Tools required - MX5 strip, Exocet Build

[leahy]

Hi All

Firstly apologies if this has already been covered,

I am putting lights in my garage this weekend and then starting the strip of my mx5

I would really appreciate it if anyone could let me know of any odd size sockets or special tools that would be needed at a later stage

I have the standard stuff - rivet gun, sockets, torx axle stands, jacks, jigsaw, ramps etc but would hate to get to a certain point and realize i need to stop for something to be delivered or a 2 hr drive

Thanks

[stevieboy]

Hi Leahy, welcome to the forum, don't forget the A frame and some cable ties with labels to note the electrics down, everything else is just straight forward with metric sockets. Just make sure you have a 29mm one plus an long bar for the axles.
Steve

[stubbers]

I bought this when it was £99, and has nearly everything you will need.
www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_173083_categoryId_255215_langId_-1?cm_sp=Intelligent_Offer-_-Product_Details_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PDPz1

But the best tool by far is peoples build guide, for example i wish i had slackened off my hub nuts with the 29mm socket (mentioned above) before dismantling. Reading the guides through quickly should give you a good idea of where you may hit/avoid problems.

Best of luck Rich

[mathew]

Im just gona name some which havent been mentioned yet which ive found come in handy...

-spring compressors for the suspension
-angle grinde + various attachments
-vice pliers
-allen keys
-screw drivers
-aviation snips
-hammer, size depending on your level of patience! ;D

[leahy]

Matthew, stubbers and stevie boy

Thanks for tips, there are a couple of items i dont have there so it was deff worthwhile asking. Will hopefully start the build blog at the weekend

[h9]

Tea and Biscuits :-)

[samuelt]

If you plan to paint your MX5 parts before using them again (many of us have had them shot blasted) then these are a great buy: -

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24-x-1-Paint-Brush-Pure-Bristle-Excellent-Value-25mm-/360184046107?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Paint_Varnish_MJ&hash=item53dca4621b

at 23p each you do not have to worry about cleaning them just bin them, have used them on the sub frames. calipers, wishbones, Engine ... and many more items.

[Stewart]

Compressor and air gun if you can stretch to it.
Blow torch to heat up those stubborn suspension bolts and bushes.

[sspogman]

Rivnut installation tool - this is the updated version of the one that I have and it is an amazing piece of kit:

www.memfast.co.uk/shop/Vprod2.asp?cat=2258004632

Once you start using rivnuts, if you're anything like me, you won't know how you coped without them and will be looking at using them all of the time.

[leahy]

Thanks all

SSpogman - I am only familiar with the standard rivets that you grip and snap - how do these differ? genunine life changer? i was expecting sever hand cramp

On another note - anyone in the essex area (I live in Epping/Ongar)

[Stewart]

Rivnuts are threaded inserts. So you fit them in a similar way, but the crimping action secures the threaded insert in the hole giving you a proper threaded hole to fit a bolt into.
Means the fixing your attaching isn't there for life

[samuelt]

Rivnuts are fantastic, the tool i use looks more like a standard rivet hand tool. Search round on Ebay you may finds a good used one. i Managed to get a new one in a damaged case with more rivnuts than i will ever used for £30.

[adam1001]

One tool I've found really useful is a Clarke electric impact wrench from Machine Mart. Invaluable for undoing all the suspension bolts. You'll also definitely need a breaker bar - go for a decent one such as Halfords or it'll just bend as soon as you put a scaffold pole on it as I discovered.

[red5]

swear box - it will help you save money for new wheels

[stubbsy]

If you are planning on dismantling the suspension and subframes for painting then you will need a ball joint splitter (I got a decent scissors type one off ebay for £8) and something to extract the bushes from all of the suspension arms (I found that a steel scaffold pole has just the right internal diameter so just cut a 10 cm length off your breaker bar extension, place it on the lip of the wishbone and then use a coach bolt and some large washers to pull the bushes out; simples!)