Shop tricks

I take pictures with my phone as I take things apart. It's really great when you get pulled away to something else or have to wait for parts. My memory not being as good as it was, the pics show me exactly what goes where. Saves me a lot of time and frustration.
 
I take pictures with my phone as I take things apart. It's really great when you get pulled away to something else or have to wait for parts. My memory not being as good as it was, the pics show me exactly what goes where. Saves me a lot of time and frustration.
Absolutely! I ain’t half the mechanic I used to be without my phone!
 
i put the compressor and motor under the bench and used a large old propane tank as an outdoor reservoir. good quality torx bits make great easy outs. best axle seal puller? the axle you just pulled out. put the end back in the seal and use it to lever the seal out. use an air chisel to remove and install a screw on fan clutch. put 134a in an evap. system and use an a/c leak detector to find small evap leaks. use a exhaust gas analyser to check for combustion gasses in cooling systems. timing light to check t.b.i. injector spray patterns. this stuff is endless.
 
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The split front bench seat I take a towel and fold it up and wedge it into place in the middle divide to keep the seat from flopping back on me if i am working in the back of the car.

This works like a charm.
 
When planning out a shop, make provisions to put the compressor OUTSIDE. And get a 220V unit twice as big as you THINK you need!!!
I wouldn’t want my compressor outside here in Michigan. I realize there are some units that are designed to be outside but I’m sure I can’t afford them.
 
I wouldn’t want my compressor outside here in Michigan. I realize there are some units that are designed to be outside but I’m sure I can’t afford them.
Maybe I should rephrase that. What I mean is put it outside of the main building in a small, attached shed. The purpose being to get away from the noise. No special unit necessary.
I don’t know what difference Michigan would make. And if you can afford to piss money away on old cars, you can afford to buy a compressor made of gold! Lol
 
My ‘63 Quincy 5 hp 2 stage has a silencer on it and I can have a normal conversation with you while standing next to it and I’m pretty sure the silencer cost far less than the outbuilding and extra plumbing.:poke:
 
My ‘63 Quincy 5 hp 2 stage has a silencer on it and I can have a normal conversation with you while standing next to it and I’m pretty sure the silencer cost far less than the outbuilding and extra plumbing.:poke:
Mr. “I can’t afford a pricey compressor!”
My compressor is outside and I can stand beside my car in the garage and hear It rusting! Top that!
 
These little telescopic magnets are very handy.

37FEFF5E-E305-42AF-A6EC-E6EE09528949.jpeg
 
Maybe I should rephrase that. What I mean is put it outside of the main building in a small, attached shed. The purpose being to get away from the noise. No special unit necessary.
I don’t know what difference Michigan would make. And if you can afford to piss money away on old cars, you can afford to buy a compressor made of gold! Lol
My buddy put his tank in the basement, so he wouldn't hear it in this attached garage. Obviously single, I've stepped inside while the compressor is running it is pretty loud in the house and the kitchen floor vibrates, but you can't hear it in the garage. :)
 
Remote viewing camera. Take one along when inspecting a potential purchase. Pull out a spark plug and have a look!
Good for the shop and when I go to look at one for the purpose of buying, it keeps everyone honest. I’ve inspected quite a few “4 bolt main SBC” that turned out to be missing 2 bolts.

View attachment 284892

How did you get the camera into the oil pan to check the mains?
 
My buddy put his tank in the basement, so he wouldn't hear it in this attached garage. Obviously single, I've stepped inside while the compressor is running it is pretty loud in the house and the kitchen floor vibrates, but you can't hear it in the garage. :)

that's too funny!
 
My buddy put his tank in the basement, so he wouldn't hear it in this attached garage. Obviously single, I've stepped inside while the compressor is running it is pretty loud in the house and the kitchen floor vibrates, but you can't hear it in the garage. :)
Most new and reasonably affordable compressors are pretty loud. Mine is a 5 hp CH 80 upright. It was around $500 I think. The simple shed and small concrete pad I put it in probably cost me $200 in all. Well worth it in my book.
 
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Drain plug.

I'm surprised the seller would let you drop the oil to check this but if they motivated sellers, they let you do what it takes to sell the car.
Unless the engines were free & clear out of the car.
Thanks for the explanation.
 
I'm surprised the seller would let you drop the oil to check this but if they motivated sellers, they let you do what it takes to sell the car.
Unless the engines were free & clear out of the car.
Thanks for the explanation.
That’s what I’m talking about. Engines that are already out. I’ve never drained the oil in a car that wasn’t mine to perform this inspection. But, if the seller is motivated enough and the money is in hand, you could say “if you let me do this and, it is in fact a 4 bolt main, I’ll hand you the cash when I crawl back out from under it”
 
an infrared gun to check for cold spots in radiators. hot spots on exhaust manifolds. a/c operation... air compressor noise? can't hear it over the stereo. invaluable garage accessory for a suburban location: great neighbors.
 
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