Finally out of the shipping crate

[luxstang]

Hi and ::welcome:: from Luxembourg, Europe.

 

[D-Maxx]

... If I had it to do again, I would have purchased a different project car.

LOL, many of us have been there. What I've learned the hard way (and through great advice on this site) is start with the best project you can afford and accept, that even then you'll probably end up having more money into it by the time your done than what it's market value will be (especially if you count your time and headaches). The good thing is you'll be keeping a piece of America history on the road, you'll also be able to take great satisfaction that you did it your way. Other than that, let the fun begin, you've come to the right place for sources of information.

Welcome to the site from Olympia!

Jim

Thank you for the words of encouragement. It most certainly was the car that was within my budget at the time but it also had everything I wanted as far as engine, options and interior package. It is sometimes amusing and sometimes disappointing that when I look at the car I realize it needs EVERYTHING. However, it will be a great learning experience and I have the patience at this stage in my life to see it through and not cut corners. I am certainly not doing this with the market value driving the investment into it. I really don't care how much I throw at this - it's all about restoring and driving the boyhood dream car I have always wanted. I'm just an older boy now. Lol.

 

[Steven Harris]

I really don't care how much I throw at this - it's all about restoring and driving the boyhood dream car I have always wanted.

Welcome.

Ahah - we have your words recorded!

In reality - keep that in mind and you'll end up with a car done right to enjoy from here on out. Including the "restoration" process.

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

Welcome and good luck.

I suggest the 1st step is a very thorough assessment of every major part of the car.

Once you have a good handle on what you have, then decide exactly what you want out of the project and prepare a plan of action as to how to get there. Price everything you can possibly think of in preparing your budget then double the cost. If at that point you are starting to question the project, start looking for a better specimen to work on.

 

[Mister 4x4]

Hello D-Maxx - welcome from West Texas! ::welcome::

If you click on the link to my Facebook album, you'll see what I've gone through is very similar to what you have ahead of you (based on your comments). I hope you don't have to do it, but I also replaced the front clip in mine since the frame rails were so rusted out. Everything you've mentioned can be, and has been done by others - which means you are in the right place to get the right information on how to get your project done right.

Here's a few lessons learned on mine:

• It's going to take longer than you think - so don't be in a hurry for anything
  
• Tear the car down completely - remove everything
  
• Keep everything until it's done
  
• Have the unibody and major components stripped (sand-blasted, etc.) before starting anything else
  
• Spray down the whole thing with epoxy primer (and re-strip to metal the areas around each 'project du joir')
  
• When Qcode351mach (and the other guys) offer advice on how to do a particular task, fear not - it's good stuff and the right way to do it
  

Hope that helps. Can't wait to see the 'before' pics. ::thumb::

 

[D-Maxx]

Hello D-Maxx - welcome from West Texas! ::welcome::

If you click on the link to my Facebook album, you'll see what I've gone through is very similar to what you have ahead of you (based on your comments). I hope you don't have to do it, but I also replaced the front clip in mine since the frame rails were so rusted out. Everything you've mentioned can be, and has been done by others - which means you are in the right place to get the right information on how to get your project done right.

Here's a few lessons learned on mine:

• It's going to take longer than you think - so don't be in a hurry for anything
  
• Tear the car down completely - remove everything
  
• Keep everything until it's done
  
• Have the unibody and major components stripped (sand-blasted, etc.) before starting anything else
  
• Spray down the whole thing with epoxy primer (and re-strip to metal the areas around each 'project du joir')
  
• When Qcode351mach (and the other guys) offer advice on how to do a particular task, fear not - it's good stuff and the right way to do it
  

Hope that helps. Can't wait to see the 'before' pics. ::thumb::

Thank you for the encouragement and insight. I looked at your project pics. Boy, I am feeling better already regarding the condition of my car. Wow! Well done. Your car is absolutely gorgeous.

 

[Mister 4x4]

Oh - it's not done yet... those first pics are the obligatory "wanna be" pics. I did what you mentioned and have taken tons of pics along the way - which makes it nice to be able to look back and stay motivated.

I'm waiting to take it to the painter any day now... and then it'll hopefully be close to the "wanna be" pics. I'm right now at the point of just having put the hood back on after 3.5 years of having it off.

Boy, I am feeling better already regarding the condition of my car.

I get that a lot. rofl

 

[Don65Stang]

Welcome from coastal Alabama! Be sure to drop a pin on our member map under the Fun Stuff tab at the top of the page.