Special Tools
Unique tools for unique cars. Often find that if wrenching becomes frustrating, I’m probably not using the right tool for situation (especially on German cars).
Sometimes I’m staring at an unusual tool and wondering “What’s this for?” So this page is a resource for me too!
Rambler Classic – Steering Wheel Puller (1957-63)
Threads into the center of steering wheel hub. No other puller works on these cars without risking substantial damage to either/both steering wheel or contact plate. Unusual thread.
(Originally available as Rimac Rinck McIlwaine Tools “Rambler Steering Wheel Puller # 182” and Kent Moore Tools # J-5290. ) Copy of this tool available from Galvins AMC Parts (now AMC Acres) (Part # 10-0001)
Model A Ford and Model T Ford Tire Irons
Although the shorter ones in picture have worked well enough with Model A Ford tube tires, the “clincher” style rims of a Model T Ford, with narrow 30″ x 3-1/2 tires, take considerably more determination.
I was surprised to find that Harbor Freight’s offering (24″ Pittburgh Tool #93230, $6.99/ea.) had perfect end-spoons for the T’s rims. I also use a couple large c-clamps to squeeze/pinch/hold the tires.
Model A and Model T Spark Plug Adapters
Thread adapter for connecting a contemporary compression test gauge to the larger spark plug hole of either Model A or Model T. Also available in sets of four, if you wish to use contemporary spark plugs instead of period plugs (For Model A Ford, Snyder’s Part # A-12405-ADP). For Model T Ford, Snyder’s Part # T-5201-ADP)
Willys Jeep CJ2A
Pinion Seal Puller (Miller Tool C-748) for removal of leaking pinion and transfer case seals.
Many folks get by without this tool when removing the these seals. But the apparent damage I found in the these areas of differential and transfer case
from previous seal replacements is proof that the tool is a very worthwhile purchase.
This tool is no longer produced by Miller Tools, but a similar item is offered by Mad City Manufacturing (Joe DeYoung).
Magic Weapon
Although called “Dash Trim Removal Tool”, this is the tool used by auto glass installers. It’s quite hard and doesn’t bend, nicely tapered to a point, can be used to poke rubber parts into position, but also not sharp enough to cut or make a hole in the seal. It’s not sold at auto parts stores. There are similar items, but I really haven’t found one quite equal to this. (ProFit International DM-40-22)
Mercedes – Sleeve Nut Open-End Wrenches
These long handled open-end 41mm and 46mm (Sunex #941 and #946) wrenches are what’s needed to release sleeve nut on Mercedes w108 drive shaft. A couple very large pipe wrenches will probably do the job, but why chew up the sleeve nut?
Although factory spec is 25 lbs torque, after 50 years, removing on my 1967 250S took the muscle of two 300 lb. mechanics to release mine on a concrete floor with opposing wrenches and the glow from an acetylene torch.
Note: It’s impossible to do this on the vehicle when adjustable sleeve is so frozen, but the rear axle can be levered to the rear just enough to get one end of the shaft free and drop driveshaft as a single unit to work with this on the floor — without disassembling the rear suspension.