Fixing up your muscle car is one of the biggest joys of having one. It can be very rewarding to see your hard work pay off, providing you with a true sense of accomplishment. That knowing that without your dedication the car wouldn’t be humming as it does, or looking as sharp on those show days.
Every amateur car mechanic needs their own set of reliable tools to maintain their ride.
If you own a muscle car or other classic then these are some of the tools you should add to your toolkit.:
1. Floor jack
A floor jack with a low profile lets you lift your muscle car up safely from the frame, axels or cross member. Once jacked up you can safely place jack stands underneath to give you more room to work underneath.
2. Jack stands
If you buy jack stands as well as floor jacks then make sure they are able to hold a minimum of 3 ton or 6000 lbs; the more weight it can hold the better.
3. Vacuum/pressure gauge
Extremely useful for measuring and diagnosing vacuum pressure while the engine is running. These gauges can also help you to identify and pinpoint any leaks in the engine and intake manifold. A fuel pressure gauge measures your fuel line’s pressure which you need to know if you want to turn your carburetor. These pressure gauges are the same thing so you don’t need more than one.
4. Drop light
This helpful tool lights up the underside of your vehicle as well as under the hood where visibility can be reduced. There are a few types to choose from including traditional ones, handheld ones, magnetized underhood lights and more.
5. Multimeter
Indispensable for any electrical work. A multimeter will tell you the current running in different parts of your muscle car. It tells you (among other things) what’s working correctly and what’s not. Use it to measure the current and resistance in fuses, wires, coils, batteries, switches and other components.
6. Timing light
A valuable tool for tuning the efficiency and peak horsepower of your muscle car. A timing light lets you fine-tune when the spark plugs ignite the fuel in each cylinder.
7. Fender cover
No doubt you want to do everything you can to protect the bodywork of your beloved muscle car when working under the hood. A fender cover helps to provide extra insurance and is certainly worth having to protect your investment. It can guard against scrapes, scratches, dents and more when working under the hood or wrenching.
8. Impact gun
Really useful for quickly removing and mounting wheels, removing stubborn/seized bolts and more. You can get versions that are battery-powered or air compressor-powered.
9. Air compressor
If you have compressed-air powered tools then you’ll need an air compressor. Of course the more tools you acquire, the more likely and useful this is going to be. An air compressor pumps high-pressured air into tools like wrenches, drills, sanders, air hammers, die grinders and more. It’s invaluable to many DIY muscle car mechanics.
10. Quality cleaning kit
Every muscle car owner wants their ride to look its best. Good quality cleaning products are essential to help you do just that. Think about:
- Quality car wash/shampoo
- Polish
- Good quality wax to bring up that shine
- Microfibre sponge & towels
- Wheel brushes
- Spray detailer
If you live in the Wallingford, CT area and there is any maintenance you can’t do yourself you can call on the muscle car repair mechanics at Country Club Garage. CCG has decades of experience caring for old, classic and muscle cars.