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Looking for tools and tips to make working on my car easier and faster

Michael_

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When i was ranting about the fact that it took me 5 hours to change 1 motor mount and that it's hard to do because there is so little working room
people kept mentioning they can do it faster because they have superior tools and techniques or people asking what tools i have.

Well i'd like to start off saying that this is my working environment & car (1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440/727):

And i got these tools (I might have forgot something)

Code:
2x Basic Wrenches: https://rs-werkzeuge.de/ringschluessel-maulschluessel-zoellig-25-tlg.
Socket Set 1/2": https://www.hoffmann-group.com/CH/de/sfs/Handwerkzeuge/Schraubwerkzeuge/Steckschl%C3%BCssel-Sortimente/Steckschl%C3%BCssel-Sortiment%2C-1-2-Zoll-Vierkant%2C-z%C3%B6llig-20-teilig/p/630049-20
Socket Set 3/8": https://www.hoffmann-group.com/CH/de/sfs/Handwerkzeuge/Schraubwerkzeuge/Steckschl%C3%BCssel-Sortimente/Steckschl%C3%BCssel-Sortiment%2C-3-8-Zoll-Vierkant%2C-z%C3%B6llig-28-teilig/p/630047-28
Socket Set 1/4": https://www.hoffmann-group.com/CH/de/sfs/Handwerkzeuge/Schraubwerkzeuge/Steckschl%C3%BCssel-Sortimente/Steckschl%C3%BCssel-Sortiment%2C-1-4-Zoll-Vierkant%2C-z%C3%B6llig-27-teilig/p/630045-27
Jack: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0047J771U/
Jack Stands: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B006VD8Z2U/
Syringe: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00D1XJC84/
Water Gun: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B075TYLM7V/ (We also have an air compressor of course)
Breaker bar with joint: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07WCKBK7L/
Torque Wrench 3/8": https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07NQ23493/
Torque Wrench 1/2": https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07NQ4FMZ3/
Measuring Device 1: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01N3YUZ8H/
Measuring Device 2: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B000Y8PXRI/
Measuring Device 3: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00ATJPGM4/
Measuring Device 4: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B079Q2CBQT/
IR Thermometer: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B003U3U5JK/
Spark Plug Gapping Tool: https://www.moparshop.com/Online-Shop/Werkzeuge/44493/Zuendkerzen-Einstellwerkzeug-0.020-in.-0.100-in.-Gap-Range

Of course i got screw drivers, vice grips, pliers and other basic stuff aswell.
My dad has a welder (not gas) but i never used that because i never welded so far.

As i mentioned before i have a garage that even has a service pit but unfortunately the garage is to small for the charger.
Even the driveway is almost to small as i cannot even fully open my cars doors.

I know that if i want to keep working on this car in the future i have to build a bigger garage, lift, engine hoist and some other stuff because i don't
see me working on that dirtfloor for the rest of my life.

But since this is not going to happen this year i wanted to ask if there are any tools or tips that would make my life easier
given my current working conditions?

Someone mentioned an 18 year old could swap those engine mounts in under 1 hour in a driveway.
So i obviously must be doing something severely wrong. (I need a second person helping and 10 hours)
 
Howdy. Before we talk about tools, let's discuss what type of "Mad Skills" you possess of a mechanical nature. Any? Have you ever owned and wrenched on a mid sixties muscle car before? Experience with these sort of cars and repairs?
I ask because it matters not if you own the complete Snap-On inventory and a million dollar garage if you have no skills.
Also, everyone is different. Some guys can reach into an engine bay and everything goes smoothly and others hit every sharp edge and bang every knuckle on the way in and on the way out. Which are you?
And still others can automatically SEE the way forward that holds the least number of obstacles and also see instantly ways that make the procedure easier and faster. Others stumble around in the fog and eventually get it done and wonder why it took so long and cost so much in busted knuckles and bloodshed.
Motor mounts can be a trial. Let's get that out of the way. Were they rusted up? Or what? Shouldn't have taken 10 hours and two people. Hell, if they were rusted solid a torch would have exed them out in a few minutes.
Inquiring minds want to know....
 
