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Tools and Space are an important aspect of this restoration hobby. Doing this out of a single car garage space is difficult but entirely possible. It just takes some organization and optimization of your space. Of course, in Tip 2 we discussed determining what you plan to do as opposed to what you are willing to have done by someone else. This impacts what tools are necessary as well as how you partition your space.
There are a few tools that I have found indispensable and feel that without them, I just wouldn't get very far. The first and most central to the restoration process is the air compressor. This is an integral part of a good shop because you can do so much with it. The problem with Auto Restoration is it is very demanding where air volume is concerned. A minimum of a 2 stage 7 horse 60 gallon compressor is essential if you want to get things done efficiently. Some will argue this is way too little to get the job done, but doing this in a home shop I realize there are limitations. Sandblasting and HVLP Painting processes are just two reasons for a solid air compressor system. Later in this "Tips" series we will explore the exact CFM requirements needed for some of these processes.
Another very useful tool is a good Blast Cabinet. Taking all parts of the truck down to the bare metal is essential in determining the condition of most of your vintage project. Rust pits turn into rust holes and 65 or more years later, the environment has taken a toll on these vintage parts. To get the bulkier items inside, when looking for a good blast cabinet, the larger the better. Blast Cabinets use a vacuum to pull the dust and dirt away from the work. The cabinet recycles the blast media so it only requires adding a little more media from time to time. After blasting you will have to figure out what method you want to use to protect the parts. Find your local PPG supplier (or favorite paint brand) and get to know them. They will set you in the right direction.
Most of our vintage trucks this many years later have rust through and substantial rust damage somewhere. If part of your plan is to do the repairs yourself, you will need a good wire feed MIG welder. For the most part, a 110v model will get 99% of the work done. If your plan is to make your own shop jigs like rotisseries and other helpers using thicker metal, then the 220v model would be a better choice. Both Miller and Lincoln make a 110/220v model so you can use both voltages with the same machine. This is a great idea so you can take it out of the shop when necessary. Learning to weld is pretty easy and something we will cover in more detail later. You will have recurring expenses like the Argon/CO2 gas that is required to get good clean welds.
What tools do you find essential to the restoration process?
There are a few tools that I have found indispensable and feel that without them, I just wouldn't get very far. The first and most central to the restoration process is the air compressor. This is an integral part of a good shop because you can do so much with it. The problem with Auto Restoration is it is very demanding where air volume is concerned. A minimum of a 2 stage 7 horse 60 gallon compressor is essential if you want to get things done efficiently. Some will argue this is way too little to get the job done, but doing this in a home shop I realize there are limitations. Sandblasting and HVLP Painting processes are just two reasons for a solid air compressor system. Later in this "Tips" series we will explore the exact CFM requirements needed for some of these processes.
Another very useful tool is a good Blast Cabinet. Taking all parts of the truck down to the bare metal is essential in determining the condition of most of your vintage project. Rust pits turn into rust holes and 65 or more years later, the environment has taken a toll on these vintage parts. To get the bulkier items inside, when looking for a good blast cabinet, the larger the better. Blast Cabinets use a vacuum to pull the dust and dirt away from the work. The cabinet recycles the blast media so it only requires adding a little more media from time to time. After blasting you will have to figure out what method you want to use to protect the parts. Find your local PPG supplier (or favorite paint brand) and get to know them. They will set you in the right direction.
Most of our vintage trucks this many years later have rust through and substantial rust damage somewhere. If part of your plan is to do the repairs yourself, you will need a good wire feed MIG welder. For the most part, a 110v model will get 99% of the work done. If your plan is to make your own shop jigs like rotisseries and other helpers using thicker metal, then the 220v model would be a better choice. Both Miller and Lincoln make a 110/220v model so you can use both voltages with the same machine. This is a great idea so you can take it out of the shop when necessary. Learning to weld is pretty easy and something we will cover in more detail later. You will have recurring expenses like the Argon/CO2 gas that is required to get good clean welds.
What tools do you find essential to the restoration process?
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