Buck’s Garage YouTube Channel
I believe in showing, not just telling. On my YouTube channel, "The Bucks Garage," I’m documenting my own personal restoration project from start to finish.
I’m doing this exactly like you: in my own garage, using a 110-Volt welder, a small home compressor, electric sanders, and basic hand tools. I’m doing my project much the same way you are doing yours to show that you don't need industrial gear to get high-quality results.
Professional Results. Real-World Garages.
I know that most people don't have access to a million-dollar shop or a professional spray booth. I created this site specifically for the beginner and novice restorer working in a home garage or a small shed with a limited set of tools.
Here, we focus on:
The Essentials: Using a limited toolset to achieve professional finishes.
Old-School Wisdom: Pro-level bodywork techniques rooted in decades of experience.
The Mental Marathon: Strategies to stay motivated when the project feels overwhelming.
Restoring a vehicle is about more than just metal and paint; it’s about the pride of doing it yourself and honoring the craft. There will be days when progress is slow, but we focus on the "Small Wins"—perfecting one panel or fixing one dent at a time—to ensure that project eventually makes it back onto the road.
Let’s get to work.
This kit won't be everything you need to cross the finish line, but it’s exactly what you need to get the wheels turning. You can collect specialty tools as the project demands them, but if you have these five things, you can start today.
Wrenches and Sockets: A quality set of combination wrenches and a 3/8-inch drive socket set (Metric or Standard depending on your project).
Body Hammers and Dollies: A standard bumping hammer and a few different shaped dollies (like a "heel" or "comma") to massage metal back to life.
Sturdy Jack Stands: Safety is non-negotiable. Never work under a car supported only by a jack. You need at least two high-quality stands.
The Screwdriver "Four-Pack": Make sure your kit includes Flathead, Phillips, Allen (Hex), and Torx drivers.
Dual Action (DA) Sander: This is a shop workhorse, but it has a specific role. Use it for stripping paint, smoothing metal, and feathering out topcoats. (Save the leveling of filler for your hand blocks to ensure a perfectly straight panel).