Firebird Restoration Tools: Harbor Freight vs. The Competition – Part 6
Painting the Car
One of the most time-consuming and important projects you'll perform in the auto restoration process is to paint the sucker. Painting a classic car is more of an art than a mechanical procedure, and doing a good job means summoning patience and a bit of perfectionism from your normally "that's good enough"-self. That new, glossy paint job will make the slightest blemish look pronounced and no matter how awesome the ride's going to look, believe me, you'll be staring at that blotch like my teenage daughter obsesses over a zit.
First, choosing the paint: Most likely you'll be compromising between the quality and budget. Most paints nowadays do a pretty good job of protecting the underlying metal, but cheaper paints can be less tolerant to sun, and will fade quickly if the car sits outside for any length of time. Regardless of the type of paint you choose, remember you get what you pay for. More expensive paints will last longer and retain their pigment better than the "bargain" paints.
Just a couple more things to cover before we move on to the equipment: proper preparation. Especially if it's assembled, the car first needs be taped off, using masking tape and paper. You might be thinking, heck, I'll just use newspaper. But newspaper is porous and can let paints-- especially clear coat-- bleed through onto the glass and trim, leaving a time-consuming mess. It costs a little more, but using a less porous paper-- making paper better still--will make the job a lot easier. Plastic can be used to bag the engine bay and other areas that won't be painted, and wheel covers or trash bags can be used to cover the wheels and tires. Once taped, the car is prepared by wiping it down with a cleaner (Naphtha is usually the main ingredient) to eliminate any oils or foreign materials from the surface that could cause fish-eyes or other blemishes. Finally, the car is wiped down with a tack-cloth to remove any dust or debris that could affect the paint job.
If you don't have a lot of experience painting cars, following the instructions on the MSDS will help you apply a good paint job. If done properly, your paint job should protect your car and look great for many years.
Now on to the equipment. The primer is already on, so our designated restoration artisan turns to the...
Central Pneumatic 2-pc. Professional Automotive HVLP Spray Gun Kit $49.99
The HVLP spray gun's material transfer gives you better, more consistent coverage than conventional spray guns, and with minimal messy over-spray. It comes with a 20 oz. gravity feed gun that operates at 30-35 PSI and detail gun that performs 25-30 PSI, and comes with stainless steel needles and tips on both guns. Our technician used this, along with a 33 Oz. Gravity Feed Paint Cup to spray two coats of red paint and three coats of clear. After which, he color-sanded the body with dish soap & water, 1200 Grit Sandpaper, using a 4-7/8" Soft Rubber Sanding Block to knock off the "orange peel." How does our spray gun kit compare to the competition's?
- Sears - US Freight Neiko Pro 2.0mm HVLP Gravity Speed Spray Gun w/Gauge #9924G - $59.99
- Northern Tool - Wagner Double-Duty HVLP Sprayer #0518050 - $94.99
- Home Depot - Husky HVLP & Conventional Spray Gun Kit #HDK00600AV - $79.99
- Lowe's - Kobalt Large Gravity Feed Spray Gun #SGY-AIR88 - $54.96
- Grainger - BINKS HVLP Gravity Spray Gun Kit #98-3170 - $204.25
Following the pain job, Jeff buffed, using this polisher/sander and then, with the waxing, delivered the classic car to an incredible mirror gloss finish!
The polisher gives you all the power and control you need for a wide variety of applications. It generates between 1000-3500 RPM for a pretty nice polish. The LCD display shows the speed and the textured grip side handle provides comfortable handling. The polisher comes with foam and polishing bonnets as well as an 80 grip sanding disc. It's also great for boats, travel trailers, stairs, etc-- all at a great price. Now here's the competition:
- Sears - Wen Variable Speed 7" Polisher/Sander #946 - $59.99
- Northern Tool - Makita 7" Sander & Polisher 3000 RPM #9227CX3 - $239.99
- Home Depot - Wen 7" Pro Sander/Polisher #946 - $59.99
- Lowes - Porter Cable 4.5 Amp Ros Power Sander/Polisher # 7346SP - $119.00
- Grainger - Makita 7" Variable Speed Sander/Polisher #9227CY - $284.75
Once again, Harbor Freight Tools proves you get what you pay for-- and more! Visit the homepage and Coupons Page, and check out other great deals the store has going.
