I feel like this is the kind of thing where you just need to find the one person who wants this car but I’m concerned that person is also the one selling it.
Rob Emslie
graverobber
Rob Emslie is a contributing writer for Jalopnik. He has too many cars, and not enough time to work on them all.
So far this week you are hitting my kink for weirdo rides. Read more
Best thing I’ve read all day. However, I’ve traded in those corded lights for rechargeable LED work lights. While they don’t have the fancy hook, they do burn bright and don’t give off any noticeable heat.
A few useful things for big jobs. A small table to lay stuff out on, or a service cart so you have space for parts and tools near the vehicle. Muffin tins, for organizing small stuff. Cheap freezer containers, painter’s tape and a Sharpie to file and mark bolts connectors etc. Also for trucks and other tall vehicles… Read more
If I’m tackling a job I haven’t done before, I like to watch a few utube videos beforehand. Read more
I dealt with my craftsman 36 tooth ratchets like my entire life, I’m talking age 14-39, engine swaps, complete part outs, you name it, used the ever living hell outta them. Then.... I bought a set of 90t gearwrench ones..... OMG - for the love of god get yourself some 90+ tooth ratchets if you do ANYTHING with cars,… Read more
My wrenching commandments. Read more
Leverage is your friend. I go by the old adage of “with a big enough lever I could move the world.” If I can’t break a bolt with ease using my 3/8" long handle I immediately grab my much longer 1/2" ratchet (it is breaker bar length 24" or so). I also try to use power tools wherever possible to make the job… Read more
- Those cheap plastic boot trays make great parts and mess holders too, and slide across concrete easily. Cardboard is for laying on, silly. Read more
I was going to say, my adjustable wrench is almost 100% used for home plumbing and conduit use and rarely if ever for anything on my car.
Going to blow your mind here, so sit down and strap in. Read more
I started wrenching way too old, but I’m cheap, so learning. I also have a girlfriend with a very touchy old Volkswagen, so I’m getting tons of practice. As of last week, I’m now the proud owner of a set of torque wrenches, which makes me feel very proper instead of “oof... that’s probably tight enough.” The other… Read more
1. Use gloves. I have been so stubborn about this but they can help from dinging your knuckles and possibly get better grip. Read more
Great idea for an article! This is the first time I’ve heard about the tab in item #1 Read more
If you get frustrated, walk away if possible. I know sometimes you gotta fix the daily to get to work and are under a time crunch, but if you aren’t, wrenching frustrated is when you break stuff or ruin something. Stepping back and relaxing can even help you find the solution you weren’t seeing under the red mist. Read more
A rechargeable headlight with a “floodlight” feature is my go-to tool for working on cars or nearly anything else. It’s amazing how often you’ll obstruct the narrow beam of light so diffusing it makes a huge difference.
Read more
- A headlamp is extremely handy Read more
Three simple ones about undoing wheel lug nuts. Read more
COTD
“We’ve been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty.” Read more