Recommended Tools, Spare Parts, Books?

[wachuko]

Folks,

I want to make sure I have all the necessary tools for working these cars. Anything else you would recommend that is not listed here? Looking for those specialty tools for the Fiat Spider. I have a good selection of sockets (deep, thin, 6/12 point, swivel, etc.), extensions, extension magnets, mirror, shop lights, even those safety glasses with LEDs (these are great!), a Motive Bleeder (best 60.00 I have spent), hex head wrenches, long nose pliers of all kind, multimeter, battery charger and battery tender, normal calipers and a brake/rotor caliper, impact stuff (drill, drivers, etc.), pullers, flare nut wrenches (can't work the brakes without a good set of these...), etc.

From looking here at a few post I have on the list (for example: Tool recommendation ):
A 12mm allen wrench I thought I had one... turns out I had up to 10mm and then jumped to 17mm - Update: Got it!
Ball joint separator tool Update: Got it!
FIAT Valve Adjustment Tool Update: Got it!
Depending on what I get, if carbureted, a Synchrometer
Clutch Alignment Tool (inexpensive enough that it should be in the tool box) Update: Got it!
What Dial Gauge setup are you guys using when doing the valves? Or feeler gauges are fine?
Micrometer (c-clamp type) to measure valve shims
Ignition wrenches are sometimes the only thing that will fit in tight places. They make a combination version, as well.
Bronze toothbrushes.
An oil filter wrench, or a giant pair of Chan-L-Locks. Need something with a 4 ½" jaw. Look away, Mike:
Locking Oil Filter Wrench Too flimsy to be used anywhere else, but perfect for the Spider filter.
5/16” 8 point socket for the steering box filler plug
Quality set of spring compressors
Good Set of Files
Auto Trim and Molding Tool Set
Thread Locker
Set of nylon pry bars for when needing to remove something without leaving a scratch or a mark...
Set of locking extensions
A good MIG welder - (welding tips - http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/mig.htm )
If working the heads - a handy set of head stands
Tool for removal and install of e-brake wedge in the rear caliper
A roll of coins for holding a stretched clutch pedal spring.
A low-pro floor jack and jack stands.
A set of 12" drive up ramps. use them all the time. faster and safer than a jack and jack stands.
if your dizzy is up top, a custom dizzy wrench. I took an open end wrench the bent it into an ell.
a first class set of snap-ring (circlip) pliers
thread gage
impact driver with phillips bits
1/2" breakerbar and 3/4" pipe extention. (great for loosening crank bolt).

Also, as far as spare parts or common wear items? Anything else I should add?
As a norm, when I buy a car, I just change all the hoses, belts and do a tune up (oil, filter, plugs, etc.). Just so that I know it was done and when.
What else should I add to the list?:
Cooling system hoses
Timing belt, tensioner
Alternator belt
Tune up kit (distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, filters (air, oil, and fuel) )
Brake pads, rotors, lines
Valve cover gaskets
Universal joints for the drive shaft? How often do those go?
Clutch cable
Box of assorted valve shims Update: Got it!
Dielectric Grease is a must for all of your electrical needs

What about must have books recommendations?
Workshop manual - Update: Got it! I downloaded a pdf version of it but I always like to have the paper version next to me when working the cars. Easier than looking at a laptop...

Also keeping a list of useful sites:
This site, of course: http://www.fiatspider.com
Allisons Automotive (Mark's) site: http://allisonsautomotive.com/
IAP: http://www.international-auto.com/index.cfm/sc/29021
Vick Auto: http://www.vickauto.com/cgi-bin/store/index.html
Auto Ricambi: http://www.autoricambi.us/
Classic Ricambi: http://www.classicricambi.com/
Shade Tree Enginetrics: http://home.earthlink.net/~fiatdr/shadetree.html
Spidersweb.nl: http://www.globallistics.com/spiderswebgb/main_gb.html
Spider Roadster: http://www.spiderroadster.com/index.htm
Arbarth Works Museum: http://www.abarth-gmr.be/new/index.php
Mirafiori: http://mirafiori.com/ Their frequently asked questions has a lot of good articles: http://mirafiori.com/faq/faqtable.html
Fiat-Lancia Unlimited site: http://fiatlanciaunlimited.org/
Spider Center: http://www.spidercenter.com/
Registro Nazionale FIAT: http://www.fiat124spider.it/index.asp
Guy Croft: http://www.guy-croft.com/index.php
Abarth Squadra Storica forum (lots of cool photos! ) : http://forum.abarth-gmr.be/
Owner's manual available for download from here:http://www.my-spider.de/Owner_s_Manual.pdf
Corujoxx (se habla español ): http://www.corujoxx.com/MIWEB3/clubfiat/tecnica.htm
Bosch L-Jetronic Injection Manual: http://foxed.ca/rx7manual/manuals/BOSCH ... Manual.pdf
(another site: http://bama.ua.edu/~darren/boschindex.html )
Bosch guide to relays: http://www.dlcparts.com/images/BoschGuide.pdf
This write up is for an Alfa but is 99% applicable to our cars and goes well beyond Bradley's excellent write up. http://www.hiperformancestore.com/Ljetronic.htm
Bradley Artigue Site - http://artigue.com/?page_id=3