Firebird Restoration Tools: Harbor Freight vs. the Competition – Engine Rebuild
Believe it or not, for the meatiest phase of the Firebird restoration project-- the engine rebuild-- the star of the show was the Pittsburgh Professional 1/2" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench, a multipurpose tool utilized throughout the video (check out the great details and tips employed in this installment). A heavy-duty cam and pawl mechanism, this reversible 1/2" drive click type torque wrench is THE go-to tool when precise torque is needed. The click-type wrench design provides a torque range from 20 to 150 ft. lbs and is accurate to within +/- 4% ! Harbor Freight price: $19.99.
Judging by the reviews, we already know it's an awesome automotive hand tool. But how does it measure up cost-wise to the competition? Let's check it out:
- Sears - Performance Mechanics 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench #M200DB - $47.02
- Northern Tool - Northern Industrial 1/2" Torque Wrench #558266 - $29.99
- Home Depot - Husky 1/2" Drive Torque Wrench #39104T - $79.97
- Lowe's - Kobalt 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench #85601 - $94.97
- Grainger - Proto 1/2" Torque Wrench #J6016CX - $281.50
Next time we'll look at the tools used for painting the car and, as always, compare them to the competition's stuff. By now the pattern should be clear: Harbor Freight Tools offers, without a doubt, the best value on quality auto restoration tools. Don't forget to check out their weekly flyer and keep checking HarborFreight.com for sales, coupons and the best deals around!
See you next time!
Firebird Restoration Project Part 9 – Finale
Well, it's been a long road, but we've finally come to the end of our journey. Behold the final video installment of the '67 Firebird Restoration Project, executed exclusively with Harbor Freight Tools.
As I shared last week, the fully-restored '67 Firebird pulled into our office parking lot, and let me tell you, it was a sight to see. Ever watch the Mecum Car Auctions on the Velocity Channel? (love that show!) This car would have summoned a pretty penny on their auction block. Before it was whisked away to who-knows-where, a handful of us slowly circled around it, transfixed, muttering "wows" and "oh yeahs" under our breaths. The original interior was pristine-- black bucket seats and carpet looking like new. Under the hood, the same. In fact, the guy who did the restoration, Jeff Tann, said the 'bird's engine was better now than when it was new.
Imagine the same kind of results with your favorite Mopar or Mustang... maybe an old Apache pickup or Landcruiser. Whatever your poison, Harbor Freight Tools has got the power, air and hand tools you need for a lot less moolah than the other guys-- and they've got the fans to prove it! Get their catalog, shop their deals, clip their coupons... you won't be able to help grinning with all the cool stuff you'll be taking home for so little.
So, what's to become of the Firebird? The rumors abound. A Saudi now sheikh has it. It's in the next Bourne movie. Elvis was seen in it at a drive-through in Lubbock, Texas. No one can say for sure... I only know I offered to take it off their hands, but haven't heard back yet.
Firebird Restoration Tools: Harbor Freight vs. The Competition – Part 4
The Underbody
If it's going to be done right, every phase of restoring a vehicle is important. I mean, you wouldn't just rebuild or replace the carb, throw on some new paint and upholstery, and call it done (although, that's exactly what a lot of guys do). That thinking will bite you in the butt down the road-- literally. That's why the underbody gets the same attention as everything else. So... let's talk tools:
Last month I started a series illustrating how much more bang for the buck a wrencher can get from Harbor Freight Tools than they could the competition. Using the '67 Firebird Restoration project as my example, I've been breaking it down phase by phase, comparing the prices of tools used in the project with similar (if not exact) products that the competition advertises. The competitors I chose were Sears, Northern Tool, Home Depot, Lowe's and Grainger. Exact matches weren't always found, so I substituted the closest product available. As I've said before, I don't think this compromises the test because we're only talking about differences in size and shape, not power or function.
