What type of tools should I invest in?

[PalmerGA]

Since it's sounds like you have little or no experience in working on cars, my suggestion would be to first purchase a good illustrated repair manual. You can Google and get numerous sources for them, but I maintain Chilton's Repair Manuals are still the best.

Next, follow advice of those above by getting a basic quality socket set w/ ratchet wrench and extensions (you can do most anything with a 1/2" drive set and a 1/4" drive adapter). Add a couple of good screwdrivers, a nut-driver set w/ Torx and allen head drivers, a trim removal tool, and a good torque wrench (and an adequate sized tool box to put it all in and allow for additional tools, as needed). Look on the "Tools" Forum for more info: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=137

Also, as you are doing now, ask questions on this forum. There are many experienced and knowledgeable folks here who know these cars inside and out. Also check the DIY forum for helpful videos and discussions. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=67

[sscamaro]

I started my tool set in 1960. It was a starter set from Sears with a hand carry tool box. After I bought more tools I had to buy bigger tool boxes. After my third tool box I bought the one pictured below. I only have Craftsman tools. If one gets broken, they will replace it free of charge. You will surely need a floor jack and jack stands sometime.
.

[JCunningham]

copy of the factory Shop manual
http://www.anxa.de/camaro2010/index....atthandbuch%2F

[polizzio]

Originally Posted by sscamaro

I started my tool set in 1960. It was a starter set from Sears with a hand carry tool box. After I bought more tools I had to buy bigger tool boxes. After my third tool box I bought the one pictured below. I only have Craftsman tools. If one gets broken, they will replace it free of charge. You will surely need a floor jack and jack stands sometime.

Same story here except I started collecting about 1975. Craftsman tools have served me well. But I read recently on line Sears is really struggling to stay afloat in the retail market. Sears/Kmart has been struggling for 3 or 4 years now. Financial quarters substantially in the red, like 300 million dollars.
The latest news I read recently on line is the ship is about to sink for real.

So for a new guy starting out, I think I'd start elsewhere.....maybe the Lowes/Kobalt tools. If Sears does belly up and you lose that warranty/free tool replacement, that just plain sucks.

http://fortune.com/2015/02/26/sears-earnings/

http://money.cnn.com/2015/06/08/inve...eddie-lampert/

[paul84043]

Originally Posted by sscamaro

I started my tool set in 1960. It was a starter set from Sears with a hand carry tool box. After I bought more tools I had to buy bigger tool boxes. After my third tool box I bought the one pictured below. I only have Craftsman tools. If one gets broken, they will replace it free of charge. You will surely need a floor jack and jack stands sometime.
.

I was -7 in 1960.

[Soybeanrice]

home depot has a husky set "mechanics tool set" for 100 bucks flat. It comes with a nice sized steel box and contains sockets for all drives SAE and metric included. doesnt have deep sockets for the 1/2 drive, but its understandable.

[sscamaro]

Originally Posted by paul84043

I was -7 in 1960.

I was 26.

[polizzio]

Home Depot 268 piece Husky Mechanic Set on sale for $149. Lifetime warranty, regularly $199. A lot of useful tools for the price. Great on line reviews(for the tools)/free shipping. Nice place to start a tool collection.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mec...8MTS/203541462

[Warpaint69]

Originally Posted by ChrisBlair

I had always wanted really nice tools, you know, clean 'em off so they are shiny after the job.

Well I have some like that. But the ones I use routinely are heavy duty but crappy. You want a socket set, sure. SAE and Metric. Six point sockets, 3/4" drive for starters.

But you know what? Go to some yardsales. And consider impact socket tools even if you don't have an impact wrench.

I agree with the impact socket tools, they're a thicker better quality. I've thrashed enough cheap sockets in my day.

[PalmerGA]

Originally Posted by paul84043

I was -7 in 1960.

Me too and I was my Dad's "go-fer" when it can to fixing cars, mowers, squeaky hinges, etc. You name it. I learned what tools did what at a very young age and (perhaps more importantly) how to improvise when the tool you thought would work... didn't.

[ratfinkharley]

Be sure to get quality jack stands and a floor jack. Don't take chances when it comes to safety.

[Ruebernard]

O.P. You couldn't be in better company. I too had never worked on my cars before until I got my baby. The folks on Camaro 5 are absolutely the best! They gave me the confidence to do mods and work on my car. Don't forget YouTube either.......they have some great DIY videos.

[Ryanbabz71]

Originally Posted by ratfinkharley

Be sure to get quality jack stands and a floor jack. Don't take chances when it comes to safety.

And ramps

[PalmerGA]

Originally Posted by JCunningham

copy of the factory Shop manual
http://www.anxa.de/camaro2010/index....atthandbuch%2F

Good to have. Thanks for posting.