280Zen Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 Ok guys, need some advice here. I've been given a 83 280zx coupe NA and picked up a 83 280zx turbo 2x2 for almost nothing. I've almost got all the parts needed to convert the NA to turbo. Now I need the tools to work on these cars. right now I have none! so I was wondering if there is a manufacture that has a starter set that would be a good for working on imports as well as the tools I need to to a engine rebuild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 Check Sears out. Their hand tools are decent (not excellent, but ok) quality and their pre-packaged sets are reasonably priced. You will only need metric sets. Also, check out harbor freight (http://www.harborfreight.com). They have some excellent deals, although the quality isn't all that great, for the price, it's well worth it!! If you have lots o money to spend, get a Snap-On Tolls catalogue. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 Another great option for a decent price is the Home Depot 338 piece set for about $337.97. I've had the set for a few years and I'm satisfied with it, have yet to break one on anything. Now with that said Home Depot doesn't have the hand tool selection they used to but the quality is about the same as Craftsman for a lower price and that's a very comprehensive starter set of tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinCA Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 I got a nice tool set for christmas from costco... Mastercraft or somthing like that... it is a full toolbox that keeps everything organized( a real problem for me most of the time...) I havent broken any of them yet...they seem pretty sturdy. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest livewire23 Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 ugh, home depot tools. my experience with home depot has bee horrible. When I need a bit more reliability, I always go Craftsman. But then again, I work at Sears. but being able to just come in and exchange it, is a plus. Their hand tools are good, some of the electrical stuff is more dubious though. For those times when you're strapped for cash, check out harbor freight. Real cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Philanthr0py Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 Harbor Frieght tools sells Pittsburg brands for pretty dang cheap, a set of metric open ends from 9mm to 19mm is only 8 bucks, if you break it, buy another one. I haven't broke mine yet... but you'll need two sets of open ends to hold both sides when taking bolts off certain parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPMS Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 Geez, I guess nobody else on this list has ever been poor. PAWN SHOP! I've bought almost all of my tools at pawn shops over the years, and I've probably spent 10 cents on the dollar or less. Find the nearest store, and get your hands dirty digging around in the bins of sockets and wrenches until you find the following: Wrenches: 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 Sockets - 1/4" drive: 6,8,10mm 3/8" drive: 12,13,14,15,16,17,20 and 22mm Get a 4" long extention for both the 1/4" and 3/8" wrench, if you can. Dump the whole lot on the counter and offer them a twenty dollar bill. Chances are, they'll take it. Don't skimp on your ratchet handles if you can afford to get decent ones. Personally, I prefer smooth, round handles that I can generate some torque with. Square handles just plain hurt, and knurled handles trap grease (turning simple tasks into "gojo moments"), although they're easier to use if you've got grease all over your hands. Craftsman, Husky, or (surprise!) Harbor Freight have excellent quality. If you buy a cheap ratchet, you'll regret it the instant you break the plastic prawls off inside so that it spins around without doing anything. If you can only afford one set of sockets, buy six sided ones. They have far less tendency to round off old fasteners than 12-pointed sockets do. And buy a second cheap 13, 14, and 15mm wrenches to use as backing wrenches. I've had lots of different brands of tools in the past few decades, and I'm happy to say that as far as hand tools are concerned, Husky quality BEATS Craftsman in many cases. It used to be different, but lately Craftsman seems to be using a different chrome plating process, and it has an annoying tendency to flake off. I've also had several new Craftsman sockets split, whereas my Huskys are still going strong. Older craftsman tools are very good. Other brands to look for are Mac, SK-Tool, and Thorsen. These all have lifetime warranties, and the dealers don't give a fig where you bought them from. Anything made in America is usually better than anything made in Taiwan. Ignore any moron that tells you you'll go sterile if you don't buy Snap-On. They're good tools, but hopelessly overpriced. Remember that tools don't need to be pretty or expensive to get the job done. Buying used tools (if they're high quality) puts money away for things you can't buy second hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody 82 ZXT Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 I agree just buy the metric tools from 7mm to 17mm is all that you will need to get started. A good set of wrenches will help as well. Don't forget a basic set of screwdrivers. You'll almost only need the phillips head but, the straight blade comes in real handy at times. If you want some tools to keep then go with atleast the Sears or maybe a