Tech Tips

Tools

Workshop

Paint and Spraying

General Tips

Tools
I found that with tools, buying cheap does not work. You will need a good set of sockets from an eight to about a 22, a 30 and a 32. A good set of wrenches (spanners) - maybe a good idea to get the ones that has the ring on the one side and the open end on the other. From 8 - 22, 30 and 32 will do (I got the Gedores, and they're just fine). A good vice-grip, a few flat-end and phillips (star) screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, a hack saw, a hammer and a mallet type (1.8kg or heavier) hammer - you can go on and on about tools, and you normally find that you need a specific tool 5 minutes after the shop has closed on a weekend.

I have (made) friends with Jeep guys - you find they normally have the tools you need - I don't borrow tools, rather take your axle, diff, whatever to them to help you take a nut off, or remove a hub. No-one takes kindly to lending (expensive) tools out and not getting it back.

You might want to install a bench type vice - it's very handy. I use a lot of heavy wooden blocks - it comes in handy anywhere from having a place to put the chassis on, to using it to hammer stuff on, or resting things on it when drilling.

Talking about drilling - a 500 Watt or more drill, with decent drill bits. Nothing as irritating as trying to drill a hole through 5mm steel with a blunt drill. An angle grinder is handy, but I hire mine from the tool shop. The angle grinders and welders (I'll have to get my own sometime, but they're pricey) I hire from Coastal Tool Hire in Kya Sand - they have branches country wide. If you hire it on a Saturday, you have to have it back by Monday morning, and they only charge you for a day.

I also have wire brushes and strippers for the drill - beats doing it by hand. I use it to wire brush all the metal parts before I spray paint them. You get a thing that looks like brillo pad, but harder - fits on the front of the drill, and strips anything, but leaves your metal intact.

A chain hoist for lifting stuff (the engine) - make sure your roof beams are strong enough, otherwise get a tripod thingie. You chassis and body tub can be lifted and moved by one person, but the engine cannot.

Workshop
I can't see anyone doing this type of thing in a smaller than double garage. You'll need lots of space in a well-lit, well ventilated place. I know you're thinking "What am I supposed to do now - build a double garage?" What I'm saying is that you'll need at least that much - if you don't have it, make sure you have place to store the stuff you're not working on at the moment. Make sure you leave the doors and windows open when you're working - make your environment comfortable for yourself, you'll enjoy working so much more. Put a radio in to listen to.

Keep your working area clean (well, relatively clean) - keep a garbage bag open in the corner somewhere to throw stuff into. Try and sweep the place every now and again.

Paint and Spraying
I bought a 24 liter 1.5 hp compressor - against the advice of many seasoned spray-painters. It works just fine for the type of spray painting I wan to do. I've sprayed the chassis and the diffs and axles, and it looks great. I also sprayed my boat (to practice!) and it looks great. It will be interesting to see what it does with the high gloss stuff, but so far I haven't found anything it can't do. It's also very handy for air-cleaning stuff, and for using turps or bensine to spray clean oily stuff. First spray the turps or bensine on, then wipe off the grimy parts, and spray again, then wipe clean. Works like a charm... You can even pump your car tires with it.

General Tips
I think I'll leave this section open and add tips as I experience them, or as you send them to me. The most important one is off course safety - I'm not going to preach, but please be careful, especially with power tools. Wear goggles - God gave you one pair of eyes only; the discomfort of wearing goggles beats the discomfort of not being able to see. Beware of loose clothing (shoe laces) and power tools.