is absolutely fantastic.

 

Get your self a quality mechanics socket set with all 3 ratchets like craftsman they have a lifetime warranty that's about all you need for simple maintanace... Ohh and a hydraulic jack and some stands

 

Welcome to the forum!
A set of sockets in 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" drive, (plus extensions) good screwdriver set, a few hand tools like side cutters, pliers, vise grips, channel locks. That should do just about do any repair you might want, and any maintenance needed.
I have all my most basic tools in one tote tray I built, so I carry it to my cars and rarely have to go to the roll around tool box for special tools.

 

umm.. Wrenches?
you need a good set of wrenches as well as the sockets.

 

Yep, wrenches too! Forgot those. I love my Gearwrenches with racheting box flex ends!

 

Thanks guys, your help is invaluable. Unfortunately I can't find easily Craftsman tools over here... I hope I will be able to stumble upon some reliable toolset.

So are all these tools also enough for things like changing / checking spark plugs and all basic maintenance-manual driven jobs?

Thanks!

 

Yes, they should allow you to do almost anything. Lots of other brands that are good, so don't worry if you can't find Craftsman. Just be sure you find a brand that has a good long guarantee.

 

Thanks a lot mate!

 

If the tool feels cheap in your hand. Its probably gonna break. I don't know how to describe it but when I grab a cheap wrench or what ever I can feel the difference.

 

you can really feel the difference when the gears in the ratchet go and you smash your fist into something hard