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ok, I am referring to the "special" tools. Meaning micrometers, dial gauges and the like. I figure I am young, and will do more than one engine in my life, so might as well invest in some. I just want to make sure I get the correct ones and sizes. Any help here would be great.

thanks alot.

terry

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72 Sportsmobile, westy interior
72 Chevelle SS
88 Chrysler Conquest TSi
78 Bus
"the trick is to surrender to the flow..."

Get a micrometer 50-70mm, and some venier calipers. I like the Mitutyo digital caliper that switches between metric and inches. Also you will need a torque wrench in the 0-50ftlb range. This is a just a start. Good question, you should get a lot of good answers and opinions on it. Tim

Ill add some

Depth mic
Bore Gauges
Telescoping Gauges

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Fredy-
55 bug-
63 bug-
67-bug sunroof
68-bug

13mm wrench, that is all i can say. that is my new favorite wrench after building and restoring my first bug. i used my new friend EVERY time i had to do ANYTHING on the bug.

"Special" tool list

Telescoping gauges (instead of bore gauges and inside micrometer)
Vernier Caliper
0-960 inch-pound torque wrench
Machinist's straight edge
Gram scale 750x.1g

End play tool
Head cc'ing kit
Deck height measuring tool

Charles

I'll add some easy ones.... ring compressor, oil pump puller, 36mm socket.... etc..

A GOOD VW repair manual. And it will tell you what special tools or pullers you may need, along with what has been mentioned if you are doing a complete engine rebuild.
Oh, I'll add feeler guages to the list
KAFER-CUP

spring compressor (for the heads)
8,10,13,15,17,36mm sockets
white grease
metric bolts and nuts...

I know you specified measuring tools but don't forget snapring pliers for the crankshaft snapring. Good ones will last a lifetime. You'll also want a puller for the gears if you'll be doing many engines, otherwise find a shop that'll press `em off for you for a six-pack.
Even if you don't do your own valve grinding sooner or later you'll want a valvespring compressor - the C-clamp type used on most engines are awkward at best on VW heads, get the bench-mount style.

Thanks for all the info guys! Luckily I have a geat toolset already, just no measuring devices. Anyone have a lead where I can get some of this stuff at a reasonable price? thanks again.

terry

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72 Sportsmobile, westy interior
72 Chevelle SS
88 Chrysler Conquest TSi
78 Bus
"the trick is to surrender to the flow..."

just an item i found handy on a couple of occasions. A punching bag for when you accidentaly drop a snap ring or very important peice and it bounces to the most unreachable part of the garage.

I personally would give a couple local machinists a call. If there's any place locally i bet they know where it's at.
good luck

you could get most of these tools at your local NAPA dealer. if/when you go there ask for their pocket tool catalog. they carry digital calipers, dial indicators, ect.

If you DO do your own headwork you should have an installed-height mike and a valvespring tester. A depth mike and deep socket will do the job of the former, and a drill press/bathroom scale (with a machinist's rule) can take the place of the latter.