Tool Recommendations

[Pete112]

Hi All,

With my project underway and my birthday coming up real soon, I wanted to see if anyone can recommend some tools (and possibly suppliers) for working on the Fiat. I'm decent with the basic metric sockets and wrenches, but is there any particularly odd tool required to work on these cars? I'm starting off with an engine removal and reinstall so I will need to install a new clutch, head gasket, timing belt, etc.

On the same note, the only "standard" tool that I don't have yet is a torque wrench. I had a real bad experience with my '67 Mustang and a Craftsman torque wrench - the torque wrench was inaccurate and a snapped an intake bolt inside the head! I was thinking digital might be the way to go but what are your thoughts?

Any links to suppliers/vendors would be helpful as well!

Thanks!
Pete

[racydave]

Hi Pete. I think a nornal ratchet torque wrench is sufficient. I have both inch, and foot lbs. I would recomend a good set of line wrenches,short and longer combination wrenches, short and deep metric six point sockets in all sizes (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive) and some good impact swivels in all drive sizes.Various extentions and to many ratchets. A metric allen set including 12MM, extention magnets, and mirror. I like to have a good six point bleeder wrench for brakework also. Im sure theres alot of other stuff, these are some of my favs. The major vendors are all good, a phone call is always best on orders.

[spiderrey]

i use a sidewinder rachet to remove the starter. it makes it simple for me anyways.

[mdrburchette]

The clutch alignment tool is the same as a Ford Mustang. It's nice to have a variety of allen wrenches and you'll need the valve adjusting tool. It seems one of our vendors has them now.

[pope]

Denise, I noticed that when I got mine back in the 90's that it was also for a Ford. Has anyone ever tried to mate a Mustang trans to a fiat engine? Probably have to fasten some sort of an adapter plate to get the bell housing to fit the 'stang trans.

[baltobernie]

Thin wall sockets are needed for cylinder head and carb. You won't need much 1/2" stuff, 3/8" and even 1/4" drive I use a lot. Sockets (always 6 point) with built-in swivels come in handy. A pickle fork, if you don't have one.

[adrians]

A selection of toothpicks ! LOL !

For when the round hazard lights switch fails and half the electrics don't work ! !

[Flyingthere]

I found I used a lot of extensions with my ratchet when reaching the bell housing bolts from under the car. I ended up using the 24" two 6" and possibly swivel once or twice, next time we will pull the tranny with the engine, I believe it will save me a lot of time. Oh it was a real chore getting the engine and transmission apart, it seems like after 30 years they really did not want to be apart, we used a few pri bars to force the issue.

[So Cal Mark]

a set of locking extensions, swivel sockets in the common sizes, crow's feet wrenches in 13 and 17mm and a set of cheap Taiwan wrenches that you can bend and shape for the tough spots

[mbouse]

i seem to be going through 10mm 1/4" drive sockets like they are candy lately. they seem to come up missing. I think i have replaced it three times in the past 10-12 months. I seldom use my 1/2" drive stuff; and i would not consider anything in my collection as an exotic tool.

Is there a timing light in your collection now? how about a volt meter?

not in any order, but here are my favorite vendors:
http://www.fiatparts.com
http://www.international-auto.com
http://www.vickauto.com
http://www.midwest124.com
http://www.baylessfiat.com

and, of course, there are specialty vendors as well:
http://www.webercarbsdirect.com
http://www.piercemanifolds.com
http://www.allisonsautomotive.com
http://www.funimported.com

when you begin to get specific about your needs, we certainly can get more specific about assistance.

[manoa matt]

I can't remember where I got mine, but these are the handiest pair of pliers. http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Needle-Plier ... B0007D53RA

They are great for getting into a tight spot. Good for tightening up the top post on spark plugs when they are already installed, it seams that little ting likes to wiggle loose. If you slip sections of old rubber/vinyl hose over the ends they also make a great spark plug boot puller. Good for removing the brake hard line to soft line clips. Good for etc. etc.....

[Pete112]

Thanks everyone! This is great! Hopefully my wife thinks the same thing when I give her a list

Yes, I do have most of the basic stuff from working on my '67 Mustang. E.g. timing light, multimeter, misc. socket adapters. But this list definetely brought up a few things I don't have, and for that matter, never heard of! I'll be googling some of that.

And thanks for the links to part vendors. I was wondering which companies people in here trust. I'll need a clutch kit, seals, and timing belt very soon so that's great info.

[racydave]

Pete, get a new bearing to accompany the new timing belt.

[ventura ace]

I second the bent needle-nose pliers suggested by Matt. I love those things.

One of my most indispensible tools, that I got along for years and years without, but use almost daily now, is an inexpensive $15 set of digital calipers.

A

[mbouse]

Oh, did we mention the special valve adjustment tool?