Does anyone know where I can get a set of good body tools.The places here want like $2000.Thats outrageous.Don't you think.I've got some beat up body panels and I'm going to an auto body class this summer so I want to get some practice in.

heres a good set to get you started.can't beat the price either. i have the same set.works good! http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=31277

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70 chevelle,400cid turbo400.blue with silver stripes.http://members.spree.com/entertainment/ochrisl/

If you want some really nice body tools, get the hammers and spoons made by Martin Tool and Forge. If your neighborhood paint supply store or Napa doesn't sell them, you can order them from Eastwood. Very nice stuff, my autobody teacher recommended them, and that is what he used during his 30 years as a body-bender.

Because of a tight budget, I got the Harbor freight set, and they have worked well for me. I'm sure the metal is softer / inferior, but for tons of repair on one car they have been great. If you plan to do alot of body work, the more expensive set is probably worth it. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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Gotta have a Chevy !In Durham N.C.
Make it look the way you like it, forget what the other guys say! :D

SInce I'm starting out and don't do a whole lot of body work I'm going with the Harbor set.I have the catalog but that set isn't in there.Thanks guys.

Automotive SWAP meets are a good source. There still expensive. I've watched guys that know body tools check the name on the tool. It means something to them Vs the $they are willing to pay.

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I just ordered the same set from JC Whitney, along with a sheet of 36 x 48 sheet metal, some vice-grip style "C" clamps, and some other items. I got tired of using wood blocks for make-shift dollies for minor fab work (it takes forever to get the bends right). The sheet metal cost under $11, so it would be great to practice hammering. I'm gonna use mine for tranny tunnel modifications for my floor shifter (Mounting it off-center, right next to my right leg. I hate to reach for a shifter!).

You can also find some spoons and slap-files at these sources for a decent price.

The way I figure it, if I'm not making my living doing body work, I don't need top of the line body tools. The inexpensive hammer and dolly set should get me started just fine, and the C-clamps will work for holding sheet metal together while I stitch weld.

I've been practicing shrinking and stretching sheet metal at work using a ball pein and whatever chunks of metal I could find laying around. I really enjoy this sort of thing.

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My Elky Page (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Strip/4523/ElkyPage.html)
"If you're gonna go fast, you may as well look good doing it."
Chad Landry
TC Member #643
'68 El Camino

[This message has been edited by cjlandry (edited 05-12-2000).]

i make my living doing bodywork and i use the harbour set! i have used martin and every other brand.the only difference i notice is i get more upset when the expensive one breaks.

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70 chevelle,400cid turbo400.blue with silver stripes.http://members.spree.com/entertainment/ochrisl/

Cool. If they're good enough for a pro, they're definitely good enough for a hobbyist.

Thanks for the input, 70isfine

70Chevelle2,

In case you didn't know, they opened a new Harbor Freight in Amarillo about two weeks ago. It is on I-40 East at the Ross-Osage exit.

Kirk I noticed that.I think I'm going to call tomorrow to see if they have it in stock.It's nice to notice someone else from Amarillo on here.Your the only one I've heard of.Did you go to the War Memorial car show Saturday?I was in it.Thanks for all the info.I'm going to remember you 70isfine,just incase I ever have anymore body questions.

Also check out Northern Hydralics. The only difference I have noticed between my "good" body hammers and the inexpensive ones I got from Northern is the balance and feel in my hand, but that can modified by changing the handle.

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OrrieG
64 Malibu HT Survivor (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/OrrieG1.jpg)

does northern have them in their catalog?i have the master catalog and i haven't seen any. http://members.spree.com/entertainment/ochrisl/

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70 chevelle,400cid turbo400.blue with silver stripes.http://members.spree.com/entertainment/ochrisl/

A Snap-On dealer told me that selling tools at the place of buisness is like fishing from a fish bowl http://www.chevelles.com/forum/mad.gif It reminds me of an ice cream truck stopping in front of my house when I was a kid http://www.chevelles.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/tongue.gif

Maybe they discontinued them? I bought mine about 6 years ago from them. I didn't look in the latest catalog, just assumed they were still in there. Maybe they didn't sell since most people just use a ball peen hammer anyway http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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OrrieG
64 Malibu HT Survivor (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/OrrieG1.jpg)