clubstylus

Hi all,

As you noticed (or not) I started working on the engine and got stuck already, just because I'm missing the proper tools (huge Torx and deep sockets)

Now I'm about to buy a tool set containing what I need at the moment, but can imagine that I'll run into the same problem afterwards.

So my question is what tools are really needed to build the stylus.

What I already got is a standard metric/imperial 3/8" ratchet/socket set, a metrinch(fits bot metric and imperial) and a regular metric spanner set, a torquewrench 20-210Nm and all the obvious small stuff.

Things I can think of are air impact wrench? some huge (1/2") sockets? Imperial (deep)socket set?

Also about equipment, currently I have a engine crane, engine stand is coming in together with axle stands (4).
Don't have a descent trolley jack yet though.

Any other equipment needed?

a descent drill and lots of drill bits. don't buy cheap drill bits as they just go blunt or break. safety glasses are god if you want to keep using your eyes, also i found that rivnuts are awesome. buy a cheap rivnut gun if you think you will only use it for this car or spend a bit more if you will use it again. basically, these tools fix a threaded insert into a hole. like a captive nut really. you just drill a hole the right size then pop the rivnut gun with the rivnut into the hole, squeeze it and there you have it, a threaded insert. great for fixing panels that will be regularly removed etc.

depending what engine you have and how far in depth you want to go with stripping it (if at all) you may need an angle gauge. some torque loadings have a torque seting plus an extra angular 'tweak'. you can guess or use a protractor but if you want to do it properly?

a set of file's would be handy too for filing edges of panels to fit etc. also a hacksaw and an assortment of different blades (coarse and fine pitch) for cutting certain things.

you can be posh and get some ratchet ring spanners. they do save a lot of time and effort sometimes in small places but can be quite expensive so beware. you preferably want them to have fine teeth on their ratchet as in small places they will still work with only a tiny bit of movement. also an adjustable angle head if you can stretch to that much.

decent screwdrivers are a must. cheap ones will just chew up the screw heads or the ends of the driver will chew up.

allen key's are good as well if you intend to use allen bolts for anything. often they look better than screws and bolts and the radius of the heads are enough to pass SVA. Try to get alen keys with one end shaped like it has a hexagonal ball on the end. this means you can use the tool at an angle to the bolt. sometimes this is handy as you may not always be able to get right on top of the head to turn it.

going away from the subject of tools, i would also find a cheap supplier of nuts, bolts and other fasteners near you. sometimes you may find you just need one or two bolts of a certain size and to order them may cost you a fortune in postage. try to work out what you need in advance and order it all together. may sound silly and i'm sorry if i'm teaching you to suck eggs, but it could save you a small fortune by the end of your build. i know i have wasted a lot on postage ofer the last 2 years.

hope this has been some help.

if you need any more info on where to get stuff or what else you may need, i'm happy to help.

cheers

Alec

All good stuff from Alec..

The other stuff you may need is a good supply of aluminium flat/angle/tube of various sizes to make brackets & supports from.
For the wiring you'll need plenty of crimp connectors, joiners, sleeving, etc. Plus the required crimp tools.
You'll need bits of wire in various colours, from heavy stuff for battery/alternator/earth to thinner stuff for the other bits.

For the GRP stuff... An unlimited supply of neoprene gloves & cheap paintbrushes !

Power tool wise...

A decent mains drill, battery drill for the difficult to get at bits, jigsaw & blades for bodywork (slowly!!! , measure twice, cut once ), an orbital sander, & if you've got access, a pillar drill, mill & lathe come in handy for spacers, mounts, etc.

Cheers

Matt