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)
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Model A Ford – Fuel Gauge Wrench
Two-Part wrench grips on dashboard trim rings of the threaded star-patterned trim to tighten or remove porthole into fuel tank. Common repairs include: replacing a leaking porthole seal or a fuel gauge’s deteriorated cork float inside tank. (Snyder’s Part # A-9300)
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Model A Ford – Light Switch Spider Install Tool
Slips around the ears of the light switch spider and gives you a large surface to push on so you can compress the spring to install the retainer. (Snyder’s Part # A-3643-T)
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Model A Ford – Distributor Cam Wrench
Slips over top of distributor cam to hold it firmly in place while screwing or unscrewing the cam screw to adjust timing and point gap. (Snyder’s Part # A-12210-CW)
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Model A Ford – Steering Wheel Puller
Steering wheel puller (with adapters for 1928-29 and 1930-31)
available from Snyder’s (Part # A-3600-P).
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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″ Pittsburgh 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.
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Model T Ford – Basic Coil Tester
Ignition Coil Tester for Model T trembler coil boxes. Only tests for correct amp. (No longer manufactured, but occasionally available on eBay.)
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Model T Ford – Coil Tester (ECCT)
Electronically Cranked Coil Tester (ECCT) for Model T Ford trembler coil boxes. Does comprehensive testing (coil dwell, capacitor, multi-spark, and magneto. Optional equipment offered for laptop computer analysis.
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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 7/8-18 threads, Snyder’s Part # A-12405-ADP). For Model T Ford (1/2″ npt) for, Snyder’s Part # T-5201-ADP).
(More info for Model A 7/8-18 threads)
(More info for Model T 1/2″ npt )
Mercedes – Valve Adjusting Wrench
This wrench, with 5-sides and offset, will grip a stubborn adjusting nut without the risk of slipping and rounding the hex, as an open-end crow-foot adapter might. (Hazet Tools # 4550-1)
Mercedes – Valve Adjusting Wrench Set
For 2-nut style valve adjusters. Open-end 14mm with offset handles. (Hazet #2769 14 or Mercedes # 615-589–00-01-00)
Mercedes – Diesel Glow Plug Reamer (early style plug)
For “loop” style glow plug used on early Mercdes diesel engines. Used to ream out the carbon build-up that will surround/insulate glow plug and lead to poor cold-starts. Stahlwile #428 or Mercedes 617-589-00-53-00.
Mercedes – Mercedes Valve Spring Compressor
When adjusting valves, sometimes with a sticky adjuster, removing an individual rocker arm provides better access for a 6-point socket and breaker bar to solve the problem. (Mercedes #: 123-589-03-61-00).
Mercedes – Headlight Hooks
Headlight mounting hooks (pair). I used on my 1978 300CD. Mercedes part # 110-589-00-59-00.
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).
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Tie Rod /Drag Link Socket
1/2″ Drive Drag Link Sockets available in 15/16′, 1-3/16″, and 3/4″ blades. From Snap-On Tools A-17, A-15, and A-26. (A-17 and A-26 pictured).
Ford 8N Tractor – Hydraulic Lift Jig
Used when making range adjustments to the internal linkage on the hydraulic lift cover. Fits Ford Tractors: 9N, 2N, 8N (1939-52). (Just8N’s Part #LG500.)
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Hex Key Sockets – Short
To access the fill-plug of vintage Volkswagens, a stubby socket is required (See comparison of standard vs stubby in pic.) There is not enough clearance between the fill port and body’s sheet metal to use either a standard depth socket or “L” shaped Allen Wrench.
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).
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Nut and Bolt Thread Checker
To verify threads on nuts and bolts before running to the hardware store. (by CKE, Inch and Metric Thread, 14-Inch and 12-Metric).
Enamel Marking Pen
Marks on any metal, rubber, or cloth surface that can be painted on with enamel. Come in various brands and colors, but I use Testors Gloss Yellow #251409
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LockNLubeGrease Gun Coupler
Locks onto Zerk fittings.
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Uni-Syn Multiple Carburetor Balancing Tool
(for SU and Stromberg Carburetors)
Uni-Syn Multi-carburetor balancing tool.
Willys Jeep CJ-2A – Front Wheel Hub Puller
Front wheel hub puller. Kaiser Willys Part # # HP700)
(More info)
Willys Jeep CJ-2a – Lower Brake Shoe Anchor Pin Adjusting Tool
Impossible to correctly adjust without this wrench. Kaiser Willys Part # 645652)
(More info)
Mercedes – Driveshaft Sleeve Puller (homemade)
Impossible to correctly adjust without this wrench.
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.
Rambler – Steering Wheel Puller (original tool)
Although there is a copy of this tool available from Galvin’s, this is the original if you care to search for one. (Rimac Rinck McIlwaine Rambler Steering Wheel Puller #182).
Reinforced Wooden Dowel
Hardwood dowel reinforced with hose clamps to keep it from mushrooming or splitting.