993c4_Toronto

Over the past few years as a Rennlist member, I have been inspired to tackle a few DIY's. I had never worked on any of my cars before, so this is all new to me.

I recently ordered and replaced my 3rd brake light with Tore LEDs, removed my airbag to fix my super sensitive horn and replaced the headlight glass. I now plan to remove and re-dye my seats.

I'd like to tackle more DIY's in the 1-4 skill level and am wondering if you can recommend a core set of tools I should consider having on hand.

Thanks!

P-daddy

The list can be quite long depending on your skill level. You can start with a quality set of sockets, assorted screwdrivers, open/box end wrenches, etc...

Quadcammer

3/8ths ratchet.
1/4 ratchet
sockets from sizes 6mm to 19mm in regular and deep.
combo wrenches (box and open end) from 6mm to 22mm (for 02 sensor)
allen sockets from 3mm to 10mm
full set of flat and phillips head screwdrivers
various extensions
at least one good swivel
breaker bar
3/8 torque wrench\

without knowing what specific jobs you're tackling, this will take you pretty far.

be careful, tools are addictive.

P-daddy

Ooh forgot... a BFH!

bcameron59

Would be useful to know what tools you already have on hand, so we can suggest others that you may need. Since you did your airbag we know you have a T27 or T30 torx bit, and a cutter blade for the windshield.

Quadcammer has a good list there, I would add:
- good low profile jack
- set of 4 good jack stands
- headlamp - gets light exactly where you want it
- creeper
- magnetic pickup tool
- 3 claw gripper pickup tool


If you do any work involving wheel hubs you will need a big honkin' 3/4 drive torque wrench.

Brake lines may need flare nut wrenches, they can be locked on pretty good after 20 years or so, and regular open end wrenches will just round them off, not good.

If you don't get into engine work that's about all you should need. Engines will need a cam holder, engine stand, dial gauge for setting cams, etc.

axl911

You dont need much. Get a set of metric socket. A set of hex heys. A set of the socket extension and swivels. A set of screwdriver. Several sizes of pliers.

The most important thing is to buy high quality / brand tools. Don't get the cheap stuff. Not because you have a premium car, but cheap stuff will only cause you some very big problems. A cheap and improperly fitting hex wrench will strip and round out the hex screws when trying to take the seat out. Now you have a bigger problem and will need more specialized tools.

At a minimum go with the Sears Craftsman Professional stuff. I learned my lesson.

shadow993

Amen... That and the Heat sheild.

OverBoosted28

One thing that's required is a large, frustration releasing, vocabulary. Included in that vocabulary is an assortment of tools, you'll scream that you need. After several uses of this special vocabulary, you'll find your tool assortment expands. As tool assortment expands, vocabulary shrinks. :-)

Seamless

Great suggestions above. Few things to add from personal experience.

A flexible and extendable magnet, an extendable mirror, box of nitrile gloves, proper Porsche oil filter wrench, torque wrench set.

I also use a mobile cart to set removed parts on. This reduces the use of the flexible magnet mentioned above.

+ Beer and patience. Oh yeah, and a safe way of lifting the vehicle.

NYC993

While we only used 6mm hex and screwdriver bits, this thing made valve cover job, plug wires and seat removal jobs much easier:

993c4_Toronto

Thanks so much for the tool list guys. The immediate projects I have on my list are the removal and dying my front seats with Colorplus and replacing my cracked dashboard with the new one I recently purchased.

Yes, I did buy a T30 to fix the horn and that's when I realized that running out to buy 1-2 tools every time I tackle a project is going to be very irritating. I have a standard set of tools for around the home - good drill, a few pliers, screw driver, etc., but none of the items listed above.

Even for the seat dye job, I realized that I didn't have the socket to remove the seat from the car.

I'll start to make a list from the posts above - not sure what BFH is. I suspect its a puchline to a joke that I will only understand once I reach DIY level 5+. :-)

Quadcammer

bfh= big fu&king hammer

P-daddy

993c4_Toronto

Ah! Now I'm in the know. Thanks.

Will add to the list. Is it required for the dash replacement?

Mike J

Its to hit a wall with when you drop that little nut into the engine compartment ....