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I finally have a project truck within my reach, its a 77' F100 Custom 302 V8 (pic included), but I barely know my brown eye from a hole in the ground. I can do basics like change oil and other stuff like alternators, starters, new door windows, etc. This truck is how I intend on learning more but I have no idea as far as tools go what I should be getting. Do I need a compression test kit? What about specialty tools? A welder? Tube cutter? I would say what I have is pretty basic and I would like suggestions so I can be ready when it's needed. As far as what I want to do? I don't want a hot rod but I would like to do some restoration, cleaning, and getting her in the best running condition I reasonably can. I don't want to "modernize" electronically, but I can see a lift kit and or some off-road lights or something in the future but that's about it.
l would start with a nice set of combination wrenches and sockets. SAE not metric. You'll need some extensions, a spark plug socket, spark plug gap tool and a good torque wrench.
An assortment of screw drivers and pliers will always help, and a few brake tools for the rear drum brakes. l also like to have a vice and grinder on my work bench.
Automotive specialty tools include a timing light, dwell tachometer, compression tester, vacuum gauge and air/fuel ratio gauge for carburetor tuning.
Basic hand tools like a hacksaw, gasket scraper (putty knife will work) are important. Maybe a jack and jack stands (or wood blocks?)
Portable power tools like a drill motor (electric or cordless) are handy. You'll need a grease gun & oil filter wrench for sure.
You won't need a scan tool, but the most valuable tool is a 1977 Ford Service Manual. Mine is 5 Volumes.
Haynes or Chiltons are also good options if the factory shop manual is not readily available.
A modest supply of lubricants and solvents will make most jobs easier.
Gloves, safety glasses, a clean organized work space.
These are great vehicles to wrench on.
BTW, yours is a real beauty.
Welcome to FTE
Next get some manual's to work on the truck and help learn to ID parts, intro paperback versions from Chilton and Haynes are ok for basic stuff and cheap enough. Next get yourself a set of OEM manuals on CD or paper. CD is nice and alot of places offer them. But only nice until you are all greasy handed and need to scroll pages on your laptop.
As far as tools if you are already doing basic maint like you have been, then stick with that. A couple doubles are nice, like the standard 1/2 and 9/16 open/box end wrenches. Quality ratchet style one's give you a 2fer tool. Regular wrench on one end and ratchet on the other, no need to change tools once it is broke loose. If you get to where you need a specialty tool I'd only purchase them off the fact on how many times you are going to need it, versus would it be better to rent it. Most auto parts stores have a tool loaner or rental program. Good to use for torque wrenches also.
Back to getting to know FTE Ford truck folks in your area can work out to where you can maybe borrow it versus buy it or rent it. Big things like welders are only needed to buy if you are going to get your moneys worth from it. Like if you are going to get into a lot of body work. Plus it takes a bigger HD welder to weld on the frame.
Just so you know when you get a new alternator depending on how you buy it, you need a special alternator pulley puller. But really just how often you you have to change a alternator. So that is a rentable tool IMO. A brake flare tool is nice, a multimeter and some electrical working tools like a circuit tester, wire stripper, crimper and soldering set. Soldering beat criming for a better connection.
A 6" to 8" clamp for pressing the caliper piston back inside the caliper when you do front brakes. As far as a ball joint/kingpin press set. $$ tool kit, so back to rentable tool, same for a compression tester. A air compressor is a nice thing to have for alot or reasons. And some quality rechargeable LED magnetized work lights are always nice. I have gotten some good use from a couple of these, like one of each version.
What @Light Blue Oval said is good. Probably more than you need for starting. I'd say the basic hand tool assortment (sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers, torque wrench, breaker bar). You would probably be fine buying any normal "### piece mechanics toolkit" and then adding the torque wrench and breaker bar. I also really like the option of using my small cordless impact gun for speed, but it's totally unecessary. Then timing light, vacuum guage, multimeter, and for any car, jack, jackstands, oil drain pan, oil filter wrench. Then buy or make things as you discover the need for them, like steering wheel pullers, snapring pliers, picks and prying tools, battery charger.
I'd start with a complete set of the Ford truck shop manuals for 1977. It will be 5 volumes in 4 books. They may also be available on CD. Look on eBay. Read and understand them. They will guide you to what tools are needed for the different tasks. If you try to buy all the possible tools for all tasks at once it will be expensive. You may be able to buy some of the tools on the used market. Tackle one task at a time.
Yup, Rich & cwegga, you guys both got me on the multi-meter, even though I just bought one recently.
My construction background favors (120 volt) household alternating current. Automotive (12 volt) direct current is still a bit of a mystery to me.
l've fried more than my share of circuit testers poking around while searching for loose grounds, shorts, etc. l do have wire cutters, crimpers, soldering iron.
My air compressor also gets a lot of use. lt's just a small pancake tank, but suits most of my needs.
LOL l only have 6 or 7 Battery Tenders. l may need to pick up another one next time they're on sale.
lron pipes make great cheater bars. Small, medium and large pipes for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" breaker bars.
Good quality mechanics tools are an expensive investment. A small hand-held engraving tool is unfortunately another prudent consideration.
Bloody Beard, this is a great thread. Please be sure to post more pix of the truck, the tools in use, and the results of all your improvements.
