Special Tools Not Required

[builder]

Now that a beautiful, red GTR is on it's way to my doorstep, I would like to acquire some of the special tools that are not required to build an Ultima.

Given a modest budget, what additional tools should be in the shop? There was something about an air riveter, rivet spacer, etc... Anything that would be particularly nice to have? And if you have sources, or part numbers, that would be tits.

Lastly, does anyone want to part with the not required special tools they have purchased, now that their Ultima build is complete?

Thanks,
-- Scott

[cliveg]

Hi Scott. There are good lists on some of the build sites. The air riveter saves lots of time and effort. I've used a right-angled drill regularly, and found a flexible one useful on a couple of occasions (although I don't think I would have bothered with the flexible drill if I hadn't already got it). I've found a stepped drill helpful, hole cutters of various sizes (33mm, 52mm, 3inch), M5 and M6 taps, a few clamps, and a torque wrench.

[mkoch1]

A drill press is nice for drilling rivet holes in the panels. An air nibbler + air hacksaw are good for trimming panels. An air riveter is a must, also a hand one for tight spaces. An engine lift is very nice to have, I can't remember how many times my engine was in + out. A set of AN aluminum wrenches is nice if you plan to run a lot of steel braided line.

Mark

[builder]

Okay, thanks Clive and Mark ...nothing too exotic then.

For the air riveter, is there any particular size or strength required? I don't know how they are rated. Clive, where are those large hole cutters needed? I don't have those. I will get a right-angle drill. I have a couple of stepped drill bits, taps, clamps, and torque wrenches. I have a drill press, hand rivet gun (but not for tight spaces), no air nibbler or hacksaw (which sounds like a good idea). I have the AN wrenches and an engine stand, but need an engine lift.

Thanks, anything else? Are clecos handy?

-- Scott

>> Edited by builder on Tuesday 5th April 19:28

[mclark]

If you're getting a hand rivet gun get the one with the swivel head as this was great for the tight spaces.

Tap and die set is a must.

[mclark]

mkoch1 said:

A set of AN aluminum wrenches is nice if you plan to run a lot of steel braided line.

For the guys in the UK, have you managed to buy a set of these? If so where?

Cheers

Michael

[ultimasimon]

I used Think Automotive in Isleworth, and they will post out to you.

For the Ally Spanners, click the link then go: 'Online Shop' then scroll down the bottom till you see them.

They are a friendly bunch, and they know their stuff.

WARNING - SHINY BITS ARE ADDICTIVE. I must have spent £1000 in hose fittings from them

They will charge you about £7 delivery via ParcelFarce, and its normally on your door the following day

[steve_D]

Here's the riveter i'm using from Northern tool

And also the angle drill

Steve

>> Edited by steve_D on Tuesday 5th April 22:53

[builder]

mclark said:

If you're getting a hand rivet gun get the one with the swivel head as this was great for the tight spaces. Tap and die set is a must.

Thanks, Michael. I will specify the swivel head.

Both you and Clive have noted a tap and die set. Do you find this is mostly for chasing threads before assembly, or having to cut new threads for optional items?

[builder]

steve_D said:

Here's the riveter i'm using from Northern tool. And also the angle drill. Steve

Looks like excellent gear, Steve. I will put them on the list.

Thanks,
-- Scott

[BigAl1]

Scott,
I have used a Sioux 8000ES angle drill for all my holes
from www.coastaltool.com/ .
Also get a set of hand files - they always come in handy for fine edge finishing.
I used a rotary file in the drill to quickly remove material - both aluminum and fiberglass.
A 7/16UNF tap for the seatbelt mount holes to clear powdercoat.
A strong hand squeeze caulking gun - the urethane sealant can be stiff, so get one that won't flex.
Fluid Film spray for spraying inside the rivet holes (same function as Waxoil).
For all the rivet holes so far (not sharpened yet) used 3 cobalt #30 drills.
A 50 pack of cleecos with pliers from Aircraft Spruce has been extremely useful for my build.
Soldering iron for any electrical alterations you might do.
A low height floor jack for when it is rolling to get under the front of the frame for lifting.

Allan

[ikom]

builder said:

Now that a beautiful, red GTR is on it's way to my doorstep, I would like to acquire some of the special tools that are not required to build an Ultima.

Hi Scott - you mean that ARE required don't you?

Must have tools IMHO are:

Air riveter
Die grinder with carbide cutter - eliminates nibbler and rough filing
Curved tooth file from Nicholson - akin to having a metal plane.
Cobalt bits 1/8"(Lots)Industrial grade
Aluminum meter yardstick for panel hole template
Auto (spring loaded) center punch
High speed carbide countersink bit (for deburring holes)
Inexpensive rechargeable drills for single purpose use - such as countersinking without changing bits.
One good quality 1/2" drill Bosch/Makita/Dewalt for drilling into chassis steel - this will be the workhorse drill and will save time, eliminate frustration and maintain quality.
3.5" head Makita or Bosch close quarter drill (will get into tight spaces better than the 4.0" Milwaukee or a gutless right angle air drill)
Air Shear - the only way to cut panels cleanly.
Good set of step drill bits - up to 22mm or 3/4"
Torque wrenches - 1/2 and 3/8 drive - you need to be in the middle of their range for accuracy.
Best quality sockets and wrenches you can afford - metric and SAE since the ULTIMA is dysfunctional in this regard.

