Not Just "Parts"

I decided I'd better get this list written down before I lose the data.

There is only one critical assumption that should be understood for tool purchase and this conversion: The tool is not expected to survive past the conversion process.

In other words, if you already own a needed tool, hooray! You don't have to buy it. If you need to buy this tool, these recommendations are to get you into the least expensive product to do the job ahead of you. If your newly bought tools are still running when we're done, hooray! Just consider the cost of the one time purchase of the tools as part of the cost of conversion.

When I say that I need 'parts,' I find that the vagueness can get me into all kinds of trouble. Why do I keep needing more parts? Or, what's the difference between a part and a tool? What do you call the things that you use up? Parts? Consumables? Tools?

So in the act of recording my purchases for this project, I thought that it was wise to apply categories that I defined several years ago to keep the understanding clear of what is which. (Believe it or not, this was principally for my Mum-in-law, to help her help me sort when she offered to help clean out my garage. I don't think she's forgiven me yet. The categories below just scratch the surface of how deep this can run.)

Tools for Conversion 

(A tool is something you buy and don't expect to use it up just by using it)

• 4-1/2" Angle Grinder - Harbor Freight #60625 $15
• Threaded Insert Riveter Kit containing: ten each of 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, and 1/4-20 inserts plus setting tool - Harbor Freight #1210 $17
• 1/4" - 3/4" High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit - Harbor Freight #44460 $6
• Bosch T118A 5-Pack 3-5/8-in T-Shank High-Speed Steel Jigsaw Blade - Lowes #122643 $9
• 3/8" Chuck Variable Speed reversing electric drill - Harbor Freight # 60016 - $19
• Variable Speed Jigsaw - Harbor Freight #69436 $20

Products for Conversion

(Unlike a tool, a product is expected to be used up.)

• 3M/Dynatron 550 12 oz. white auto seam sealer caulk - Autozone/Advance Autoparts - $15
• Rustoleum 249322 12oz spray Self Etching Primer - Home Depot, Lowes, Autozone $5
• Rustoleum 248645 12oz spray White Semi-Gloss Acrylic Enamel - Home Depot, Lowes, Autozone $5
• Grinding disc assortment for metal containing: (3) 36 grit, 60 grit, 120 grit 4-1/2" flap discs, (2) 24 grit 4-1/2" grinding wheels for metal, (5) 40 grit 4-1/2" cut-off wheels for metal - Harbor Freight #47572 $10

Components for Conversion

(A Component is a sub-assembly provided whole by a manufacturer. It is not intended to wear out. You use tools ON it for fitment, rarely for modification.)

• (2) The Hillman Group 3-Count #14 1/4-in- 20 x 3/4-in Truss-Head Stainless Steel Standard (SAE) Machine Screws - Lowes - $1.50
• (4) The Hillman Group 3-Count #14 1/4-in- 20 x 1-1/2-in Truss-Head Stainless Steel Standard (SAE) Machine Screws - Lowes - $1.50
• (2) HELLA (Behr) 376713301 Radiator (525x322x34mm) VW OEM PN 321-121-253AL. By Application: 1992 VW Golf 1.8L 8v w/o AC. - Amazon.com - $68
• Subaru-T2B (Bay Window) Bus Engine Carrier Product Code: RMW-EC02 rockymountainwesty.com - $400
• Subaru-091 Transmission Adapter Kit (228mm flywheel) - Product Code: F-001 rockymountainwesty.com - $520

Materials for Conversion:

(Materials are what you hack, machine, cut, fasten, etc. on with your tools.)

• (3) 3/4" x 3/4" x 3ft Steel Square Tube - Lowes - $8
• (3) 2' x 2' Ungalvanized (Zinc Passivated OK) Sheet Steel, 14 gauge. (Bought bulk.)