4. Welder And Helmet
The new Millermatic 140 with Auto-Set has got to be the simplest wire welder in the industry. With the new 140, all you have to do is to set the wire diameter and material thickness. The Auto-Set technology automatically sets wire-feed speed and voltage to achieve optimal welding results. This allows you to weld with confidence, knowing that the machine is properly set up. The Millermatic 140 with Auto-Set is a 115V all-in-one welder that can weld up to 3/16 inch in a single pass. To protect your eyes, Miller has come out with a passive helmet that only costs between $33 and $63 (pictured). This helmet will get you started, and when you're ready it can be upgraded to an auto-darkening by purchasing the lens.
Miller Electric Mfg. Co.
(800)426-4553
www.millerwelds.com
5. Soft Blocks
These blocks were designed by the Kustom Shop to give you a sanding block that easily allows you to find and fix low and high spots on more curved panels. The multilayer construction has a semi-rigid acrylic backing plate to provide a perfectly flat and level sanding surface that maintains its flatness while following the curves of the vehicle. The base accepts standard-size adhesive long-board sheets or continuous-roll sandpaper and is available in four lengths: 9, 16, 24, and 32 inches.
Kustom Shop
(858)909-2188
www.kustomshop.com
6. Satin-Finish Paints
Hot rod flatz is a preflattened, ready-to-spray, low-gloss color with the desired 30-degree satin primer appearance. There's no guessing with how much flattener to add: it's already added for you. Just mix four parts color to one part hardener to one part reducer, and you're ready to spray. The gallon kit produces 1-1/2 gallons of sprayable material. Hot rod flatz contains UV inhibitors to protect your finish from fading and chalking like traditional primers. now you don't have to be limited to primer for your flat look. There are 36 solid colors and 20 metallic and pearl colors to choose from.
Kustom Shop
(858)909-2188
www.kustomshop.com
7. Air Grinder
One of these air grinders fitted with a roloc will become your best friend when you start performing sheetmetal welding. you'll need this little tool to knock down the welds in preparation for body filler. As an added bonus, this isn't just a body tool: you can use it to grind just about anything, provided you have an air compressor. A grinder like this can be found at places like Home Depot or Sears (Craftsman), and the grinding discs can be bought from 3M.
Craftsman
www.craftsman.com
8. Plastic Body Fillers
Body filler is used to fill minor imperfections because it is much easier to sand straight than the metal itself. All fillers need a hardener mixed with them to create the chemical reaction that makes them harden. There are all kinds of filler types out there - some even come infused with fiberglass or aluminum. each one is made to do something different, but when in doubt just get the standard stuff.
Evercoat
www.evercoat.com