New guy tool kit for the old mopars

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halifaxhops

halifaxhops

It's going to get stupid around here!
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Been seeing a lot of posts like what is a timing light, dwell meter etc figure lets do a New to the car tool kit. We have them to expect a normal wrench/socket set and screwdrivers except that lets make a list of the not so common tools you want to have around

Here is my down and dirty recommended starter tools for a NOOB

Decent Tach/dwell/volt meter
Timing light
Vacuum Gauge.
Distributor wrench
Feeler gauge
 
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A decent meter I found for a spare in my car is this on one line for about $30. Perfect first meter it does volt/tach/dwel/amp/ohm and temp. Works really well.

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Brake tool kit
Blaster/liquid wrench
Camera/Phone
Swivel sockets (fender removal is a *****)
 
A lot of the specialty tools can be borrowed from the parts stores so lets leave them out. Bare bones maintenance tools.
 
A pair of jack stands is a must, memike don't stack wood or blocks .. safety first...
 
another good call. Man the coffee is working for you this am.

Oh here is a great one
A FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL Hardcopy or know where to find it online. My mopars has a lot of them.
 
Have a spare set of keys made because you will lose a set as soon as you open the trunk and start working in there :lol:
An led drop light (lot of dark area's) under the dash and in the engine bay
 
halifaxhops said:
Parts store lends them bare minimum stuff
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Part store lend ones don't work on pre 65 drums. they're not deep enough to fit over the center of the hub. Learned that the hard way yesterday... Went to all 3, Autozone, Advance and Orielly, none they had would fit.
 
laptop or phone with youtube access
sometimes seeing someone actually use the tool these guys say you need, without showing how to use it really helps
 
diymirage said:
laptop or phone with youtube access
sometimes seeing someone actually use the tool these guys say you need, without showing how to use it really helps
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Buts a crapshoot if the people actually know what they are doing. Although I suppose that's true if you get the neighbor to help as well...LOL

Another good resource are the factory service updates and tips.
Many here: The 1970 Hamtramck Registry Library Page (1965 - 1969)
and here: Master Technician Service Conference - Chrysler's Training for Mechanics , Original Factory Literature for (Chrysler) Imperials

Not sure if that's in the spirit of what halifaxhops was shooting for here, but they do answer a lot of questions.

Brake kit. Yes. Specifically an adjuster 'spoon', and if possible the spring removal tools. I did it for years without but they sure make it easier, and safer.

Tach - Dwell, & Timing Light. Tach - Dwell can be bought/found seperate, if so, a multi-meter is still needed for electric work. Multi-meter at minimum should be able to read DC volts from 0 to 15V, along with resistance (Ohms). Analog or digital, both OK for starting. Each have advantages.

Wheel chocks!
 
I recommend a body clip tool, or set of, because the door panels will be off to adjust latches if nothing else! An allen wrench set for the window cranks. A set of 3/8" drive deep sockets and short extension are the most used tools in my shop. A good quality phillips screwdriver, I've wrecked many cheapos. Although it is not mandatory, a nice smaller floor jack gets the car up on the jack stands easy.


And if there is a source for patience, a good supply of these are required!
 
Pickle fork, BFH, decent hand tools.
It just what do you need to get the job done.
 
I just used my impact driver to remove the screws for my driver’s door latch on the dart. A rarely used must have.
A good set of pics is a necessary thing too.
I cant be without my box end ratchets too.
 
Tools for a beginner on early mopars is what this is about not the spare parts.
 
dukeboy_318 said:
you said tool kit, a ballast resistor spare should be in every tool kit... :poke:
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Mine is in the glove box.along with fuses and electrical tape.
I have yet to find gloves in there though...or in any glove box for that matter.
 
Wobble head extensions... these tings have have allowed me to get at parts I shouldn't have been able to get at!!! ;)
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