Say I'm starting from scratch, what tools should I have to do some DIY?

[oregonmon]

If I wanted to maintain and do some projects on my 79SC what tools are the basics that I need?
I've never been a big DIYer on my cars except for occasional oil change and I think I've changed brake pads once or twice so the real big projects (engine drops and such) are probably going to see a good Porsche mechanic.
So, what's the P-car DIY guy have in his garage?

[Dan in Pasadena]

You need a set of basic hand tools:
Metric wrenches
Screw drivers
Pliers - regular, needle nose, channel locks and vice grips at a minimum.
I would suggest a 3/8" ratchet and a set of sockets including a spark plug socket.
A rubber mallet

There are lots and lots of others you could go for but this will get you started. Think about a timing light and a dwell meter or multi meter too.

[HarryD]

You can do a search for the topic but the simple answer is a basic set of QUALITY metric handtools including sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, allen wrenches and a torque wrench. Think of the "mechanics toolbox set" offered by Sears.

Once armed with these basic tools, you can do most common tasks. Buy additional tools as needed for a specifc job.

[TWork]

I wanted to have some extras of tools. I just recently picked up a 137 piece mechanics tool set from Sears for $99. Has a complete socket set up to 18 mm and it has 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" drive ratchets, etc.

You'll also want to pick up a 19 mm socket, a good set of allen wrenches, and some good socket extensions (preferable wobbles). The wrenches that are open box ends on one end and ratcheting closed ends on the other are also pretty handy, but not a requirement. Oh, and do yourself a favor, get a MAPP gas torch, some PB Blaster and a BFH. :-) It's a given that you'll need them at some point in your PCar wrenching.

[Dan in Pasadena]

My only beef about Sears sets is too many sockets for the guy starting out. You don't need all three size drives to start with.

[oregonmon]

Oh, and do yourself a favor, get a MAPP gas torch, some PB Blaster and a BFH. :-) It's a given that you'll need them at some point in your PCar wrenching.

What are you talking about?
Also, I have 4 jack stands but no jack. What's a good one for the money?

[HarryD]

Originally posted by oregonmon
What are you talking about?
Also, I have 4 jack stands but no jack. What's a good one for the money?

I got mine from Costco. Heavy but works great.

[Dan in Pasadena]

PB Blaster is a rust penetrant. Do you know what WD-40 is? Like that but SO much better. Buy it at Pep Boys or your local hardware store.

A BFH? A Big Fuchin Hammer! I think you can figure out if you have rusted bolts you're going to need more than PB Blaster.

I second Harry's comment that you don't need an expensive jack. For years I had a cheapo little floor jack. When it crapped out I replaced it with another pretty cheap one from Pep Boys and it works fine. I think I paid $39 on sale for it. NEVER get under any car with out jackstands in place.

[Rich76_911s]

I picked my jack up from sams club. It was $70, very heavy, and works great.

Here is a link:
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=344333

You should also definetly get books:
1st 101 projects for your Porsche 911 by Wayne Dempsey, will cover probably 90% of what you want to do.

2nd Bentley repair manual

[KFC911]

Originally posted by oregonmon
If I wanted to maintain and do some projects on my 79SC what tools are the basics that I need?
I've never been a big DIYer on my cars except for occasional oil change ....So, what's the P-car DIY guy have in his garage?

That was me before I found this place. Get yourself started like others have suggested, then acquire what you need as you go along on various projects. You will spend quite a bit the first few years (depending on your projects), but think of the tools as a one time investment and compare the costs of them vs. shop rates. Plus, it's been a lot of fun

[Mysterytrain]

Get the Bentley Manual for SC's and Wayne's 101 projects.
Get some good quality jack stands..you are going to be under the car.
Get a good floor jack..I'm using the sears aluminum ya da ya da. Its nice.
Get some good lighting.
Get a Digital Volt meter

[oregonmon]

Thanks guys. But, that's it. For some reason, I'm picturing all this equipment that has specific needs for each piece. I have the 101 projects on order.

[oregonmon]

Thanks guys. But, that's it. For some reason, I'm picturing all this equipment that has specific needs for each piece. I have the 101 projects on order.
Other than tools what other equipment/stuff can make it easier to work on your car.
Think of the basics.

[msk1986911]

A REALLY big bucket to catch the oil when it is changed!
Can't get much more basic than that.

[cbeers]

Hand held shop light
dental mirror
long, telescoping magnet
spark plug gapping tool
pry bars
a bench vise
disc grinder
die grinder


Some might not seem "basic" but they really are. Plus, what others have said.

-Chris

[cbeers]

Oh yeah, here is your drain pan. Home Depot for about $8, big enough to drain both at once




-Chris

[pwd72s]

Sears makes an all metric set that is very nice...but you may have to order it through the catalog, very few stores carry it. Go to a Sears store. Ask for the 2007-2008 catalog...just out. On page 49, you'll find it. #0933284 283 piece all metric set. $699.99.

They sell a lesser 140 piece set for $199.99, but you'd quickly find yourself wishing you'd bought the larger one.

This will get you through the basics...you can add specialty tools as needed later. Dittos on the advice above regarding multitestor, oil drain pan, jackstands, floor jacks, etc.

[RBS]

Do yourself a favor and spend the extra money for a fluorescent drop light. I still have scars from the old incandescent bulb style.

[rlh930]

The single most flexible, multi-purpose tool for working on a Porsche is a checkbook.

[madmmac]

BEER....

This will usually attract a Porsche crowd and they may even bring some tools and knowledge........or not!!