OK, so through various life changes (divorces, school after 30, etc.), I find myself finally settling down.
I own a house but have no basement or garage, yet plan on building a paved, covered 2 car carport.


What are some of the basic tools etc (specifics if possible), you feel I need to support a restorod project. I have 64 Dart 4 door which i probably will restore, with a disc up grade, rear end swap (8 1/4), head change etc. I also have a 64 Dart SW which I probably will be welding sheetmetal on, with many more extensive tasks than the 4 door.
I have some basic hand tools and a small bench grinder, but am interested in you, more experienced motorheads opinions.

Thanks

I've picked up hundreds of tools over the years.

I buy as I need them. I always like to buy a quality tool, but sometimes a cheap one works in a pinch, I usually end up buying a name brand item after I break the cheap one on a sunday evening after all the stores are closed and I'm stuck without my car Monday morning.

A good air compressor (I've got 2, a cheap one, and the good one that I replaced it with) and some basic air tools can be really nice things to have. Took me 15 years to finally get a set, and I could kick myself for not doing it sooner.

I always add a little fluff to the price of projects so I can buy any tools I need along the way.

Many years ago, I bought a cheap gasless (flux core) mig welder.($300) It rarely gets used, and I would suggest you either buy a better model or rent or sub out the work to someone with good welding equipment.

That's all I can think of so far.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

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Thanks
Yeah I've been Recollecting tools (get my 20+ years worth stolen), for about the last 4 years.
I've got a cheapy compressor also (failed to mention that).

the welder was one area I was curious about. I've welded minumially, and can do it but don't know which is the best all around type and a good brand name to get, (we all know Lincoln etc.)

I've had old timers tell me to just go gas, if I'm doing most sheet metal and little, "Beefing" up of K members, steering box gussetts.
I don't know.

Thanks for the help.

BTW, that's how I buy my tools also.

Where do I begin....
My son and I have been working close to three years on his '74 Dart Sport rebuild. We have stripped that rascal down to every last nut and bolt, literally. We encountered just about every stumbling block possible. Here are a few things you might consider, if you plan to dive into the deep water, with a full-bore restoration.

Welder - definitately a MIG with gas shield
Air compressor - can't say enough about plenty of volume and delivery rate
Air tools - impact wrench, cut off wheel, die grinder, dual action sander, ratchet, in-line sander (air file)
Tap and die set - a must for cleaning up boogered bolts and cross-threaded holes
Drill - strong 3/8" variable speed or 1/2" heavy duty
Ratchet wrench - both 3/8" and 1/2" drive with short and long extensions
Sockets - both 3/8" and 1/2" drive SAE sizes in regular and deep well
Combination wrenches - I really like my ratcheting box-end wrenches
Screwdrivers - various sizes of flat blade and Phillips
Torque wrench - might need two to cover a wide range from in/lbs to ft/lbs
Body tools - variety depends upon extent of repair

I'm sure there are many other tools we used along the way that I haven't mentioned. Fortunately, we are working on the car in my father-in-law's shop, where he has practically every tool known to man. If you are starting out from scratch, get ready to lay down some cash. And as Dan said, as much as it hurts, spend your money wisely on good quality tools.

Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

here some tools you'll need

get a 4" or 4.5" angle grinder with plenty of metal cutoff disc for cutting out rusted areas and cutting sheet metal sheets...also some aviation shears for cutting sheet metal, maybe rivet gun and rivets for temp or permanent holding your work together...a good 3/8" corded drill..extension cords ....a good work bench to mount a large vise and bench grinder..plenty of floresant light fixtures...get a lot of various kinds of vise grip pliers...get a floor jack and jack stands to make work area come to you....good 3/8" & 1/2" socket sets, and lotsa wrenches..tried to get quality tools, if cash is tight, Craftsman is good, else get Snap on, SK or Mac etc, if cash is really tight, Harbor Freight is ok

_________________
73 Dart 4dr
70 duster
75 VW bug
ex-88 honda rice rocket
ex-70 cuda 383

Thanks guys. I've got the majority of the hand tools, with 2 torque wrenches.
I was wondering about an angle grinder, though my cars have very little rust.
Welder was another one.

Here in Tucson, garages weren't built on older homes (newer ones have them), and my place doesn't even have a concrete slab right now.

I need to build the carport and then pour the slab before the major disassemble takes place.
I'm going to work on restoring the 4 door. I've always loved her (I actually prefer 4 doors), and since I know it won't ever fetch lotsa $$$$$ (not that I'm going to sell her), I don't want to sink major $$$$ into her. Which for me means doing damn near everything myself.

Luckily she's a car that was bought at a local dealer so father time has been real good to her rust wise and she's complete.

Thanks again

Keep em coming if there's more for sure.

I envy you 74 Sport, sounds like a great shop.

Thanks again

Don't forget a torch and a sawzall, in case some parts need a little persuasion.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2