In the first segment, we looked at Harbor Freight's tools used in the vehicle's disassembly video. In the second, we explored price differences on the engine removal phase. In the third installment, we featured the tools employed in the stripping and priming process. This time we're only featuring two tools for the underbody:
Using a heavy-duty industrial de-greaser, this powerful 2000 PSI gas pressure washer is unstoppable against old, caked-on grease, oil and dirt that's accumulated on your vehicle's underbelly. Pumping out 1.6 gallons a minute, the machine is EPA-certified and easily portable on two rubber wheels. It's got a mighty four-stroke 4 HP gas engine with a cast-iron cylinder for maximum durability, pump-overheat protection, overload protection and low-oil shutdown for extra safety.
- Sears - Craftsman 2200 PSI Gas-Powered Pressure Washer - $249.99
- Northern Tool - Wel-bilt 2500 PSI Gas-Powered Pressure Washer - $249.99
- Home Depot - Simpson MegaShot 2200 PSI Gas-Powered Pressure Washer - $269.99
- Lowe's - Simpson MegaShot 2200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer - $269.99
- Grainger - Generac #5987 2500 PSI Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer - $499.25
You can't beat the quality and value of this great, little blaster! In the video they used it for blasting rust from the undercarriage, but that's just one of a zillion things you can use this tool on. Car restoration, firearm parts, tool cabinets, barbecues, metal beams, aluminum wheels, tools, to name a few. Use slag media, silica, walnut or pecan shells, sand, glass bead, steel grit and more. The portable abrasive blaster kit comes with a blast gun, 15-ft. material hose and a hopper than can hold up to 50 lbs. of abrasive media. Just hook it up to a 1 HP or larger compressor and easily remove paint, rust, graffiti, corrosion and scale.
- Sears - Sears Portable Sand Blaster - $119
- Northern Tool - ALC Suction Abrasive Blaster - $49.99
- Home Depot - Powermate Air Sand Blaster - $55.99
- Lowe's - N/A
- Grainger - ALC Siphon Blaster - $171
Check out The Video to see the tools in action during the underbody stripping procedure.
In the next installment, we'll take a look at the tools used for the Engine Rebuild, and compare them to the competition's. Until then!
’67 Firebird Restoration Project: Part 8 – Assembly!
After all the hours, all the painstaking labor, all the fine details-- not to mention the social hari kari-- it does the heart good to see the fruits of the labor coming together. So, like Beethoven with an impact wrench, one man has labored to produce a pretty bitchin' set of wheels.
And we've finally come to the eighth installment of the Harbor Freight Tools 1967 Firebird Restoration Project: Putting the car back together.
Recapping -- HFT invited former Rod & Custom editor, Jeff Tann, to restore a First Generation Firebird using only products from Harbor Freight Tools. The car is all original with a 400/325-hp V8 engine, so he's approaching the project from scratch.
- In Part 1, we were given a tour of the original vehicle, inside and out, and presented Jeff's challenge.
- In Part 2, we followed the body-dismantling process and introduced the U.S. General 700 lb. Capacity 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Cart, which housed the Pittsburgh Professional 301-Piece Mechanic's Tool Kit. Also in this segment, we saw how Jeff made quick business of the job with a Central Pneumatic 3/8" Professional Air Ratchet and 1/4" Mini Air Ratchet Wrench.
- In Part 3, Jeff lifted the engine using a 1-Ton Capacity Foldable Shop Crane and then removed the tranny from it with a Central Pneumatic 1/2" Twin Hammer Air Impact Wrench before he mounted it on the Central Machinery 1000 Lb. Engine Stand, and proceeded to take it apart.
- Part 4 took us to the exciting first step of transformation-- sanding and priming the car. For the stripping, Jeff used a Central Pneumatic 6" Dual Action Air Sander and the Jitterbug Orbital Air Sander. He then laid down the primer like a rock star, using the Central Pneumatic Professional HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun.
