Slick 60's

Hey all,

I will start by saying that this site is amazing... I have been reading articles for about a year now... I am a complete newb when it comes to retoring a slick, but I figure I better start learning now, so I have something to do when I retire from the Army..... 12 more years.. So I actually do have a question for you guys... but first I need to clerify a few things.... 1- I am not rich (Army pay) 2- I have a wife and kids 3- I am learning and I do not need the top of the line tools...... SO

besides a basic tool set, (sockets, wrenches, screw drivers..blah blah) what tools am I going to need to restore my slick...

I probably will not be starting it until next year, but I figure I can start buying stuff (used) now....

I know I am going to battle rust, and welding, but I am unsure what tools I am going to need. Heck, I dont even know what I need to cut out the rust... Yea I know.. Im bad, but we all start somewere...

Any tools that you have used to restore your slick would be nice... I want to start my 2011 Christmas list....ha

Thanks guys....

a hammer. you will need a really big hammer, not for the truck, but for your head. i don't actually own my own, but my wife has no problem hitting me with hers when i get out of line, which is about every 15 minutes or so. lol
welcome to the site rangersteve!

I was going to say hammer also!, but chris the tool man beat me to it!
Steve, if your bench looks like this!, you haven`t got enough tools!and the beer isn't an option!, but seriously you don`t really need the best brands but don`t buy junk!!, a basic set of double ended spanners, the hammer, screw drivers, hacksaw, basic socket set with at least 1/2" drive, tin snips ( wiss are good) , a couple of different sized shifting spanners, a good tape measure with blind man numbers!, wire brush, cheap 4" grinder, electric drill with at least a 5/8" chuck, Floor jack and stands, a lead light, multi grips, pliers, cable strippers!, electric soldering iron, CD player for back ground music, a engine hoist is great to have! but if you can hire one that may be cheaper as you need it!, set of good drill bits, centre punch, oxy/acetylene set, MiG welder with gas, beer, constant contact with Slick60`s for therapy and that will get you started!, I`m sure there`s more but there the ones I see mostly laying on the floor or bench!, Oh and Welcome to the!!!!!!!! I don`t know what!

search your local craigslist often , they have a tool section. also look on Ebay , I scored a 5 drawer Craftsman rolling tool box with tools for $52 yesterday. 70 sockets , hammers , pliers , clamps , files , screw driver and an IR impact wrench. It was a local pickup only , which kept the bidding down

PB Blaster lots of it for every nut and bolt in the truck.
The best tool is Humility, ask questions.

I had to give this some serious thought.
Basic required tool list (I probably left something out)
Buy name brands when you can. It will pay off in the long run.
Sockets are a must, but starting out, you don't need one of everything.
I would scour the swap meets and buy the old style Craftsman 6-point deep sockets
*good quality ratchets. Get a good shortie 3/8 drive.
*impact driver
*1/4" drive set up to 7/16"
*3/8" drive start at 3/8" up thru 13/16" anything bigger should be 1/2" drive
*1/2" drive start at 5/8" up thru at least 1"
*short and medium extension for the above.
*a long and short set of combination wrenches up thru 1-1/4"
*ratchet combination wrenches from 3/8" thru 5/8" - haven't had a real need for anything bigger so far - got mine from Northern Tool
*small needle nosed vise grips - warning, not the cheap Chinese ones
*screwdriver sets
*cheap pry bar set from Northern Tool
*metal chisels and assorted hammers
*a good brand 18v. battery powered 1/2" drill
*a good set of drills thru 1/2"
*right angle grinder
*extension cords
*drop light
*small flashlights
*steering wheel puller
*harmonic balancer puller
You can't do a project without the right tools, but remember, you'll never have all the right tools.
Hey, this list is just a start but buy good stuff when you can.
And a good roll away cabnet and tool box really helps keep things organized and clean.
Good luck.
U@ss

Bench tools would include a small drill press and bench grinder with a wire wheel. A good stand alone bench light with an articulated arm helps.
A good compressor is an absolute must but don't get one of the little ones. Save your money and buy a vertical with a big tank. Then, look for a Dixon style air filter that removes water from your air lines at the swap meets. This will be an absolute necessity too.
There is a lot more stuff, but this should give you a basic idea.
U@ss

Great stuff guys.... I really appreciate it.... Right now Ihave a 900 piece tool set... sockets, wrenches, ect.... scored that one for some xbox games with the neighbor.... easy trade.. for me...lol...

As for the welding, get a small 110v wire feed for welding in patch panels, they are relatively inexpensive, easy to use and great for sheet metal. I have a a Lincoln Electric Weldpak 100HD i bought new at home depot a few years ago for a little over $400, well worth the investment. You will need a good set of tin snips for cutting out small patches, and a hammer and dolly set to pound them into shape. And don't forget a fire extinguisher!

RangerSteve62 wrote:Great stuff guys.... I really appreciate it.... Right now Ihave a 900 piece tool set... sockets, wrenches, ect.... scored that one for some xbox games with the neighbor.... easy trade.. for me...lol...

Looks like you have cornered the market in tape measures Steve!

all with blind man numbers..... lol