I have a write-up on my web page describing most of the above tools at:
www.ultimabuild.com/preparing_for_the_build/index.htm

hope this gets you started on the right foot

Ike

[builder]

BigAl1 said:

Sioux 8000ES Set of hand files Rotary file in the drill 7/16UNF tap Strong hand squeeze caulking gun Fluid Film spray 3 cobalt #30 drills. Cleecos with pliers Soldering iron Low height floor jack

Nice drill ... :drool:

Added to tool list:
Set of hand files
Rotary file for the drill (Rat's taial?)
7/16UNF tap
Fluid Film spray (is there a brand name for this?)
Cobalt #30 drills
Cleecos with pliers

Already have:
Strong hand squeeze caulking gun
Soldering iron
Low height floor jack

Thanks, Al. When this list is complete (if ever), I will post it here and on my soon-to-be-alive builder's website.

Other expendables? Coatings? Special paints? Other hardware and supplies (zip ties, cable wrap, heat shielding)?

Good grief! Where to start. I suppose a lot of these items are discovered during the build process. Seems monumental right now. Can't wait to get started!

-- Scott

[builder]

ikom said:

Hi Scott - you mean that ARE required don't you?

Ha-ha! Well, my guess is that some of these nice tools are more of a convenience...a convenience that will cut build time by days, in the end I hope.

ikom said:

Must have tools IMHO are: Air riveter Die grinder with carbide cutter - eliminates nibbler and rough filing Curved tooth file from Nicholson - akin to having a metal plane. Cobalt bits 1/8"(Lots)Industrial grade Aluminum meter yardstick for panel hole template Auto (spring loaded) center punch High speed carbide countersink bit (for deburring holes) Inexpensive rechargeable drills for single purpose use - such as countersinking without changing bits. One good quality 1/2" drill Bosch/Makita/Dewalt for drilling into chassis steel - this will be the workhorse drill and will save time, eliminate frustration and maintain quality. 3.5" head Makita or Bosch close quarter drill (will get into tight spaces better than the 4.0" Milwaukee or a gutless right angle air drill) Air Shear - the only way to cut panels cleanly. Good set of step drill bits - up to 22mm or 3/4" Torque wrenches - 1/2 and 3/8 drive - you need to be in the middle of their range for accuracy. Best quality sockets and wrenches you can afford - metric and SAE since the ULTIMA is dysfunctional in this regard.

Ike, I just reviewed your site again. Good info...

Air riveter - On list
Die grinder with carbide cutter - Got it
Curved tooth file from Nicholson - Need it
Cobalt bits 1/8" - Need'em
Aluminum meter yardstick - Need it
Auto (spring loaded) center punch - Need it
High speed carbide countersink bit - Need it
Inexpensive rechargeable drills - Got'em
One good quality 1/2" drill - Got it
3.5" head Makita or Bosch close quarter drill - Need it
Air Shear - Need it
Good set of step drill bits - On list
Torque wrenches - 1/2 and 3/8 drive - Got'em, but I want to add bar-type rather than click type. I don't have much faith in the clicker's accuracy.
Best quality sockets and wrenches - metric and SAE - Got'em
Unluckily, so is my Chevy...disfunctional in dimension. You never know what set to grab from the tool chest, so I grab both.

Thanks, Ike. The list is growing...and the wallet is getting thinner

[cliveg]

I used the hole saws for the dash instruments and demist vents (3") - I'm using the standard pod, not a stack dash, and guess you might not need them all if you are going the stack route (but can't say for sure). I haven't needed to use taps to tap out any existing threads so far, but needed to make threads for mounting brake pipe T by the rear uprights, adding a screw each side of sidepod as per manual to help fine adjustment of door fit with sidepod before fixing, and securing bottom of mirror post to door (not needed on GTR as mirrors are different?). Haven't finished build yet, so might find others. Cheers. Clive

>> Edited by cliveg on Wednesday 6th April 09:04

[mkoch1]

Just though of another one, I have used my rivnut tool alot.

mark

[stig]

A dremel type tool is v.useful for the switch cutouts in the dash as well as any other GRP trimming you might need to do.

Elastoplast and valium pretty much essential too

[Roy. N]

A 25W soldering iron makes neat holes for switchws, instruments etc in alcantara if you are heading that route.

[builder]

cliveg said:

I used the hole saws for the dash instruments and demist vents (3") - I'm using the standard pod, not a stack dash, and guess you might not need them all if you are going the stack route (but can't say for sure). I haven't needed to use taps to tap out any existing threads so far, but needed to make threads for mounting brake pipe T by the rear uprights, adding a screw each side of sidepod as per manual to help fine adjustment of door fit with sidepod before fixing, and securing bottom of mirror post to door (not needed on GTR as mirrors are different?). Haven't finished build yet, so might find others. Cheers. Clive

Clive, it sounds like you are well on the way to completion. Okay, that all sounds logical. Thanks again!

-- Scott

[builder]

mkoch1 said:

Rivnut tool

Stig said:

Dremel type tool for switch cutouts and GRP trimming. Elastoplast and valium pretty much essential too

Roy. N said:

A 25W soldering iron makes neat holes for switchws, instruments etc in alcantara

Rivnut tool - Need it. Which one? Thanks, Mark.
Dremel - Got it.
Elastoplast - Need it...what is it, plastic wrap?
Valium - Need'em. Are we talking little yellow pill? Thanks, Stig.
25W soldering iron - Got it. Thanks, Roy.