- Part 5 involves the pressure-washing, sandblasting and undercoating of the Firebird. Using a Pacific Hydrostar 4 HP 2000 PSI Gas Pressure Washer and a generous amount of heavy-duty degreaser, he heavily coated the underbody to break down over 45 years of grease, oil and dirt, and then washed it off with water using a high-pressure nozzle. Once the underbody was scrubbed clean, he sandblasted the rust spots with a Central Pneumatic Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit, using highly efficient Medium Grade Armex Soda Blast Media and, as a finishing touch, covered the surface with Rustoleum Professional Undercoating Spray.
- In Part 6, we come to the meatiest phase of the Firebird restoration to date-- the engine rebuild. The Pittsburgh Professional 1/2" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench is pretty much the star of the show, a multipurpose tool utilized throughout the footage. That said, check out the great details and tips employed in this installment. Chances are you'll see a thing or two you'd like to adopt for your next project.
- Part 7 shows Jeff advancing to the painting stage. The primer already on, he picks up the Central Pneumatic 2-pc. Professional Automotive HVLP Spray Gun Kit, along with a 33 Oz. Gravity Feed Paint Cup to spray two coats of red paint and three coats of clear. After which, he color-sanded the body with dish soap & water, 1200 Grit Sandpaper, using a 4-7/8" Soft Rubber Sanding Block to knock off the "orange peel." Following this, Jeff buffed, using a Chicago Electric 7" Electronic Polisher/Sander With Digital Display, and then with the waxing, delivered the classic car to an incredible mirror gloss finish!
We now come to the muscle car's reassembly. For Part 8 we treat you to a slide show of all the parts coming together, until we have a beautifully restored '67 Pontiac Firebird, better than it was when it came off the assembly line.
Whatever your labor of love, if it has to do with tools, Harbor Freight Tools has got what you need-- and sends you home with extra cash in your pocket!
Next time-- the final result, inside and out!
Enjoy!
Firebird Restoration Tools: Harbor Freight vs. The Competition – Pt. 3
Stripping & Priming Tools
Yesterday morning the fully-restored '67 Firebird pulled into our office parking lot, transported by trailer, and let me tell you, it was a sight to see. Ever watch the Mecum Car Auctions on the Velocity Channel? This car would have commanded a pretty penny on that show. Before it was whisked away to who-knows-where, a handful of us slowly circumnavigated around it, transfixed, muttering "wows" and "oh yeahs" under our breaths. The original interior was pristine-- black bucket seats and carpet looking like it just rolled off the assembly line. Under the hood, the same. In fact, the guy who did the restoration, Jeff Tann, said the 'bird was better now than when it was new. In a future installment, I'll provide a thorough pictorial of the final results. For now, let's talk tools:
Earlier this month I started a series illustrating how much could be saved buying products from Harbor Freight Tools-- as opposed to the competition-- for the '67 Firebird Restoration project. Breaking it down phase by phase, we're comparing the prices of tools used in the project with similar (if not exact) products that the competitors advertise. The competitors I chose were Sears, Northern Tool, Home Depot, Lowe's and Grainger. It should be noted that exact matches weren't always found, so I substituted the closest comparison available. As I've said before, I don't think this compromises the test because we're only talking about differences in size and shape, not function.
In the first segment, we looked at Harbor Freight's tools used in the vehicle's disassembly video. In the second we explored price differences on the engine removal phase. In the third installment, we'll be looking at the tools employed in the stripping and priming process:
This sander’s orbital action allows swirl-free finishes to give your auto body, metalworking or woodworking project a professional appearance! The orbital sander is constructed with sturdy, lightweight aluminum housing and features a cushion-grip vinyl handle to provide comfortable yet firm control. A great orbital sander for edging, feathering and finishing projects for both pros and hobbyists!