You have one of these?
1656346559018.png
1656346559018.png
 
Howdy. Before we talk about tools, let's discuss what type of "Mad Skills" you possess of a mechanical nature. Any? Have you ever owned and wrenched on a mid sixties muscle car before? Experience with these sort of cars and repairs?
I ask because it matters not if you own the complete Snap-On inventory and a million dollar garage if you have no skills.
Also, everyone is different. Some guys can reach into an engine bay and everything goes smoothly and others hit every sharp edge and bang every knuckle on the way in and on the way out. Which are you?
And still others can automatically SEE the way forward that holds the least number of obstacles and also see instantly ways that make the procedure easier and faster. Others stumble around in the fog and eventually get it done and wonder why it took so long and cost so much in busted knuckles and bloodshed.
Motor mounts can be a trial. Let's get that out of the way. Were they rusted up? Or what? Shouldn't have taken 10 hours and two people. Hell, if they were rusted solid a torch would have exed them out in a few minutes.
Inquiring minds want to know....

I never worked on any car before i bought the charger. Before last year i never even jacked one up.
I mean i already started studying how they work even before i bought the charger (Probably at least 5 years ago) so by now i have a pretty good theoretical
understanding as to what i'm looking at but as good as zero practical experience actually doing the work.

That said i'm not and idiot and i know how to turn a wrench. I was working on other stuff before but no vehicles / stuff that i could not lift with my hands.
Working in tight spaces and (to make things even worse) tight bolts in those is pretty new for me.

I once had a fog machine that was just as bad to work on.
I sold it and bought a japanse model that had way more working room.
Same goes for an Amplifier. I had a Yamaha P2200 which is a nightmare to take apart. I actually dumped it (was broke) and bought a Pioneer Spec 2. :D

A lift (or if i could use our service pit) would make things way easier because i could move myself around more.
I feel some additional tools would help aswell. I'm just not really sure what these are yet.

@Ron H No i have no engine hoist but it's on my list.
 
I never worked on any car before i bought the charger. Before last year i never even jacked one up.
I mean i already started studying how they work even before i bought the charger (Probably at least 5 years ago) so by now i have a pretty good theoretical
understanding as to what i'm looking at but as good as zero practical experience actually doing the work.

That said i'm not and idiot and i know how to turn a wrench. I was working on other stuff before but no vehicles / stuff that i could not lift with my hands.
Working in tight spaces and (to make things even worse) tight bolts in those is pretty new for me.

I once had a fog machine that was just as bad to work on.
I sold it and bought a japanse model that had way more working room.
Same goes for an Amplifier. I had a Yamaha P2200 which is a nightmare to take apart. I actually dumped it (was broke) and bought a Pioneer Spec 2. :D

A lift (or if i could use our service pit) would make things way easier because i could move myself around more.
I feel some additional tools would help aswell. I'm just not really sure what these are yet.

@Ron H No i have no engine hoist but it's on my list.
In my case age has caught up to me and stuff I’d handle by hand I try not do anymore, pulling or installing intakes, heads, etc. I got a lift like this 25 years ago and they’re not pricy, at least here.
 
In my case age has caught up to me and stuff I’d handle by hand I try not do anymore, pulling or installing intakes, heads, etc. I got a lift like this 25 years ago and they’re not pricy, at least here.

How does an engine lift help you install heads or intake?
 
I see. Well then, it seems you are at the bottom of the ladder, and looking up. One way many guys get the experience they end up with is through jumping in and getting dirty. If not on your own car then on someone else's. Join a club and volunteer to help others with their repairs to gain experience. Buy a wreck and take it apart, down to the frame. Knowledge will be gained about many things to do with how the car was built and how things go together and come apart. Buy one that has parts on it that you can sell to your club members and to others here. Use the funds to work on your Charger. Do what I did and strip your car down to a bare shell and then build it into what you want it to be. heh,heh.....Yankee Express RestoMod Project
Also read the build threads here and elsewhere to get a feel for the pitfalls and solutions that others have found and overcome and shared. Get and read the owners manual, the shop manual and the part manual for your car. Go here; MyMopar and download all of them plus the wiring manuals too.
 
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If you don't have the "Knowledge" before tackling a task, AND, you aren't one who can instantly SEE the way forward, then get out the shop manual and read about the task and how to do it. If you can read, and have opposing thumbs and average eyesight then you should be able to follow along in the book and complete the task.
 
As far as working room goes, that can only be solved by getting more space or a smaller car. lol. good luck!
 
