Mustang Restoration Tools Of The Trade

Soda Blaster
Soda blasting is the professional's choice for stripping body panels and leaving a paint-ready surface. Eastwood's 2-in-1 Soda Blaster features a 100-pound media capacity, four nozzles, hardware, and instructions for switching from Bicarbonate Soda to abrasive use. The high-flow, high-volume design allows the unit to work with a minimal 6 cfm at 80 psi for quick removal of the toughest paint. It will strip steel, aluminum, plastic, chrome-plated surfaces, fiberglass, and glass without damage.

Paint Shop in a Box
If you're looking to spray your own paint, Summit Racing can get you started in a hurry with its new StartingLine Complete Spraying System from DeVilbiss. The system supplies three top-quality HVLP spray guns-full-size with 1.8mm primer tip, full-size with 1.3mm tip for finish coats, and miniature with 1.0mm tip for hard-to-reach areas and touch-up jobs. Also included are two 600cc aluminum paint cups, a 130cc plastic cup, pressure regulator with air gauge, cleaning brush kit, and adjustment wrench.

Making Lines
Even novices can bend and flare tubing for brake, fuel, transmission, vacuum, oil, and coolant lines with the tools and accessories from Classic Tube. The Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Kit easily fabricates single and double flares, bubble flares, and hose flares. Classic Tube's Power Bleeder, with its built-in hand pump, makes bleeding brake lines a simple and quick one-person job. The Power Bleeder removes air and moisture from the brake system for a firmer pedal and safer system. Classic Tube also offers tube wrenches and a large assortment of brake valves, including adjustable proportioning valves.

Coil Spring Compressor
Summit Racing is now offering the Coil Spring Compressor from K Tool International. Providing a safe method to remove or install Mustang front coil springs, the compressor slips inside the spring. With the jaws hooked around the spring, you can tighten or loosen the adjustment nut for installation or removal. Available for $58.69, the compressor adjusts from 6¼ to 14¾ inches.

Wet/Dry Vac
For cleaning up during restoration projects, JS Products has introduced a new Snap-on 4-gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum. Powered by a 9-amp motor, the portable and compact vacuum features the performance of larger models in a smaller and more compact design. Model 93050 produces 180 air watts of suction power to provide ample pick up, while a 20-foot power cord allows for extended reach. A unique hose locking mechanism makes it virtually impossible for the hose to detach during use, yet it's easy to switch the hose from one port to another.

Dolly Set
Craftsman's new three-piece Dolly Block set includes toe, heel, and general purpose dollies to handle most body contours. Used as hand-held anvils to "back-up" a body panel being struck by a body hammer, typically to repair dents or dings, the various shapes, weights, contours, faces, and crowns are designed to fit all variations in auto body panels. Forged in alloy steel, the dolly set comes with a users guide with instructions and tips.

Roller Rotisserie
At the Mustang 45th Anniversary Celebration, Doug Kielian from DSK Auto Products wowed attendees with his Roller Hoop as he effortlessly spun a convertible body around and around. We featured Doug's unique rotisserie in our January 2007 issue, but figure it's worth another look in this tool guide. Consisting of two 7½-foot diameter rings, the mounted body rotates on a pair of bases with four hard rubber wheels for the hoops to roll on. The Roller Hoop comes with foot brakes and casters, which make it easy to roll the body around in a shop or even onto a trailer for transport.

Tabletop Sandblaster
The Tabletop Sandblaster cabinet (PN SUM-909051) from Summit Racing is ideal for removing old paint, rust, glue, and other gunk from small parts in your home restoration shop. Measuring 19½ inches wide, 19 inches tall, and 12 inches deep, the cabinet comes with a viewing window, 12V lights, and ¼-inch NPT air inlets to work with an air compressor (not included).

Spot-Weld Remover
Now you can drill out spots welds quickly, and without drilling through both panels, with the Spot Mill from HTP America. Best of all, access to both sides of the panel is not required. The HTP Spot Mill features a hardened cobalt steel bullet point drill bit, similar to the ones found in a Bridgeport milling machine. The depth of cut is easily set by turning the adjusting ring, so you can set the tool to only cut through the upper panel. The high-torque, low-rpm drill motor cuts welds quickly. The Spot Mill comes in a molded case with four replacement cutting bits, regulator, and oiler.

Accessorized Compressor
The new 3-gallon air compressor from Craftsman comes with a 17-piece accessory kit that includes a 25-foot coiled hose, blow gun, spare quick-connects, and tire inflation needles. The oil-lubricated compressor provides a lightweight, portable source of air power at 2.4 scfm at 90 psi. Priced at $129.99, the 1hp compressor features a cast-iron cylinder, large rubber feet, and cushioned handle.

Cherry Picking
Summit Racing's new cherry picker from Performance Tool has a 4,000-pound capacity and an adjustable boom for easy engine removal and installation. Supplied with a chain and hook, the picker folds up for easy storage. Price is $239 plus freight charge to carrier's distribution center or your home.

Sure Shot
If you can spray it with an aerosol can, you can spray it better with a Sure Shot pressure sprayer from Summit Racing. Fill the reservoir with up to 1 quart of liquid, pressurize with shop air, and you're ready to spray without the hazards and expense of aerosol. Two versions are offered: brass for water-soluble fluids for $39.95 and steel for water-insoluble fluids for $59.95.

Go Digital
Eastwood's digital air regulator makes it easy to adjust and maintain line pressure with accuracy. Easy to read and accurate to within 1.0 psi, the battery-saving internal motion sensor automatically shuts off the gauge when not in use. The lightweight, aluminum-bodied regulator features a 0-160 psi gauge, locking adjustment knob, and ¼-inch NPT connectors.

Weld and Tote
The Victor CutSkill PortableTote from Craftsman provides a molded plastic carrying case for its acetylene and oxygen cylinders. An online exclusive from Craftsman, the $299.99 unit welds up to 3/32 inch and cuts up to 1¼ inch. Flashback arrestors and check valves are built in.

Concours Paint
With a working pressure of 29 psi and requiring only 4 cfm, the Concours Gun from Eastwood is ideal for both professionals and hobbyists. Compatible with solvents and water-based coatings due to the stainless steel needle/nozzle and passages, the aluminum-bodied gun is built for comfort and reliability. Four versions are available with different tip and cup sizes. Prices range from $159.99 to $249.99.

Fender Roller
Eastwood's Fender Roller makes easy work of increasing fender clearance for wider tires or repairing wheel arch collision damage. The professional-grade forming tool bolts directly to the hub flange with elongated holes that adapt to all popular 4- and 5-bolt hubs. The forming arm adjusts from 14 to 22¾ inches and the Delrin ball-bearing forming roller is tough enough to form the fender without damaging paint.