The 348/355 Shade-tree mechanic's essential tools list

7. 12 cases of Bud Light
8. mini-fridge
9. Band-Aids

 

Health insurance card for the busted knuckles.....

Seriously, a good trouble light and combo wrench set

Invest in a good quailty set, if you take care of them they will last forever.

 

(at least) 10 hours prepaid visits to your psycho-analyst (If/when you realize you're in too deep for your skill set and have an uncontrolable panic attack)... it may take a while longer however, if you can ever or simply must know the answer to find out why / what prompted you to try this DIY.....

If you managed to succsesfully accomplish the task, you can simply flip the prepaid hours to the next one to attempt the job on his own.

P.S. Beer is cheaper therapy however and you can drink it to celebrate if you did good instead of reselling it.

JD

 

Don't forget one of these.
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That's a pic of my alma mater...

A good Craftsman package deal is a great place to start. $300 of so will buy quite a few of the necessary tools and give you a good basis to build on. Includes Pliers, screwdrivers, allens, extensions, etc. Trips to buy additional tools are always gonna be needed unless you've got the budget to buy the Snap-on truck. they're always inventing new types of fasteners, etc. Buy a good box too, capable of carrying weight and you collection as it expands. A good box is always a complement to your garage.

 

Multimeter for electrical issues. Harbor freight $10 or so.
Dentist's extension mirror HF $2
Magnet on extension handle HF $2
Punches

 

Cheap "OBDII code reader $120 or so. You'll be surprised how much analysis this does in a minute or two.

 

What about a BFH?
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tri headed allen wrench from bike shop. (pictured) My favorite is from "Spin Doctor". The very quickest way to remove plug wire covers on valve covers, and also the side panels if you have not already converted to 6x1.0 knobs.

13mm flex headed ratcheting box wrench (short). There is no better tool for the power steering belt tension, and also for tensioning the AC belt.

Spark plug wire puller. They rip easily, use this cheap tool from KD and others. (pictured)
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Jay

 

How could I have forgotten tool #1 for anytime something needs to be moved an rch or so?

 

One of my favorites, one-size fits all.

"as handy as a pocket in a shirt"
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I think Rick's car is a 95 - OBDI/Motronic 2.7 - and he can read the codes from the dash.

- a breaker bar/pipe for the stubborn bolts
- a torch to apply heat for the really stubborn bolts
- bench vice
- gear puller
- LED flashlight
- workshop manual
- Ricambi on speed dial...

 

You will also need a metric hex set (AKA allen key), as high as 19mm.

 

Metric sockets in 3 drive sizes.
Flat metric wrenches
Box end metric wrenches
Box metric ratchets
Torx set
Allen set, keys and socket drives
Flex swivel for socket sets
Lighting - lots of extra lighting
1 or 2 hydro jacks
2 or 4 jack stands or ramps (you won't be driving your Ferrari up the ramps, I can tell you!)
10mm flex socket - just get one
3 adjustable crescent wrenches of different size
3 vise gripes
3 pliers
Assortment of flat head and Phillips screw drivers
Tire gauge - really do I have to even say this? I have 2 in case one is faulty - I double check the readings - had an issue once where I was putting in 40 lbs on a 30 lb reading.
Work gloves
Eye protection
Cell phone with plugzits, ernies and fbbs phone numbers on speed dial

 

Hahahaaa!!!!

That's was a good one.

 

Just go down to Sears and get one of their tool sets. I had a look at the 302 piece set and it should have plenty for you to get your tool chest started.

I have 2 Acran 3.5 ton low lift floor jacks that I bought from Costco and love 'em. I also bought 4 jack stands from Sears, and a pair of wheel chocks from Harbor Freight. I just add tool as I need them.

 

Hello All..

I am starting my collection of tools so that I will be ready to work on the 355 (or any of my other vehicles) if and when the time arrises... so the question presents itself: what all should I have in 1) a basic kit 2) an advanced kit??

I have the following (with me or enroute):
Wrench/Screwdrivers/Kit
OBDII Scanner

I am considering: A ramp Vs A lift

What else should I prepare to purchase so I can work on my car without getting stuck on most basic/midlevel issues?

