Ordered my kit!! A couple questions

[wareaglescott]

Ordered my complete kit a couple weeks ago. Hoping for arrival around the end of the month. I have a couple questions please.

I built a frame dolly and body buck. Had no problem finding the measurements for the body buck. I am working on garage organization and spacing/ work area. What are the actual dimensions of the body? Just wondering what kind of floor space I need length and width?

What kind of specialty tools have you found useful in the build? I like buying tools! Always believe in having the right tool for the job vs making something work that it wasn't really made for.

I need a pneumatic rivet gun? Any brands you would recommend or stay away from?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

[6t8dart]

13ft x 6ft should be enough.

A short stool helps, like a mechanics seat.

A rivet gun, manual or pneumatic.

If you plan on any footbox mods, then a sheet metal brake.

A good selection of #10 and #30 drill bits, not 1/8 and 3/16.

An air drill is a nice alternative to charging batteries.

[Real time recon]

The assembly manual has a detailed list of all the tools needed,have fun:)

[edwardb]

Agreed the manual is a good place to start for required tools. X2 on the #10 and #30 drill bits. Obviously you'll need the usual assortment of sockets, ratchets, open end wrenches, etc. You'll need a set of flare nut wrenches. Don't use regular wrenches or adjustable wrenches on flare (tube) nuts. A right angle drill or attachment is useful. Youll need 1/8 and 3/16 clecos. Different opinions about how many. 50 or so 1/8 inch and 5-10 3/16 inch ones is what I recommend. Some of the tools required will depend on how crazy you get with mods. You'll get a lot of opinions about the pneumatic rivet tool. I've done it both ways. The last two builds have been with the air driven tool and I like it very much. There are still going to be some tight locations or you're just in a hurry, so having a decent hand driven one is good too even if you go pneumatic. But I do the majority with the air tool. I occasionally use 3/16-inch SS rivets (large cable clamps, etc.) and I pretty much can't pull those by hand. The air tool pulls them with ease. Harbor Freight has a pretty cheap one. Some have had good luck, others not. I have a Campbell-Hausfeld and it's rock solid. An slightly older version of this one: http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-Commercial-CL153900AV-Rivet/dp/B00E3T0XLU.

[jrcuz]

The pneumatic rivet tool from HF is painted after assembly which means the cap on the bottom is more or less glued on. I spent 15-20 mins trying to get the bottom cap off with a air impact gun with no luck. I returned it and ordered one on line (amazon I believe)
JR

[wareaglescott]

Thanks. good info

[AZPete]

No calendar on the garage wall. Friends, family, neighbors and others will ask when it will be done. Never give any estimates. Have fun on your own pace. Oh, and we all love buying tools.

[Dave Howard]

Pneumatic rivet gun is a must. Pulling on the handle of a manual gun gets old after the first F panel.

Tubing bender will be required for fuel and brake lines.

A good quality torque wrench is also required

I bought a magnetic scale fore measuring angles (to set up the pinion angle) and wound up using my iPhone.

A well stocked beer fridge if not already part of the garage set up.

[mikeinatlanta]

I have a high grade manual riveter for aircraft use and a cheap summit air riveter. The air riveter gets far more use. Anywhere I can reach gets solid rivets.