Tool rentals and local wrenching groups?

Hey all,


I'm pretty new to owning a truck and honestly even doing modifications to a car. For someone that just moved and has a small place with no garage, I have hesitations with things like drilling holes into my truck for things like bed stiffeners or roof rails into bed toppers (even removing the grill seems a tall task!). Not to mention I don't have many of the tools necessary to do these things.

Questions:

1.) Are there places you can rent tools from?

2.) Are there local wrenching groups that just like to get together? I like researching stuff online but I learn best from watching and doing and asking in person.

Thanks for any replies beforehand!

 

specialty tools can be rented at Autozone for free but things like wrenches, screwdrivers etc you ought to have and isn't too pricey. You could go with cheap tools like from Harbor Freight which is fine for home owner.

you can see if there are local Taco groups you can join and discuss getting help for exchange for pizza, beer , etc...

 

Go to the regional forum for where you live, and see if there are any groups who gather around where you live.

Lots will have tech days, folks may volunteer to assist you with space, tools and knowledge.

Most can be 'bought' with pizza and cold beverages.

 

You say...Are there local wrenching groups, but we don't know where you are... Put your rough location into your signature... that might help..

AND... Welcome to the greatest truck forum ever....!! Hang in there.... be careful....some guys/gals are a little tough !! Take it with a grain of salt and if someone gives you shit....send some back..!!

You'll fit in then..!

 

Check Craigslist for tools build your collection from there.

 

The grill is child's play.

 

I'd say you don't really need any special tools to get started. Buy yourself a good set of metric tools (american sizes are useless), and get started!

A lot of DIY's and stuff are posted here on the forums, it usually is all laid out for you, cut and dry. The only way you learn is by jumping in the deep end of the pool and getting your hands dirty.

 

Where you from any one here will be glad to help I'm sure but a location would help

 

Easiest way is to meet someone who works on their own vehicles and has a house/space to do it at. I always go to my buddy's place to work on my cars since I live in an apartment complex. They have places where you can rent all the tools you'll ever need AND a lift, but the cost makes it almost as expensive as taking it to a mechanic.

With that said, if i am doing something simple which doesn't require putting the vehicle on jack stands ill just do it in the complex or on the street. Lots of people work on their vehicles this way.

In terms of tools, home depot rents tools and so do the major chain auto stores like AutoZone, oreillys, pep boys (for auto specific tools). You just go in, put a deposit down for the cost of the tool and get a refund when you return it.

Aside from that I suggest you pick up a small toolbox, a couple nice ratchets with some various size drives, a nice 6 point socket set, a ratcheting wrench set, and a torque wrench (or two). Then pick up specialty tools as you go. You'll be good to go with that for most work on your truck.

Now, drilling holes in a brand new truck is a mental hurdle more than anything. No way to get around the fact that you're putting holes in a brand new truck. But if you go slow and make it look clean/nice it will be ok. As they say, build the truck for you, not the next person.

 

Know anybody with military ID that can get you on Base? Many air force bases have auto hobby shops with lifts and tools

 

Preferably large mouth!

 

Oops phone typo

 

Wow thanks guys! Sorry I forgot to put that I was located in Denver.

It seems like my best investment right now is probably beer and pizza!

I'll check out the Colorado regional forums and see if there are some people that would want some help with stuff. My last project car was an engine swap in a 2nd gen 4runner beater car so I had no qualms about tearing it up, but I left so many things back in Houston. Going from 1100 sqft to 400sqft living space with no storage sucks...

Thanks again for the quick help yall!