- Sears - Ingersoll Rand (IRT311A) Dual Action Air Sander - $69.76
- Northern Tool - Northern Industrial 6" Dual Action Air Sander - $34.99
- Home Depot - Husky 6" Pneumatic Dual Action Sander - $59.98
- Lowe's - Kobalt 6" Dual Action Sander - $59.84
- Grainger - Speedaire 3CRJ3 - $73.80
This vibration-free air sander-- at 9,400 orbits-per-minute-- is perfect for auto body work or finish work on furniture (according to one customer, it's also great on the aluminum wing surfaces of WWII aircraft). The orbital air sander features a compact palm grip that enables you to easily reach tight spots, a paddle trigger and a built-in regulator.
- Sears - Mechanics Tools M569DB - $49.42
- Northern Tool - Northern Industrial Orbital Air Sander - $39.99
- Home Depot - EMAX Jitterbug Sander - $59.97
- Lowe's - N/A
- Grainger - Ingersoll Rand 312A Orbital Air Sander - $179
The high volume and low pressure on this spray gun reduces over-spray so that more paint goes on your mural, car, motorcycle, fence and whatever else you wish to paint! Restoring furniture? The Central Pneumatic HVLP spray gun sprays wood stain, clear-coat, etc., perfectly. The gravity feed and regulator allows paint to spray evenly on your project. This HVLP spray gun is a great tool for spraying lacquer on the deck, or priming or undercoating your car!
- Sears - Tooluxe HVLP Spray Gun - $39.99
- Northern Tool - Ingersoll Rand Performance 210G Spray Gun - $79.99
- Home Depot - Husky Gravity Freed HVLP Spray Gun - $49.98
- Lowe's - Kobalt Large Gravity Spray Gun - $89.96
- Grainger - Speedaire 4XP65 Spray Gun - $139.75
Check out The Video to see the tools in action during the stripping and priming process!
In the next installment, we'll take a look at the tools used for undercoating the car, and compare them to the competition's. Until then!
Firebird Restoration Tools: Harbor Freight vs. the Competition – Pt. 2
Engine Removal Tools
Last week I started a series illustrating how much could be saved buying products from Harbor Freight Tools-- as opposed to the competition-- for the '67 Firebird Restoration project. Breaking it down phase by phase, we're comparing the prices of tools used in the project with similar (if not exact) products that the competitors advertise. The competitors I chose were Craftsman, Northern Tool, Home Depot, Lowe's and Grainger. It should be noted that exact matches weren't always found, so I substituted the closest comparison available. As I suggested last week, I don't think this compromises the test because we're only talking about differences in size and shape, not function. It should also be pointed out that not all the listed competitors carry all the tools used in the project.
In the first segment, we looked at Harbor Freight's tools used in the vehicle's disassembly video. This week we'll be exploring price differences on the engine removal phase:
This powerful shop crane delivers the lifting power you need to easily hoist engines and transmissions, move heavy machinery and load equipment. And when you're done, it just folds vertically up against the wall or in a corner, taking up very little space. Made of heavy-duty steel, Harbor Freight's rock solid and sturdy shop crane is an invaluable, cost-effective addition to the garage.
- Sears - Dragway Tools 2-Ton Engine Motor Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane Lift - $279.99
- Northern Tool - Torin Big Red Folding Shop Crane - $279.99
- Home Depot - N/A
- Lowe's - N/A
- Grainger - Shop Crane, 4400 lb. Cap. - $517.50
- Sears - Black Bull 1000 lb. Four Wheel Engine Stand - $69.99
- Northern Tool - Torin Big Red 1250 lb. Engine Stand - $109.99
- Home Depot - 750 lb. Engine Stand - $104.16
- Lowe's - N/A
- Grainger - Automotive Engine Stand 750 lb. - $186.25
- Sears - Eastwood 1/2" Drive Twin Hammer Air Impact Wrench - $59.99
- Northern Tool - Wel-Bilt Air Twin Impact Wrench - $79.99
- Home Depot - PowRyte 1/2" Heavy Duty Air Impact Wrench - $69.99
- Lowe's - Kobalt 1/2" 500 ft.-lbs. Air Impact Wrench - $79.94
- Grainger - Chicago Pneumatic Impact Wrench 1/2" Drive - $334.25
Check out The Video to see the tools in action during the engine removal process!