LBO I thought I was the 1st poster when I was writing my input. Then when I hit Post Quick Reply I seen that you was also input. It's all good, as long as we all get the OP going down the right road. Us a posters can not have all the answers, collectively we are a very strong group, that is what I like about FTE. Keep the indeas rolling and Bloody Beard can have a large list to go over.
I wouldn't buy any specialty tools until you need them. being prepared is great but there's no way to know everything you're going to need until you need it.
I would spend more time thinking about what quality of tool you want than what tool you want. almost anything you need can be found at Harbor Freight and cheap. and for lots of things what they sell is good enough as much as I hate to admit it. but over 45 years of wrenching I have assembled nearly a full set of wrenches and sockets made up of Snap-on , Matco and Mac. I would have saved a lot of money had I just bought them to begin with.
My advice is if you're serious buy once cry once. buy top quality basic tools and then buy the rest as you need them based on your budget and what's realistic. harbor freight is good enough most of the time.
I wouldn't buy any specialty tools until you need them. being prepared is great but there's no way to know everything you're going to need until you need it.
I would spend more time thinking about what quality of tool you want than what tool you want. almost anything you need can be found at Harbor Freight and cheap. and for lots of things what they sell is good enough as much as I hate to admit it. but over 45 years of wrenching I have assembled nearly a full set of wrenches and sockets made up of Snap-on , Matco and Mac. I would have saved a lot of money had I just bought them to begin with.
My advice is if you're serious buy once cry once. buy top quality basic tools and then buy the rest as you need them based on your budget and what's realistic. harbor freight is good enough most of the time.
Agree with not buying tools until needed. Also agree with buy once cry once.
as for harbor freight tools.. One example is their fuel/vacuum gauge.
I bought one and it lasted all of 1 time. Used very gently, put away in the case and up away in a safe spot until needed again.
I just went to pull it out to do a test and it's broke. How the heck does it break in a case in an area where I keep specialty tools that rarely get used? idk
On other hand I used their steering wheel puller and it worked just fine but who knows next time I need to use it..
In the long run buying a quality tool is better and cheaper. Doesn't need to be snap on, they are sickly overpriced.
HF impact sockets are ok, but not a complete set, for whatever reason they leave out a size, can't think what that size is off hand but I know I didn't pay attention when I bought it
and when I went to use them was quite frustrated that size was missing.
What they said. Get the basic tools, but don't dive into the deep end on day one. There will be lots of specialty tools you'll need eventually, but I advise waiting until you need them so that you get the right thing. And when you get to a point where you need a specific tool, have the patience and discipline to pause until you actually have those tools on hand.
Agree with not buying tools until needed. Also agree with buy once cry once.
as for harbor freight tools.. One example is their fuel/vacuum gauge.
I bought one and it lasted all of 1 time. Used very gently, put away in the case and up away in a safe spot until needed again.
I just went to pull it out to do a test and it's broke. How the heck does it break in a case in an area where I keep specialty tools that rarely get used? idk
On other hand I used their steering wheel puller and it worked just fine but who knows next time I need to use it..
In the long run buying a quality tool is better and cheaper. Doesn't need to be snap on, they are sickly overpriced.
HF impact sockets are ok, but not a complete set, for whatever reason they leave out a size, can't think what that size is off hand but I know I didn't pay attention when I bought it
and when I went to use them was quite frustrated that size was missing.
Originally Posted by ranger140892
What they said. Get the basic tools, but don't dive into the deep end on day one. There will be lots of specialty tools you'll need eventually, but I advise waiting until you need them so that you get the right thing. And when you get to a point where you need a specific tool, have the patience and discipline to pause until you actually have those tools on hand.
Welcome to FTE!
I also agree get the basic tools and hold off till they are needed.
As for HF or something better it is a crap shoot.
I will be the first to say I am cheap so HF would be the first place to look.
I bought HF AC hose & gauge kit to recharge the rebuilt AC on my truck.
Figured how often would I use them? well I have had issues with my truck and used it 3 or 4 times, son used it on his car after a AC system rebuild and a buddy for a compressor re-placment.
Well the last time I went to use the sight glass leaked! I also stored it in the case etc but others have had the same issue. So the next one maybe a better set? At lest I have a case now LOL
I do have other HF tools that work great so you never know.
Dave ----
This tool box lives in my bed side box and can fix most anything that can go wrong with my truck. Tool accumulation is something that takes a life time to acquire. Go slow with what you need and build from there. Garage sales, estate sales and flea markets are a great place to start.
If it's been mentioned forgive me otherwise you have a King pin front end and drive shafts that more than likely have grease zerks and haven't seen any grease in awhile, so you'll need a grease gun if you're going to be the maintenance guy. The mini cartridge type are great. Also it's coming on Winter and you're going to want to check your anti freeze to make sure you're sufficiently freeze protected for your area. You'll need a antifreeze mix checker for that.
Not sure of you budget but I have one of these and use it all the time even though I have alot more tools. Its just thw very basics bit its easy to make sure everything there, stores small and is easy to take with you. Mine travels with me most the time behond the seat. This is just the first image a saw i got mine from snap on butnim sure you can get them elsewhere online. Blue point kit
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I also stored it in the case etc but others have had the same issue. So the next one maybe a better set? At lest I have a case now LOL
