Recommended Tools & How to Start, I'm new to the 914 community and restoring cars in general. Looking for a recommended list of tools to have handy and perhaps places to start. Options

[dlloyd2691]

I'm the proud (3rd) owner of a 1975 1.8l 914. I don't have any auto experience (but am handy) and want to restore the car back to its original stature. This means removing the dual carbs (I have collected the parts for the original fuel injection). I was hoping the community could help me with some initial questions (may help with family members buying be xmas presents). What I'd like to know is:

- what are the basic tools (and perhaps unusual ones) that I should have to consider a complete restoration (lets assume I will have the body blasted and painted by someone else, but am open to suggestions if that's a do it yourself)
- What is the best way to approach a complete restoration (including engine work)? What's the order (remove the body....), any advice or posts that are relevant would be fantastic. Ways to hold the engine for easier working....

I have bought all the old manuals I could get my hands on but am open to any recommendations. I'm truly looking forward to this, I was able to drive it this summer, so it is running but know the body and engine (loves spitting oil on the floor) all need work. I will have access to a lift from time to time but most work needs to be accomplished in my half of a 2 car garage (could store stuff offsite).

My sincerest thanks to what has already been a fantastic community experience (had a gas smell that I fixed. I intend to painstakingly document the entire process to also help others learn from my pain. And yes I'm spoiled by my wife as I have another daily driver.

David