box tools

does anyone have a design to build an Engine Test Stand for an X1/9 1500 engine? Like Jon Logan built? Or this one that holds the transmission too.

The Quickjack has popped up on a number of threads so I figured this would be the easiest way to consolidate info. Will be good to link this whenever it comes up again as well. Recently Quickjack had an overstock sale and I decided to finally bite. For $1060 I got the BL-3500SLX and Pinch Weld...

Trying to undo the flare nut on the clutch master cylinder and the no-name one I have is too loose and wants to round the corners. Who makes a really good 13mm flare nut wrench? Don't want to buy a set, just the one wrench.

If I am going to dig into the front suspension then I am going to need a coil spring compressor. I have looked on eBay and there seem to be a couple from China rethreaded all throughout the site for about 25-30 dollars. What would be a good one that I can purchase that will be of better quality...

Hi, what wonderful contraptions have you come up with to lock the flywheel so its mounting bolts can be torqued up? Photos appreciated. Rgds Pat

I am replacing the rear wheel bearings on my '83 X and needed the tool to remove the locking rings. It seems these tools are not readily available so I made one from 1/8" thick steel using my angle grinder, bench grinder and files. After numerous test fittings and adjustments I was happy with...

What is a good method for priming the oil pump / circulating oil throughout the engine (e.g. prior to the first start-up on a SOHC engine that has sat for many years)? The ignition distributor cannot be spun due to the interface with the intermediate shaft. Perhaps remove the timing belt and...

Does anyone have the head removal tool that bolts on in place of the cam box to pull a stuck head? I've seen pictures and costa mesa r&d has a video of theirs but their website is dead. Before I start laying one out I thought I'd see if there is one floating around to rent or borrow. Thanks.

I've watched some interesting videos on YouTube on all these homegrown methods of using both commercially purchased (jack stands on solid block boxes, etc) and homemade devices/stands to get cars off the ground as much as 48". Anyone have any interesting methods they would like to share? If I...

Just a reminder that Alvon Elrod, longtime Mirafiori.com member and longtime FIAT enthusiast, is the current caretaker of what could be called the Mirafiori shim exchange. Here's how it works: 1. After you take measurements of your valve clearances and existing shims, you will know what you...

I keep seeing a very expensive set of two specialty wrenches on eBay that I think were specifically designed for tightening those hard to reach head belts: Admittedly, its been been many a year since I've had to torque an X head myself. They are advertised for $500 - which seems ludicrous...

I have my '81 stripped and almost ready to go to the body shop. I have seen pics of X's on rotisserie's and thought that was cool and I really wanted every inch of this car gone over by the body/paint shop so I decided to build one. I already had a Harbor Freight 750lb engine stand so I just...

:mallet:the head is still stuck on the block, believe it or not. i welded the nuts to the studs, but they broke loose. so i grinded dowwn to fresh metal and welded again, one came out. the weld held on the next one , but the stud broke flush with the head. then i accidentally broke one loose...