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Sat Oct 22, 2011 12:06 am

Hello again Samba members,

I've managed to finally get a Hazet tool kit (YAY! [-o<)
No i have the task of filling it with tools, and i have some questions.
But first here's some pics....

Now I've consulted with a friend of mine who's an absolute Hazet nut and says two things; the kit is around 1963, and because I merely want to display this kit with my kombi, i shouldn't worry about filling it as it will cost me a small fortune. Does anybody know where i can find slightly beaten up Hazet tools? Or tools that look very similar to the real deal?

Just in case there's no such place I've already started searching through the tools i have and have found some items that may be of use.

The larger screwdriver will just need a paint on the handle that can replace the 811 long screwdriver 150x8, no one will know from a distance. But does anyone no about the stubby one? I got it from my grandfather who worked at a VW dealership and i thought maybe it may be a one from a Porsche kit?
I plan to fill it with 'look-a-like' tools until i can source the Hazet tools.
any help is greatly appreciated.

Please partake in the Poll at the top of the page.

Thanks

Sat Oct 22, 2011 7:02 am

I have a kit that my uncle got when he bought a '58 beetle. He USED the tools, and they and the box show signs of it. Personally, I like that. I use the tools also, when needed. I like that too, knowing that they've become what they were intended for.

As for the display thing, I don't do it anymore. The first couple of shows I discovered 2 things. First, they aren't that uncommon. Second, since people are people, I had to keep a close eye on things to make sure things weren't stolen. NOT worth it. Since mine has provenance, I'll keep it, but I wouldn't invest a dime to buy one for the purpose of showing it. Using it, yes, showing it, no.

Thu Oct 27, 2011 2:51 am

Hmm you make a fair point, I think I'll just fill it with reproduction tools, and just keep a watchful eye on it at shows.

I'm a little surprised by the opinion poll, i would have thought it'd be sacrilege to restore it yet there's just as many votes for that as there is for me selling it. Do people want me to sell it so they can buy it, or do people think because of what i plan to use it for i don't deserve the kit?

Thu Oct 27, 2011 4:13 am

I'm guessing that it's because they're most often used as display pieces rather than tool boxes. Display pieces, I would assume, should look nice. I'd guess that to be even more true if you've got nice new repop tools and a well worn box. Kind of a mis-match. Whatever. Mine hasn't been in a VW in years.

Thu Oct 27, 2011 4:18 am

Do you have any photos of yours' I'd quite like to see it?

Yeah I thought it'd be a little mismatched so I've thought about re-flocking the base just to dress it up a little, but really I'd be happy with worn out tools in a worn out case as-well.

Thu Oct 27, 2011 7:46 am

I never open my trunk at Shows since it's full of Craftsman tools/Subaru jack jumper cables/tow strap etc etc. I want to feel free to walk around and look at the Other cars, not guard my junk!

I doubt I'll be investing in any Hazet tools?

Thu Oct 27, 2011 2:05 pm

HAHAHA i know what you mean, well at most events I'm working on the gate so i can have my car near by and keep an eye on it

Sat Oct 29, 2011 11:13 am

Fishynos72 wrote: Do you have any photos of yours' I'd quite like to see it?

Yeah I thought it'd be a little mismatched so I've thought about re-flocking the base just to dress it up a little, but really I'd be happy with worn out tools in a worn out case as-well.

I did, 'til my HD cratered. I have to recover a few thousand photos off of it, or pay someone to do it for me.

If I manage to get out to the garage, I'll take some pics of it. It's like all the others, just well used and worn. It has character. lol

Sat Oct 29, 2011 4:39 pm

Obviously some of the tools are not correct. I bought the 21X36 wrench, and the channel locks are yard sale knock offs. The medium screwdriver is also incorrect. As I said, he used 'em for years, and he was far more than a "tinkerer". He battled cancer off and on for several years, lost 2 wives and an infant daughter, and had an otherwise challenging life. By the time he reacquainted himself with the family, he was in his 80s and battling cancer yet again. I never mentioned the absence of the tools, and his estate was settled by a predator/friend that had befriended him, and took advantage of his circumstance. I was overjoyed to have the kit, not so much because of what it is, but because it's a momento of a mutual love for VWs that I shared with an Uncle that I never had the privilege to get to know. Despite all of the above, he was named by most that knew him as "Happy", as opposed to his real name.

Mon Oct 31, 2011 11:21 pm

wow great story, makes is doubly worth having the kit no matter what the condition, and still it's a nice kit anyway.