Also, for an engine out, where would one get an engine stand/crane/not sure what you call it...

Thanks!!

 

This is a GREAT idea for a thread.

I think you should get an air compressor and some air tools. Very handy to have for just about anything.

 

Make sure the wrench/sockets are metric.

I would also suggest allen wrench set (metric of course) and a hex set, also metric, that goes up to at least 19mm.

 

Here are some codes for your scanner. Many of the 360 are identical to the F355.
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Here's my personal run-down, assuming you don't have a lift:

1) Four good quality 3-ton jack stands. Better to err on the side of safety!!
2) Good quality 3-ton LOW PROFILE racing jack. Harbor freight has a nice aluminum one for $200.00, and it works great.
3) Make sure you have Metric and SAE sockets...not everything is metric as you might assume. Get a half-inch drive set of each.
4) To replace a clutch release bearing, for example, you'll need: 13mm standard and 17mm deep-well sockets with SHORT HANDLE ratchet to remove the bumper, 10mm standard socket to remove air boxes and both heat shields, 13mm standard socket to remove the pumpkin and the CRB flange (if necessary), 10mm standard socket to remove the diffuser/bumper interface nuts. And that's pretty much it!
5) For setscrews, get a set of BOTH SAE and Metric hex sockets...again, Harbor Freight has both CHEAP with a lifetime warranty (Pittsburgh brand).
6) Combination wrenches: Buy TWO of the SAE/Metric combo packs sold at Harbor Freight; you will often need two of the same size when working in cramped areas, and the low cost (again, lifetime warranty on Pittsburgh brand) means you can get two sets for less than you'd pay for a half-set of the really famous brands.
7) A couple of good drifts...you'll need these when you're reassembling suspension links and installing brake discs. Not to mention tons of other things.
8) Extensions for your sockets are a must when working on a Ferrari.
9) A 1/4" drive socket set is extremely handy for working with the air induction system; so much easier to use a socket than a screwdriver for removing clamps. Also, small sockets are just what the doctor ordered to remove and install undertray nuts.
10) A good set of flat and phillips screwdrivers; make sure you have every size including the stubby...you'll need that more often than you think.
11) Hammers: A deadblow, 8-pound micro-sledge, and a rubber mallet are all you need.
12) Textured Latex gloves: don't bother with Nitrile and Vinyl. Buy them so they fit your hand snugly, and you'll do everything you can do without gloves, minus the dirty hands that can take days to clean. Get INDUSTRIAL gloves, NOT medical. Medical gloves are way too delicate for automotive work.
13) If you're going to do CV boots, you'll need a 1/2" 12-point socket, AND a good quality vise to hold that greasy beast while you're working on it.
14) A magnetic LED worklight...no matter how well lit your workspace, it can get a bit dark in a Ferrari engine bay.
15) Needle-nose (small, medium, and large), conventional, and channel-lock pliers.

Avoid using impact tools as much as you can!! One notable exception; the main bolt at the top of a shock absorber shaft...once you compress springs for disassembly, an impact wrench will make the difference between hours of frustration and seconds of satisfaction.

This list is a good solid starting point for most general repairs.

 

Very good list Dennis. Please add:

1. degree wheel, 10 inch, from Summit Racing
2. Magnetic base for the dial indicator
3. Extensions for the dial indicator tips
4. A way to mount something magnetic on to the heads
5. MAPP gas torch
6. Impact wrench sockets from 13mm to 36mm (at least)
7. A good quality Ingersol Rand impact gun. Forget the rest.
8. Ratcheting wrenches, metric
9. Parts cleaner
10. $25 oven for that oh so required refinshing of the valve covers with wrinkle paint
11. Bench grinder
12. MIG welder
13. Allen keys
14. C clamps
15. pullers
16. Furniture moving dollies reinforced with extra wheels
17. Dremmel tool with lots and lots of cut off wheels
18. Power bleeder for brake lines
19. magnetic pick up tool
20. Mirrors

OK, that will do it.