QUICK TIPS

A: MOST large hardware chains sell small moving dollies, which are excellent for moving and storing heavy, awkward items like engine blocks or transmissions. In this shot, Scotty has added a layer of security against tip-overs by running a bolt and washer through the bellhousing and into the trolley bed.

B: IF YOU can’t fit a mallet into the space where you need to whack, add five or six layers of masking tape to the face of a hammer to soften its blows. Taping a doubled-up microfibre rag over the end can also work in a pinch.

C: IF YOU’LL be doing a lot of fab work, invest in two grinders. Scotty has one of his set up for cutting, while the other has a flap disc to smooth edges, welds or strip surface coatings he’s about to weld. This means he doesn’t have the hassle of swapping different discs on and off one grinder – a handy time-saver when you’re building an entire car. Similarly, having your drill bits laid out in a toolbox drawer makes it easy and quick to pick the right-size bit.

D: IT’S JUST about impossible to have too many power outlets in your shed. Scotty reckons hanging a power outlet over his fab bench was one of the best things he has done to set up his shed, as it means he isn’t tripping over extension leads or having to hunt for a spare outlet.

E: RUSTY, rounded, snapped or threaded bolts and nuts will probably be the most frustrating, time-wasting issues you’ll encounter with a project car. Loosen things up by liberally spraying rusty fasteners with a high-quality penetrant spray like Inox Black or PB B’laster and leaving them to soak. Also, try undoing them with a six-sided socket on a long breaker bar rather than using power tools.