set from Lowes. If your looking for stuff to just get the job done then go with the cheap stuff. I bought some decent screwdrivers from BigLots before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay1970Z Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 I agree with livewire, I wouldn't buy any of Sears brand power tools, but I always get Craftsman hand tools. They are reasonably priced and the lifetime warranty is great. My brother bent the crap out of an 8" flathead Craftsman screwdriver prying the rusted up disk brakes off of the Z. Stopped by Sears the next day, walked out with a brand new screwdriver. Can't beat that IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denny411 Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 Look in your local paper for auctions. I`ve bought most of my tools at them. ex, I picked up a complete 1/2" drive craftsman set,(7/16" to 1 1/4"shallow and deep sockets, with ratchet, T bar, and 3",6" and 12" extensions for 20.00 They were a little rusty, so I took them to sears on the way home and exchanged them all for nice shiney new ones. Wuttay bahgin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 Great tool advice from RPMS .. scout around for the used brands with lifetime warranty. I never knew the facination and mystique surrounding "$nap-On" (Mafia) tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 240hybrid Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 Just a thought, working on any older car or motor, Breaker Bars are a must, 3/8 and 1/2 for larger items. I've broken 3/8 ratchets trying to break nuts/bolts lose...this doesnt happen often, but once you've broke a ratchet you have to spend more $ on another ratchet and a breaker bar too, after learning the lesson I learned the hard way. I think RPM covered alot of what you'll need, and never buy cheap...you'll end up spending more $ in the long run replacing them. A jack with a large pan($45.00) is well appreciated by me. Having a large pan(roughly 6 inch) on my jack allows me to use a ratcheting strap and tie down differentials and trannies to the jack pan. This helps alot if you dont have a buddy thats willing to bench press them for you, but I will admit is prob. not the safest method, but if strapped tightly and using alot of caution it works well. Ghetto rig, but saves $ from buying a tranny jack. A good bench Vice and Bench grinder(with wire wheel too) is a well appreciated and used tool, that every garage should have in them. Good luck on your hunt for good deals at the pawnshops. Chase Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z_Dust Posted January 31, 2003 Share Posted January 31, 2003 Good ratchet set is a must and a good torque wrench (my only Snap-on tool). Get a good jack also. I use Craftsman all the time but I'm only a weekender-home-garage mechanic. I have broken a few and Sears always replces them, no questions asked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bang847 Posted February 3, 2003 Share Posted February 3, 2003 Im with RPMS.. go to the pawn shop... actually local classified ads are usually a little better than pawn shops... if you get used stuff try to get craftsman.. if you break them you can get one with your name on it... not some obscure initials like the way you bought them with... well good luck!! also kragen (CSK Auto) brand tools are pretty good in my opinion.. (probably gonna get flammed for this) if you wait for a sale you can get a 80pc rachet set for about 40? that is a good set i got one and it is probably better quality than sears stuff... plus the Kragen stuff dont force you to buy 400 screwdriver bits... but hey shop around... i have wandered in the JY and found tools too(that is always sweet)... oh.. why swap a turbo from a ZX to another ZX?? wouldnt you like the more classic lines of a Z? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest livewire23 Posted February 3, 2003 Share Posted February 3, 2003 yea, i bought my jack at kragen, and other than being a little to eager to drop the load in a hurry when i twist, i have been quite pleased. Take it from someone who bought the $20 jack + stands kit, its really worth it to go with a normal sized jack ESPECIALLY if you ever plan on raising any kind of lowered vehicle. What a PITA. denny411, that is a hoot. haha, funniest story I've heard in a while, but a damn good idea. and for all else who want to try this, believe me, no-one at sears could care less. some decent screwdrivers are pretty helpful too. If you're really desperate for a starter set, try hittin sears during a sale, and buying a 101 pc. auto repair kit by companion. I started my collection with this set, and its stood up well so far. definately not as good as some good craftsman tools though. kit only costs $24 BTW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bang847 Posted February 3, 2003 Share Posted February 3, 2003 actually i dont like craftsman starter sets because they include a bunch of screwdriver bits and call them pieces... IMO.. pieces of crap.... please no gimmicks when i buy tools... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280Zen Posted February 3, 2003 Author Share Posted February 3, 2003 Thanks guys, The 2x2 is a parts car! the frame rail is rusted and crushed in at one point, Looks like someone tried to jack it up but the rusted rail wouldnt hold. Anyway, the coupe is in excellent shape so the turbo stuff is going into the coupe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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