[mdrburchette]

We've only replaced a u-joint on the Lemons car and I don't think it was actually bad. I have not had a problem with them and haven't heard much about u-joint failure. The rubber donut at the other end of the driveshaft should be more of a concern.
I would invest in a box of shims. Nothing is worse than trying to adjust your valves and have to stop and wait for them to come in once they're ordered.
A 12mm allen wrench is needed for drain plugs and your little v/c knobs.
Metric line wrenches are great to have and I'm surprised how many times I get to use mine....in fact, I'm using them on my X19 today!
A magnet on a stick is essential for fishing expeditions. If you ever drop a nut, washer, bolt or screw, I can about guarantee you it will fall in one of many black holes that are built into a Fiat. Just ask Alvon or Craig. They know what I mean.
No need for a synchrometer unless you are balancing dual carbs.
I have found great use in picks of various sizes and shapes. In fact, my ice pick has helped me find the screw hole when reinstalling interior trim pieces more times than I want to count.
A multimeter is a MUST if you own a Fiat. Any time you have an electrical problem, this tool is essential in trying to diagnose a problem.

[wachuko]

Thank you, I will update the first post with your recommendations.

Those new metric line wrenches with a built in ratchet, like in the photo, are a blessing, whoever invented those is up there with the inventor of the A/C and the wheel...



This is the donut you are referring to?

We've only replaced a u-joint on the Lemons car and I don't think it was actually bad. I have not had a problem with them and haven't heard much about u-joint failure. The rubber donut at the other end of the driveshaft should be more of a concern.
I would invest in a box of shims. Nothing is worse than trying to adjust your valves and have to stop and wait for them to come in once they're ordered.
A 12mm allen wrench is needed for drain plugs and your little v/c knobs.
Metric line wrenches are great to have and I'm surprised how many times I get to use mine....in fact, I'm using them on my X19 today!
A magnet on a stick is essential for fishing expeditions. If you ever drop a nut, washer, bolt or screw, I can about guarantee you it will fall in one of many black holes that are built into a Fiat. Just ask Alvon or Craig. They know what I mean.
No need for a synchrometer unless you are balancing dual carbs.
I have found great use in picks of various sizes and shapes. In fact, my ice pick has helped me find the screw hole when reinstalling interior trim pieces more times than I want to count.
A multimeter is a MUST if you own a Fiat. Any time you have an electrical problem, this tool is essential in trying to diagnose a problem.

[mdrburchette]

yep, that's the donut! I like my ratchet wrenches. They come in handy quite often, but I wish someone would invent a way to have the other end ratchet.

Here's another tool I found handy. I made it with a torch and vise but it works perfectly for the 17mm nut holding the distributor:

[amsiegel]

I did some thing similar to a 12 or 13MM wrench to get to the carb nuts easier.
The ratchet wrenchs from craftmman are very nice and if your a craftmans club member sometimes usually xmas and fathers day they go on sale for $30.
My 1/4 drive socket set probably gets the most use on the fiat. Small, easy to fit and can not super torque things with them.
Mechanix gloves makes a glove with led lights on the trigger finger. they come in handy when I remeber I have them.

[wachuko]

...Mechanix gloves makes a glove with led lights on the trigger finger. they come in handy when I remember I have them.

Father-in-law gave me a set of those a few birthdays ago. Read and black with the LEDs. They are so nice that I hate using them and getting them full of grease so they sit nice and pretty in the toolbox... I just use those nitrile disposable gloves from harbor freight...

[Foster48x]

Dielectric Grease is a must for all of your electrical needs.

And the most important tool of all... I’ve been using it for years but until recently was unaware of its official name.

Installation Fluid.

[wachuko]

...And the most important tool of all... I’ve been using it for years but until recently was unaware of its official name.

Installation Fluid.

That one comes in six-pack? Aluminum cans or bottles? I want to make sure I get the right one...

Added the dielectric grease to the list.

[Foster48x]

Some (like Pope's mom) prefer the forty oz bottle. Others the 12 oz can. Personally, I like to purchase it in bulk from the distributer.

Yummy

[Europa]

My installation fluid!

[james124]

How about a nice small reliable torque wrench? Any recommendations?

[wachuko]

How about a nice small reliable torque wrench? Any recommendations?

I have a 3/8" and a 1/2", both Craftman, that have worked well so far. Not their professional series.

So I would like to hear feedback on this as well.

[wachuko]

Also, what Dial Gauge setup are you guys using when doing the valves? Or using just good old blades (feeler gauges)?

[stefhahn]

Feeler gauges are fine and do the job - but you need to measure the shims with a micrometer (c-clamp type) after you de-installed them to be able to calculate what new shim you need
ciao,
Stefan

[wachuko]

Feeler gauges are fine and do the job - but you need to measure the shims with a micrometer (c-clamp type) after you de-installed them to be able to calculate what new shim you need
ciao,
Stefan

Good catch, added to the list, thank you Stefan!