In the next installment, we'll take a look at the tools used for stripping and priming the car, and compare them to the competition's. Until then!
Firebird Restoration Tools: Harbor Freight vs. the Competition – Pt. 1
While I've been posting the progress of the '67 Firebird's restoration these past weeks, it occurred to me some of you might be thinking, "Well, so what? That's what tools are for." This is true. But the proposition that Harbor Freight's tools are rugged, reliable and capable is beside the point. The purpose of this exercise (besides showing you a sexy car) is to demonstrate how someone can execute something as meaningful and professional as restore a classic car while spending a lot less money-- or getting a lot more value for the money-- for the tools to do it. That's a pretty big deal.
So to better illustrate the point, I'll compare the prices of the tools used on the project with similar (if not exact) products the competitors advertise. The competitors I chose were Craftsman, Northern Tool, Home Depot, Lowe's and Grainger. It should be noted that exact matches weren't always found, so I substituted the closest comparison available. I don't think this compromises the test, however, because we're only talking about differences in size and shape, not function.
In the first segment, we'll be looking at the Harbor Freight tools used in the vehicle's disassembly video:
This solidly-built, steel tool cart is the perfect rolling workstation for wrenchers, able to hold 700 lbs of tools and easily roll around the garage. Standing at over 41" high and 37" wide, there's tons of space, and with 5 drawers, a bottom shelf, a covered tray on top, side slots and more, it will keep you fully armed at your spot without having to go "fetch" a tool.
- Craftsman - 3-Drawer GRIPLATCH Utility Cart - $349.99
- Northern Tool Excel - 5-Drawer Rolling Metal Tool Cart - $399.99
- Home Depot - Excel 600 lb. 4-Drawer Steel Tool Cart - $369.99
- Lowe's - Task Force 400 lb. 6-Drawer Steel Tool Chest - $189.00
- Grainger - Westward 250 lb. 4-Drawer Utility Cart - $572.50
The huge, industrial-quality tool set contains a comprehensive collection of the most used automotive and mechanic's tools, including adjustable wrenches, ratchets, breaker bars, pliers, sockets in SAE and metric, extensions and universal joint adapters. This treasure trove of tools is built to last!
- Craftsman - 309-pc. Mechanics Tool Set - $249.99
- Northern Tool - 305-pc. Mechanics Tool Set - $299.99
- Home Depot - Husky 264-pc. Mechanics Tool Set - $198.00
- Lowe's - Kobalt 227-pc. Mechanics Tool Set - $199.98
- Grainger - Craftsman Industrial 273-pc. Mechanics Tool Set - $985.00
- Craftsman - 3/8" Ratchet Wrench - $34.99
- Northern Tool - Northern Industrial 3/8" Air Ratchet Wrench - $29.99
- Home Depot - Campbell Hausfeld 3/8" Air Ratchet Wrench - $32.68
- Lowe's - Campbell Hausfeld 3/8" Air Ratchet Wrench - $48.38
- Grainger - Westward 3/8" Air Ratchet Wrench - $79.00
- Craftsman - 1/4" Mini Air Ratchet - $49.99
- Northern Tool - AirCat Mini 1/4" Air Ratchet - $99.99
- Home Depot - Black Bull 1/4" Air Ratchet - $21.97
- Lowe's - N/A
- Grainger - Westward 1/4" Air Ratchet - $69.75
So as you can see, when you buy at Harbor Freight Tools, you really are getting the best of both worlds-- great tools at ridiculously low prices!
Join us next week when we'll review the tools employed to remove the engine!
’67 Firebird Restoration Project: Part 7 – Painting the Car
After all the hours, all the work, all the details-- not to mention the social hari kari-- it does the heart good to see the fruits of the labor coming together.
We're now at the seventh installment of the Harbor Freight Tools 1967 Firebird Restoration Project.
Recapping -- HFT invited former Rod & Custom editor, Jeff Tann, to restore a First Generation Firebird using only products from Harbor Freight Tools. The car is all original with a 400/325-hp V8 engine, so he's approaching the project from scratch.
