MrCanuck

Fellow Rennlisters, I'm considering taking the plunge (hopefully not off the deep-end) to setup my garage for DIY work on my 993. The most I've ever done is change my own oil (for an SUV), install a new battery ... all the really small stuff. But I'd like to start doing everything else that is within reason. One of the first things I would do is enroll in some beginner mechanics classes... I don't want to torture my 993 and create problems for myself using the 993 as a guinea pig.

So, I'm hoping the hardcore DIY'ers will help me out. I've already got the electronic version of the 993 manuals (Thanks Andy!) so now I need to know how to equip the garage. (Also, as some of you may have seen in other posts of mine, I'm moving to Canada so the garage will also be used as the 993's winter storage, with whatever that requires.)

So, what is a good setup? What tools are must-have? What are should-have's, what are nice-to-haves? And of course there is a big caveat to all of this.. $$$. I know shop tools are pricey, but will the basics set me back a small fortune? I don't mind a thousand here and there, but anymore and I might just stick with the dealership's "bend over the barrel now, a little further, there you go, here it comes.."

Thanks!

Grant

Dave R.

Grant,

Why not select and plan a project you think you can handle, and then get the tools you need to complete the project?

As you select and complete different projects, you'll gradually acquire more tools.



-Dave
'90 C2

Wachuko

The Search is your friend... so much on this topic

Must have:
1. 13mm everything... the most used socket/wrench... have two of each
2. air compressor - you do have to check the air pressure every so often
3. plastic low profile oil tank that holds at least 10 quarts
4. good set of wrenches/sockets with extensions, chubbys, etc
5. rags
6. nitrile gloves
7. safety yellow glasses
8. one of those knee pads used for gardening... great!
9. three torque wrenches (1/4, 3/8, 1/2)
10. aluminum jack (ok, ok, it does not have to be aluminum... they just look cool) you can find them from US$90.00-289.00 at http://www.harborfreight.com/
11. stands... good ones since your life depends on it
12. A piece of wood panel 8"x12" don't ask... just have it...

Nice to have:
1. Two post lift
2. Tig Welder (you never know when you would like to make your own exhaust
3. Engine Stand
4. Transmission jack


so much more...

OldGuy

I have my gargage set up for all our racing motorcycles.
(dirt bikes) that tool setup has worked nicely for working on
the 993 also. Let me caveat this with I am a weekend hack
not a proffesional Porsche Mecahnic who pulls engines
apart between races!!
I have a bunch of metric sockets and wrenches.
I have the box end wrenches that ratchet too. those work great.
I buy tools at Sears when I get a chance, I look for tools on sale
when ever I can. I have 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 rachet handles
and T Handles with various metric sizes. I keep all the tools
in a 3 box Craftsman rollaway. I keep a ton of metric allen wreches
also and metric nut drivers. Various oil pans and stuff. A grinder
wheel on you bench is good with a wire wheel for getting corosion
off parts. A parts washer is good too. OF course you need a good
floor jack and jack stands. For storage you need a trickle battery
charger. An aircompressor is a must and that can lead you to
impact wrench stuff. One of the first wrenches is a good torque
wrench to put stuff on by the book. And my most usefull tool
just like the comercial is a dremmel. it does everything but hammer
which brings me to the rubber mallet which is a good tool too.
You could probably put all this together for less than 1K if you get
stuff on sale at sears. If you go SnapOn or Mac the prices go up
but you get nice calendars!
I am probably forgetting stuff but I hold off buying special tools
until I need them.

TheOtherEric

Most importantly: every type of metric allen-head bits possible. I'm talking small L-shaped, large T-shaped, 3/8" socket-ended, and square bits to use in screwdrivers. You will need them all.

Also:
Power bleeder from motiveproducts and 10 feet of proper-sized tubing.

Wachuko

Absolutely a must have!!

STLPCA

Grant
ALWAYS buy good quality tools. They are less expensive in $$$ & injuries in the long run. As a start, wait for one of Sears periodic tool sales & buy a decent sized Craftsman "mechanics" tool set (one with 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 inch rachets & metric sockets, metric crescent & box wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.). While one may debate the decline in Craftsman quality over the years, they're still very good for a home DIYer, are reasonably priced & for most tools have a no questions asked, at any Sears, lifetime replacement warranty which can't be beat for convenience.

As said, the list is endless. I'm sure all of us have used DIY projects as the excuse to buy many tools which were used once or maybe not at all, but were "just in case." Then you need tool cabinets to store them ... just another slippery slope.

Wachuko

I keep remembering stuff... those torx bits and 12 point bits (for the cvj bolts and flywheel bolts)... allen bits of all sizes...

best to do what Dave said... as you need them just go out and buy them. No need to spend big bucks... between Sears, Pep Boys, Harbor Freight... you should be able to find most of what you need.

Wachuko

You need good light... so get a couple of those flourescent work lights with an outlet built in...

Also an outlet reel.. 25' should be enough, but better if you find a 50' unit... same with the air hose.

Rob993

Grant, where in Canada are you moving to?

viperbob

Grant,

If you are still in the Bay Area why don't you come over to the house and you can see all of it for yourself..... I'd be happy to go over things with you..

Greg H.

I would go over to P-car.com and check out all the DIY's. Most have a list of the tools needed to complete the project.

Greg H.

tsjoel

I was looking at torque wrenches the other day. They had 10-75lb and 25-250. If you had to pick one, which one would you use more often?

jford

Funny thing, I just bought 2 torque wrenches last night at Sears. I believe the 25-250 is "inch lbs." as opposed to the 10-75 which is "foot lbs." Some math is required to convert the ft. lb torque ratings to inch lbs.

David in LA

The good thing about Sears/Crafstman tools is that they have a few "mechanics" sets that can be expanded later with additional sets - this is probably the best way to go if you are starting to put together your garage. Also get a good tool storage/rollaway/chest that you can expand later...having your tools organized can make the difference between a smooth DIY project and a PIA one. I also vote for a good set of jackstands (although you can get a simple set for $50 vs. a high end one for $300, which one would you be willing to trust your life with) as well as a good jack - ideally you'd get a low profile one but since those are expensive consider one of the lightweight aluminum ones (that way if you decide to upgrade later on, you can use the old one as your portable/track jack). Definitely get a dremel tool. Also, if you join the Sears Craftsman club you can get 10% off on tools, incl those on sale.

Some things you can compromise or skimp on, other ones you're better off paying more upfront to prevent a potentially painful/expensive lesson later.