9 replies to this topic

[Danneh]

In the next couple of months i will be starting a complete restoration of a MK1 mini thats been garaged for the past 30 years!

I have ammassed a resonable collection of tools over the years but they are all metric and i now realise i need to start aquiring some A/F tools (i think A/F is correct?).

Can anyone recommend a set of sockets (dont need ratchet)?

What other tools are indespensible for mini restoration?

[Chris_R]

Halfords stuff seems to be pretty good - my socket set is nearly 30 years old now and still in great working condition. Having said that I tend to buy my tools from Machine Mart nowadays, which is slightly better value than anywhere else for complete sets of spanners or sockets. Plus I like walking around there and mentally equiping my dream garage

[daveeeeee]

A welder ^^

[blacktulip]

you will need a decent sharp bolster chisel. some decent clamps. a blow torch with mapp gas.

[Danneh]

Halfords stuff seems to be pretty good - my socket set is nearly 30 years old now and still in great working condition. Having said that I tend to buy my tools from Machine Mart nowadays, which is slightly better value than anywhere else for complete sets of spanners or sockets. Plus I like walking around there and mentally equiping my dream garage

The majority of my tools are halfords pro and machine mart gear. Waiting for the next vat free day at MM and will pick up some more bits.

And yea i like stocking up my imaginary garage while im in there!

A welder ^^

Ive got a little clarke 90 which should be ok for body work. Got to brush up my welding skills before i get to the visible body work - but i think i will have plenty of oppotunity to practise on the mini!

you will need a decent sharp bolster chisel. some decent clamps. a blow torch with mapp gas.

Ive got a few self locking pliers and intend on getting some more with the different shaped ends. Also looked at thos magnetic welding clamps as well. Ive got a blow torch but think its just propane/butane - i take it mapp gas gets hotter?

[Big_Adam]

BIG EFFING' VICE

Just buy one and a good solid work bench.

[ukcooper]

X2 Vice

Decent ball joint splitter and long pry bar, on the socket thing when buying them get the 6 point type and not the 12 point type as the 6 point are less likey to round off.

Lots of rag's and wd40.

[Danneh]

BIG EFFING' VICE

Just buy one and a good solid work bench.

X2 Vice

Decent ball joint splitter and long pry bar, on the socket thing when buying them get the 6 point type and not the 12 point type as the 6 point are less likey to round off.

Lots of rag's and wd40.

Ive got a decent workbench and 3" vice been pretty useful so far but i always keep my out for a bigger one if i can find one cheap

Ive got both forked and screw type ball joint splitters, got a 2 foot extension bar (and 5ft piece of scaf;-)). I have got a mixture of 6 and 12 point metric sockets and always use the 6 point ones first but sometimes i find 12points can make a job easier when theres limited room to swing the breaker bar.

[Big_Adam]

Oh, and a 1/2inch spanner bend so the ring is flat to the spanner body.

I made one ages ago, very handy for the manifold bolts. Really, you're going to need at least 3 x 1/2inch spanners. One for working, one for when you got to get a nut off a bolt (spanner on both ends) and a 3rd for when you lost one of the first two.

Oh and deep sockets. Very VERY useful.

Edit

I would also suggest asking older relatives if they have tools they don't use any more. Might get lucky.

Edited by Big_Adam, 17 September 2010 - 02:56 PM.

[sonikk4]

C clamps of various sizes, mole grips, inter grips/clamps for doing butt joins on floor panels, inner sills etc. Would also recommend either cleco's or skin pins (look on aircraft/aviation tooling on fleabay)

Panel beating kit from Machine Mart, some very big axle stand or a roll over jig. Black and Decker workmate to compliment the work bench. Compressor, DA sander, the list goes on.