3 indispensible tools that don't cost a fortune

I was reading another thread and I realised I'd never seen this mentioned. I think these three tools belong in every old car owner's car , in a nice soft tool bag so nothing gets rusty or scratched

1) simplest diagnostic tool out there: a good vacuum gauge.
All you need is a port on the intake or carb... how about the tranny modulator port? I use an "extra" port on my Edelbrock Performer intake, I just put a fitting in there, wrapped it with teflon tape so the threads won't promote a leak when I put the gauge on it, and a cap it off with a vacuum cap when I don't need to use it. Under 10 bucks.
2) a Dwell/Tach
I used to have a crummy one that took a couple batteries inside Don't buy one that needs an internal power source, get a good one that runs off the engine. Check to see that it's a model you can read easily, I've had, um, issues where a helper was reading the wrong line on the tach! About 50 bucks? haven't shopped for one in a couple years
3) A good inductive timing light.
Since dial back units seem to be within 10-15 bucks of the non-dial back, get the dial back light, and get a good one. Surprisingly (to me) Sears makes a good one. about 70-80 bucks.


I consider these three things more important than a complete socket set. Without the tools to let you see what's what, you're in the dark. My favorite of these tools is the vacuum gauge...so simple, so vital. Tune the carb, check for sticky valves, and more, all from a rubber hose with a gauge on it!

 

You talked me into getting a vacuum guage a few weeks ago.
I've had a dwell/tach/voltmeter for years.
My timing light has recently started to take a dive, but it's not a dial-back. A good dial-back light is definately next on my list of tools to get!
:TU:

But besides those things..... all you really need for working on old GM's is 9/16" and 1/2" wrenches (2 of each), a screwdriver, and a fridge full of Bud Light right?
:laugh:

Speaking of timing lights..... my first timing light was a hand-me-down from my dad. It was one of those that you had to unplug the spark plug wire and stick the little spring thing between the plug and the wire.... ("non-inductive")
Anyone still have/use one of those?? :error: ou:

 

I Ve got one of those where a spring goes on the plug and the plug wire attaches to the other end of the spring. Nothing like trying to get that on the no1 plug on a nailhead with air. It was passed on to me by my grandfather who was the one that most influenced my interest in old Buicks. It was all he drove, but they were new when he had them. I have the inductive dwell/tach and it is really nice. Dead on right about the 1/2 and 9/16ths wrenches. What I always seem to be using are a small remote mirror to see where a small part or nut dropped and an extendable magnet to get it back.

Larry

 

I like to mount a tach and vacuumn gage permanently in the engine compartment. Makes it real easy to do carb and timeing adjustments. Does make people ask strange questions.

 

Timing lights

Rick:
You're really showing your age with that timing light:Brow:

I had one years ago,(it may still be in the attic?!?) it was simply a neon light that bled off some of the spark current to ground to light.

Larry:

Have you tried to time off number 6? (assuming your firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2) it will time the same as 1. Otherwise use the cylinder opposite 1 in the firing order!

Jim

 

Re: Timing lights

haha... not really. I said it was a hand-me-down from my dad.
I'll only be 31 in a week or so. p
:laugh:

 

pup

I guess I stepped in it there:Brow:

It must be the alzheimers (oldtimers) catching up:laugh:

At least you're old enough for :beer :beer

Jim

PS If you look below, you might notice that I may be in need of parts for a certain year Buick (hint, hint) that you are intimately familiar with.:bglasses: