Let's just say I had some "problems" mounting a cav-comp to my post ban barrel.

I'm thinking about buying a whole new upper just to avoid the embarrassment of taking this thing to a gun smith to salvage the usable parts from the upper.

What tools would I need to do it my self?

and please, I don't need any snide remarks, I've suffered enough.

Sorry to hear about your bad luck.

[url=http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=144270]Link[/url]

It is not a hard project if you have the correct tools. Good Luck!

Get the block and the wrench, it is really pretty simple.

don't I need a head space gauge? or some pins too? or can I just use common house hold tools for those.?

You've got IM Mail.

2 weeks ago I bought an M4 barrel at a gunshow, and another vendor said he'd install it for $15. In the time it took to go get something to drink, it was done. I'd say it's probably harder to change a spark plug than it is to change an AR barrel.  

Am I wrong or are some of those lines for drinks at gunshows really really longgggggggggggggg?

Zardoz is right, I've changed and built a few.  10 minutes max.

would some one explain what tools I need?

Did you go to the link that I posted and follow the link within that one?

Here is a picture of all the most common tools.
[img]http://www.nrahq.org/publications/ssusa/graphics/ARtools.gif[/img]

The following link is to a manual that covers everything about the rifle, with step by step instructions. It is a .pdf file so you will need Adobe Acrobat to access it.
[url=http://www.ar15.com/content/books/TM9-1005-319-23.pdf]TM9-1005-319-23[/url]

isn't there a page that explains just how to replace the barrle? i don't see the point of buying the barrle only If I wind up spending several hundreds on tools.

I would agree if you think this will be the only project you will undertake with an AR rifle. If you think that you may want to start building your own in the future then investing in the tools wouldn't be a bad idea.

To complete this project you will need at least a barrel wrench, barrel vice blocks/action blocks, hammer, correct size punches. The manual recommends that you torque the barrel nut; so if you follow that you will also need a torque wrench. You can easily go over $100 getting this stuff. If you want to save yourself an embarrassing trip to the local gunsmith as you said, well it may cost you a little bit to do so. You probably can get this job done for under $50 almost anywhere. I guess you have to figure out what is going to take a hit more, your pride or your wallet.