TECH Q: Building a 7...how much for all the tools?

TECH Q: Building a 7...how much for all the tools?

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Discussion

bigairbox

Original Poster:

51 posts

260 months

Thursday 7th August 2003
quotequote all
I have lots of knowledge of what many cars can do but not how they do it!!!

Im developing a serious interest in Caterhams..maybe you guys could help me with this Q...

Building a 7 sounds great. Will a single car garage be big enough?
And how much will allthe tool be to construct it, including a small crane for the engine installation
(or could i just hire/borrow one)?


cheers

tigerk

4,386 posts

263 months

Friday 8th August 2003
quotequote all
I've built a Tiger kit, which probably requires more tools than a caterham, but estimate I've spent about £200 on the following tools

bought new

Socket set
torque wrench
trolley jack

bought from car boot sales

suspension spring clamps
valve spring compressor
cylinder hone
piston ring compressor
pullers (2 and 3 leg)
axle stands x 4

A lot of these could be borrowed, especially the second list which you'll probably only use once

Add to these a decent electric drill / angle grinder, and jigsaw (say £100) if you haven't got these already.

I think a Caterham would require less tools than this (EG no engine rebuild)

Good Luck

Kevin

peetbee

1,036 posts

262 months

Friday 8th August 2003
quotequote all
A single car garage will be plenty big enough to construct it, although taking over the garden shed/attic to store some of the parts until they are required makes life a lot easier.

Hiring an engine crane (if required) is the best way to go, or even make friends with your local garage they might let you borrow one for a smaller charge. It's worth making friends with them anyway as you'll be heading there for MOT at some stage!

I'd also agree with TigerK, car boot sales are great way to source tools at a low price.
Good luck.

chris_n

1,232 posts

265 months

Friday 8th August 2003
quotequote all
Don't forget the most useful tool of all ...

4lb Club Hammer - for "adjusting" things!

Chris

Mark B

1,636 posts

272 months

Friday 8th August 2003
quotequote all
I agree with all of the above, a couple of tools I found indispensable were the power scewdriver, although beware not to over tighten fraglie parts, ie light clusters!!
Also get a decent drill, cordless if you can.

Re the engine crane, I wouldn't buy one unless if you plan to use it a lot, just hire or borrow one. If you're anywhere near the south coast, I have one that I am happy to loan out.....

Make friends with other like minded soles, they will enveriably lend out tools for specialist needs.....

If money is no object, get air tools and a compressor, great fun and a lot easier.

go for it, you won't regret it...

tigerk

4,386 posts

263 months

Friday 8th August 2003
quotequote all

4lb Club Hammer - for "adjusting" things!

Chris>

...as my Dad always said.. "don't force it...get a bigger hammer"

peetbee

1,036 posts

262 months

Friday 8th August 2003
quotequote all
tigerk said:

4lb Club Hammer - for "adjusting" things!

Chris>

...as my Dad always said.. "don't force it...get a bigger hammer"


Kev, but I thought that's what the angle grinder was for?
:needagrindersmiliehere:

ROR350

115 posts

266 months

Saturday 9th August 2003
quotequote all
the sky is the limit for a tool kit, but it will vary hugely on just what make snap on, sealey or some crap from the market.

traction

366 posts

259 months

Tuesday 12th August 2003
quotequote all
get yerself a vice too, hands aren't too clever at holding spinning metal when you're drilling!