What tools for the DIY shop?

You can add a good solvent tank to that list. They come in really handle when you have dirty parts you wanna wash.

 

A refrigerator and a wetbar...

 

The Entire Snap on Tool Truck,

 

A fridge is almost mandatory
Drip pans
A 20 ton press
A full set of "good" wrenches and sockets (used snap-on are great) plus a second set of cheaper ones
Full set of all types mechanics hand tools, pliers, punches, files, screw drivers, tap&die sets, etc., etc.. Cant have too much!
Good torque wrench's
Hammers
Drill press
If I had only one hoist, a 4 post so I could do suspension setup.
A oxy/acetelene torch
Wire feed and or Tig
Pedestal stand grinder/buffer/polisher
long heavy duty work bench
Large HD bench vice
Tire machine and wheel balancer
2 stage air compressor (6HP 220V minimum)
Lathe and or mill
Diagnostic tools including VOM, Stethoscope, compression and leakdown testers, etc., etc..
Dial indicator, and other machine measuring tools
Parts washer
Sandblast cabinet (glass bead, media blast)
Heavy shelving
Heavy jack stands, floor jack
Engine hoist
Engine stand
Rags. Lots and lots
And probably lots of other stuff I cant think of at the moment.

One item not usually seen in car shops, but always in restoration shops, is a large heavy duty work table with a soft work surface. For almost any kind of interior work you really need a decent work table. 8X8 would be ideal, but even something 4X6 would work, even if it folded up.

 

We can refine the list a bit as we go.

Artvonne looks to have done a really nice job on the list, but I'd add some details.

Torque Wrenches - good ones on in inch pounds to maybe 200 in. lb. one in ft pounds to at least 150ft lb.

 

Add to Paul's rather complete list a couple of experienced mechanics to do the work.

 

ROFL!

 

Lift

 

hot water power washer

 

Here, here Steve and actually the best piece of equipment for any serious shop/garage for exotics is wads of cash, period.

Actually, I think I have 90% of what Paul suggested (an excellent list) and I'd still prefer to have the pair of mechanics as Steve suggests.

Bob S.

 

Add, computer with internet connection and DVD/CD drive.
And for the occasional Tim Taylor moment....

Complete first-aid kit.
Fire extinguishers, several.

Cheers,
Kurt O. (I am my cars mechanic.)

 

Are you leasing my old location?

Aaron

 

UH???????

Good grief!!!! I really need to proof read what I type. That should have read HANDY!

 

+1 !!!!!

Hahahaaa.

 

Actually, as an alternative to the mechanics, you definitely need that fridge, stocked with an ample supply of beer, to entice your friends to come over and help.

Also, I fully endorse having the safety equipment. And get yourself two large Halon fire extinguishers. Standard fire extinguishers make a huge mess that is a PITA to clean up, especially from the engine compartment. Halon leaves almost no residue. So what if it kills the ozone layer. And invest in a decent pair of safety goggles, and use them when working under the car or with things that could throw off chips, or with springs that could go flying. On more than one occasion, they have saved me from losing an eye.

 

If you are going to let the general public use the facility any tools or equipment will be stolen or broken within 2 weeks. the floors will get cracked from some genius dropping cinder blocks on the ground and with any luck it will not be burnt down. Best thing to do is make your self a nice airconditioned garage with a lift, beer cooler, big screen TV, sound system and a nice pole in the center of the room.....

 

Add an HDTV and seating to make a cool clubhouse type thing

Seriously, I think most things are covered.

Air compressor and accessories
Lift
Engine Hoist (Did not see that)
Bins
ODBII reader
SDIII Machine

best,
dsd

 

I have been part of GarageJournal for some time now, and what a great group of guy's. They helped me completely transform my garage into a shop.

 

That's funny Steve, I don't remember any beer? Did I drink too much of it? ;>)

Bob S.

 

...women in bikinis standing next to a Ferrari, women in bikinis standing next to a tool box, women in bikinis standing next to a pool table, women in bikinis holding a pizza in one hand and a pitcher of beer in the other, women in bikinis.........

 

Spring compressor
Alignment tools (if you decide not to put in an alignment rack)
Emergency shower (caustic chemical wash, etc.)
Location for changing clothes, coveralls, etc.
Digital Camera (for taking pics of things before you take them apart)
Fluid disposal containers (55 gallon drums?)

 

Potty