WHAT TOOLS ARE YOU HOPING SANTA DROPS OFF UNDER YOUR TREE?

For the money and time spent to acquire this particular skill set, I would rather pay someone like you that already has those things and would do it a lot quicker than myself.. I have the tools and knowledge and passed it on to my oldest son who is a lot younger than I am.

I no longer work on cars for a living and am glad I don't--too many headaches!!

But a professional machine shop can build you an engine cheaper than you can do it at home -- as for all the machine work that has to be farmed out and not having the equipment on hand. And to get a better deal, you can buy any number of crate engines cheaper than a machine shop can build it. JMHO You just can't say you did it at home. Who cares as long as it works dependably?
 
also a valid point, but after dealing with numerous machine shops, and other engine build shops over the decades,
I was virtually FORCED into acquiring the tools and learning the skills,
because almost everyplace I ever dealt with
would produce crap quality level machine work,
and they have a "good enough"
"they won,t or can,t check it" attitude!
and,
I got so darn tired of finding the reason for parts failures that could be easily traced to cheap parts being substituted ,
for the more expensive parts you paid for or slip-shod crappy machine work, or plain old STUPIDITY and IGNORANCE OR OUTRIGHT FRAUD,
you can,t imagine the scams , crappy attention to detail and stuff I've seen being delivered and billed for.
the hobby and your ability to have a decent engine assembled
,basically comes down to the fact you either need to verify everything being done or,
you need to have very deep pockets,
and find those RARE and expensive shops with skilled machinist's with extensive experience you can trust
 
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Yes I can and that is ONE of the reasons I quit racing. Remember Don Garlitts? His views were about the same as mine. All about the money!
 
dashoundtools.png

highly mobile tool delivery system
 
yeah getting a 9/16 box end, or 1/2" open end quickly,
while under the car on the creeper,
depends mostly on your readily available pocket full of bacon bits,
and you almost always are at serious risk of being licked on the face ,
or having a cold nose in your shirt pocket, and the delivery system,
has the annoying habit of being totally distracted by field mice in the yard,
even if they are 40 yards away,
and the dashound, feels its mandatory to catch and retrieve them for your personal inspection,
after being semi chewed & slobbered on, to verify they are ok.
 
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IF you have your wife or kids or a good friend ask what you want for Christmas,
and you can,t really think of anything instantly,
I had that issue covered for decades
I asked my wife and kids
for a detailed list of what they want
and too keep things simple,
and limit the awful ties and shirts etc.
I simply listed a good long well detailed selection,
of automotive related tools,
I CAN ACTUALLY USE!
and part numbers and where to get them,
that I wish I had...you might be amazed that a great many tools just don,t cost that much,
a multi pack of plasti-gauge,
feeler gauges,
high temperature magnets
or a dial indicator
,push rod checkers
, even some wrenches,
ratchets ,
socket sets,
can all be found for under $20-$30
and yes if they care to spend a bit more theres certainly things you can use
and things youll need and really appreciate,
and over the years I found a good many under the Christmas tree!

LINKS WITH SUGGESTIONS, or memory joggers
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/precision-measuring-tools.1390/#post-52469

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/which-torque-wrench.342/#post-59396

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/rod-bolt-mics-stretch-gauges.989/#post-51199

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/starter-tool-set.6032/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/bare-minimum-tools.11026/#post-48766

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...u-still-buy-multi-packs-of-plasti-gauge.4946/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-loads-and-installed-height.10709/#post-46658

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/most-versital-shop-welder.1594/#post-50625

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-customers-at-local-gunshop.13061/#post-68011

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ling-rings-in-piston-grooves.9490/#post-34908

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/valve-train-clearances-and-problems.528/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/under-car-safety.26/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/mechanics-creepers.3178/#post-38649

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...te-but-it-will-get-you-started.834/#post-1258
 
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I hope all of you gentlemen found something nice under the Xmass tree yesterday?
I found a replacement tool that I needed in the shop, the older version Id had for decades stopped reading accurately a few months ago after it got dropped...
and NO! I DID NOT DROP IT! ...
one of my grand kids was playing with it during the 15 seconds the wife walked into the shop with him in tow!
the grand kids could break a 100 lb forged steel, anvil with a rubber mallet!
keep in mind there's a long list of more expensive tools,
like mills, lathes, various types of welders, car lifts, drill presses, belt sanders, engine stands , engine cranes, hydraulic presses, air compressors, band saws crosscut saws. (test gauges, meters, code readers, timing lights micrometers, infrared temp gauges, bore gauges)
that most of us wish we owned or spent a great deal of time effort and money acquiring over decades