- In Part 1, we were given a tour of the original vehicle, inside and out, and presented Jeff's challenge.
- In Part 2, we followed the body-dismantling process and introduced the U.S. General 700 lb. Capacity 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Cart, which housed the Pittsburgh Professional 301-Piece Mechanic's Tool Kit. Also in this segment, we saw how Jeff made quick business of the job with a Central Pneumatic 3/8" Professional Air Ratchet and 1/4" Mini Air Ratchet Wrench.
- In Part 3, Jeff lifted the engine using a 1-Ton Capacity Foldable Shop Crane and then removed the tranny from it with a Central Pneumatic 1/2" Twin Hammer Air Impact Wrench before he mounted it on the Central Machinery 1000 Lb. Engine Stand, and proceeded to take it apart.
- Part 4 took us to the exciting first step of transformation-- sanding and priming the car. For the stripping, Jeff used a Central Pneumatic 6" Dual Action Air Sander and the Jitterbug Orbital Air Sander. He then laid down the primer like a rock star, using the Central Pneumatic Professional HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun.
- In Part 5, which involves the pressure-washing, sandblasting and undercoating of the Firebird. Using a Pacific Hydrostar 4 HP 2000 PSI Gas Pressure Washer and a generous amount of heavy-duty degreaser, he heavily coated the underbody to break down over 45 years of grease, oil and dirt, and then washed it off with water using a high-pressure nozzle. Once the underbody was scrubbed clean, he sandblasted the rust spots with a Central Pneumatic Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit, using highly efficient Medium Grade Armex Soda Blast Media and, as a finishing touch, covered the surface with Rustoleum Professional Undercoating Spray.
- In Part 6, we come to the meatiest phase of the Firebird restoration to date-- the engine rebuild. The Pittsburgh Professional 1/2" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench is pretty much the star of the show, a multipurpose tool utilized throughout the footage. That said, check out the great details and tips employed in this installment. Chances are you'll see a thing or two you'd like to adopt for your next project.
Now in Part 7, Jeff has advanced to the painting stage. The primer is already on, so our designated restoration artisan turns to the Central Pneumatic 2-pc. Professional Automotive HVLP Spray Gun Kit, along with a 33 Oz. Gravity Feed Paint Cup to spray two coats of red paint and three coats of clear. After which, he color-sanded the body with dish soap & water, 1200 Grit Sandpaper, using a 4-7/8" Soft Rubber Sanding Block to knock off the "orange peel." Following this, Jeff buffed, using a Chicago Electric 7" Electronic Polisher/Sander With Digital Display, and then with the waxing, delivered the classic car to an incredible mirror gloss finish!
Whatever your labor of love, if it has to do with tools, Harbor Freight Tools has got what you need-- and sends you home with extra cash in your pocket!
Stay in touch: There's still more to come!
The One Thing
Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is?
(holds up one finger) This.
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean (squat).
City Slickers, 1991
As you may or may not be aware, we've been following the restoration of a '67 Firebird where only Harbor Freight Tools are being employed, and are documenting it in a video series. While I've been editing footage for the blog, I couldn't help but notice that the Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench was used throughout the project. In fact, in the sixth installment, where the engine gets rebuilt, this tool was the star of the show-- doing about 80% of the work!
Don't let the price fool you. The reversible 1/2" torque wrench is up to the task, whether you're a weekend warrior or professional practitioner, in the home or under the hood. And as a friend pointed out to me, it's the primo tool to keep in the car as a lug wrench. Accurate to within plus-or-minus 4%, the Pittsburgh torque wrench features a click-stop design with a range of 20-150 ft. lbs. It also comes with a heavy-duty cam and pawl mechanism that delivers the necessary precision required for jobs that require specificity. It's the go-to tool for engines, suspension and a long list of projects.
So, when you're looking to start or fortify your auto and/or shop tool arsenal. just remember One Thing:
The Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" drive click-stop torque wrench.
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