Have your car high enough to work under SAFELY, is the drive way level? Jack up both ends so the car is close to level. I jack the rear first, put jack under center rear differential and jackstands (JS) near front of rear frame rail. Make sure it won't slide. Then front JS's need to be tall 3Tons are fairly tall. I put them in the space between radiator support and K member and lower so JS's are on frame rails. Be careful space is tight so positioning is important. Blocks under front tires, but you need to jack under k member really high! You probably need to raise rear a second time.
When using a socket on a universal joint put a little tape around universal joint so socket doesn't flop around.

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dodge 0.jpg
 
How does an engine lift help you install heads or intake?
Seriously? It helps takes a load off and helps save your back, maybe a fender too! If you don't drop it!
then get out the shop manual and read about the task and how to do it. If you can read, and have opposing thumbs and average eyesight then you should be able to follow along in the book and complete the task.

You do have a shop manual don't you? I sure hope you know how to remove the air cleaner wing nut!
 
As I stated in the other thread you need to get a real shop manual for your year car as a start. You can by a CD of one that you can view on your computer or download one off the internet. I am old school so I find an old used one online or there are companies that offer reprints of the originals for not much $'s. This will give you a good idea of the task at hand before you turn the first wrench.
 
I'm old.....I'm lazy.....and I like my back not getting all screwed up when a rear axle/differential has to come out of a car that's up on a hoist.....

So I made this.....fits in the end tube of a cherry picker and makes dealing with the differential a "one-man" operation.

Gives the cherry picker something else to do instead of just taking up space....


1656350630416.jpeg
 
You learn by working on your car as you are now.
You will add tools to your set as needs come up.
Good Jack's and jack stands are a must have. Stay safe.
I understand working outside and in a small garage is not fun.
We all at one point have been there. With experience you will start to see problems ahead of time, bolts that will twist off , ect.
Have you checked into car clubs in your area ,? Many times club members will pool their resources and rent a decent size shop building for working on their cars. Your doing fine , keep asking questions , pay no mind to the crap replies. Lots of good help here on this forum.
As time goes by sooner or later you will be able to help someone else and thats the way it is supposed to work.
 
How does an engine lift help you install heads or intake?
If you unbolt the intake after all hardware (carb on or off) is disconnected; fuel line, throttle/kd linkage, wires, wiring, vac/coolant hoses, connect the hoist hooks around the available bolt inserts/locations on the mani fore & aft (on mine using a bolt hole where the t-stat housing is, and aft, a coil bolt hole both sizeable bolts) lift and separate. Also have various eye-bolts for attaching hooks. On my heads I have fore lift locations at the neg-batt cable and alternator bracket, (L/R) there are bolt holes in the rear. Hook up the lift before you remove all the head bolts. Varies of course, by motor what’s in the way or needs removing. If ya got a strong buddy the lift isn’t necessary depending on the motor (I ain’t removing huge heads w/o a lift – just me). Plan the lift, assure a good grip ya know, oily surfaces, and protect against possible slippage. I walk it out over the front of the car, not over the fenders. The hoist (of ample capacity) can be used to lift the motor a bit for working clearance or for removing it. These lifts are adjustable and understand how adjusting it affects capacity..
 
The longer i think about it, the more confident i get that i would do much better with a lift and concrete floor.
Or to put it differently that my current working environment makes me perform far less efficient as i could be.

I mean that's kinda obvious and i already knew that my driveway https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/attachments/img-1170-jpg.1173671/
is a limiting factor but i think it actually limits me a lot more than i thought. (But yes it is level)

I do understand that other people can work very effectively in their driveway but i'm unfortunately not one of those. I mean i got things done so far but it takes forever and i hate working in this environment.
Yesterday i felt every single bone. intense. Unfortunately i cannot even use a mechanic trolley and things like moving the jack around plain simply sucks on this surface aswell. Pair that with space limitations.

Well i guess right now i just have to deal with the fact that some repairs suck and take forever (I'm also dependent on weather) at my current place and work towards a solution.
At the end i'm not only working in a driveway. I'm working in a tiny driveway that looks like a pebble beach. Not good if the repair itself isn't too easy aswell.

What i basically think is if the internal access (working room) of the car isn't to great it's best to maximize the external access (working room) by ideally having a nice size garage with concrete floor and lift.
This way you have the best possible access to the tiny targeted area. Obviously this wont give you much of an advantage when replacing a fan clutch or something like this.
 
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