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-value-vs-price-and-options.12312/#post-60702

https://garage.grumpysperformance.c...20-ton-hydraulic-press-of-course-you-do.2735/

mill and lathe info you might need​

theres info, with videos included, in the link and more videos below theres a ton of valid info that you would need in these links that will allow you to gain a basic understanding of whats required to use a milling machine or lathe...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

compressor info​

most shops have or would like to have an air compressor to run air wrenches, fill tires, run die grinders ETC. the problem, is most reasonably priced air compressors can,t maintain the flow volume at reasonable pressure levels and your constantly waiting for the tank to re-pressurize, so you...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

Welding Tips and Welders
yodam.jpg


you tend to get what you pay for in the level of quality in precision tools,
keep in mind you don't always require the best quality tool to do a very nice build,
but you seldom get great results with low quality tools either,
its generally best to get upper mid range tools
but there are bargains, make a detailed list of your goals,
and the parts and tools you need and ask questions,
don't guess or assume anything.
and you certainly don't need the very best tool quality to build an acceptable and durable engine,
if you look over this web site you'll see its set up to answer questions and help guide you,
in engine assembly and avoiding problems.
I'd recommend you get a sturdy engine stand and a darn good quality auto lift and floor jacks etc.
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/starter-tool-set.6032/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fowler-72-646-300-6-Cylinder-Dial-Bore-Gauge-New-/152334553871
dialborega.png

http://www.tooltopia.com/fowler-72-646-300.aspx
 
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Nice Grumpy I got a Kevko Road race pan with a driver side dip stick provision has to be specially ordered for the dipstick provision they come with no dipstick provision. I also got a new carpet for the chevelle not OE but a more luxery pile matches my drawing!!
 
well any of you gentlemen looking for anything in the way of new tools?
how about posting your wish lists , maybe someone knows where to get what you want at bargain prices

https://www.walmart.com/ip/0-6-Mach...1808&wl11=online&wl12=332344475&wl13=&veh=sem

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-5...oduct__slid_&gclid=CKfKnPnRhdACFZcSvQodNI8FhA

https://www.amazon.com/Anytime-Tools-Precision-Hardened-Stainless/dp/B06VXC1FPL/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1512868725&sr=1-3&keywords=12"+dial+calipers

http://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html

http://www.eastwood.com/tig200acdc.html

http://www.grizzly.com/products/5-S...946?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-62191/overview/

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-67492

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...sional-steel-floor-jack-super-duty-63183.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66483

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66490

http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mig-welder-175-amp-with-spool-gun.html

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sxt-8300gb/overview/

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-67438

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66514

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66480

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66520

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66838

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66787
 
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Indycars said:
I'm thinking about one of these combination units that does Tig, Stick and Plasma cutting.
They have had good reviews by several people like Jody of Welding Tips & Trick.

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/multiprocess-welder.html
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/catalog-multi-tsp
Click to expand...

This is pretty interesting to me. I have a lot more need for Tig welding with all my aluminum fence that gets damaged with every storm, small metal brackets that break on the cars and trucks and the yard/property equipment that likes to crack at the factory welds, MiG is always too much.

I have a brand new Eastwood MiG welder new in the box. I’ll lose my shirt selling it for an attractive price but it just takes up room now.
I also have the Plasma cutter too. Used it once, I think I’ll just use my grinderwheel to cut, it’s faster and easier!

What do these combos go for?
 
Come to think about it, I have a lot of tools, specialty stuff to sell still. Maybe I should try to get it up on notice for Xmas? I always give stuff away anyway.
 
let us know what ever you decide and if you choose to sell or give something away .,
please post detailed pictures and descriptions, as I,m certain some member may want too purchase the items
 
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chromebumpers said:
I could really be entertained if Santa brought me a nice working Drone. My neighbor a few cows down has a helicopter and once in awhile he'll buzz my property and later comes by unannounced trying to get my wife or the kids to buy some photos of our house and the land (it's funny how I'm never home when he comes by, only when he takes the pictures).
I'd like to buzz around his spread and take some good pictures. He's got a lot more stuff on his property, maybe wants some privacy?

http://www.qvc.com/qvc.product.E228614.html?item=E228614&ref=GAS&tpl=detail&cm_MMC=GOOGLESHOPPINGFEED-_-Electronics-_-Cameras-_-Striker Drone w/ Video Camera Flip Stunt Mode LEDLights, Apps & Extra Battery&E228614&cvosrc=pla.google.Striker Drone w/ Video Camera Flip Stunt Mode LEDLights, Apps & Extra Battery&cvo_cid=85293417747&CAWELAID=600006460006098617&mkwid=sHR7GCXwW|dt_pcrid_85293417747_pkw__pmt_&catargetid=600006460006142821&cadevice=t
Click to expand...


I believe his helicopter would be classified as target practice and if the police are involved... claim you thought it was a giant bug attacking your family.
Poof!!!!
 
Dear Santa, I have been a good boy, scratch that... a reasonably good boy this year and would really like a < insert item here> so that I can show my buddies how cool you are.
Otherwise... I really did not believe in you anyway.
;-)
 
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