Restoration Tip From Forum Members

[Moms68]

Don't create a jewel to just sit there and be polished. Drive it, someone else will when you're gone.

 

[icetech]

The best tip I can give anyone is to be realistic about the cost of your venture. My wife has a standing joke with me about anything I build. If I say it'll be around a couple thousand bucks, she's well aware it will be double. Don't get involved in something that ends up squeezing you death. Parts and budgets don't always line up. It's not fun anymore if you can afford to finish it and it turns into a lifelong dream spread out everywhere forever.

Yup, i always tell people double it.. when i was looking at cars a buddy would get hyped for one, and i would be like.. no way.. but why? Cause it needs this this and this... and now double it...

P.S. I now have 25k into a car worth 10... which is what i paid for it.. so.. yeah..

 

[chargervert]

Yup, i always tell people double it.. when i was looking at cars a buddy would get hyped for one, and i would be like.. no way.. but why? Cause it needs this this and this... and now double it...

P.S. I now have 25k into a car worth 10... which is what i paid for it.. so.. yeah..

Not hard to do.

 

[1KoolBee]

I’ll start with a simple one.

Do not throw ANYTHING away during disassembly! Even if you think it’s trash. Sometimes old genuine parts are better than reproduction. Also can be used for inspection later or during body repair alignment and measurements.

Amen to that. I’ve burned myself more than once by not following this tip!!

 

[Richard Cranium]

Yup, i always tell people double it.. when i was looking at cars a buddy would get hyped for one, and i would be like.. no way.. but why? Cause it needs this this and this... and now double it...

P.S. I now have 25k into a car worth 10... which is what i paid for it.. so.. yeah..

For the longest time, I'd tell people to figure out what you think your costs will be & then add 40%, but I really do think doubling one's estimated price tag is about right today.

 

[Don selleck]

About right I was thinking 15k on my partial resto, looking at 25k as of now.

 

[themechanic]

About right I was thinking 15k on my partial resto, looking at 25k as of now.

Wheels and tires alone are a couple of grand.

 

[RemCharger]

Keep all the parts in one place. Scatting parts all over your garage is a recipe for disappointment.

The way I visualize it is, take some stuff off( make sure it's an assorted random group) stuff it in a large dirty sock, and swing it around your head letting go in a direction that's out of your eyesight. This will provide years of fun and excitement after you've rebought those pieces twice!

 

[T2R9]

Use small dish soap bottles for fluids like trans and oil for assembly of components that need it.

 

[jimbosride]

Explaining to you wife that the car is an "Investment".

 

[dadsbee]

Explain to you wife that the car is an investment.
View attachment 1766290

You've got the wrong wife... mine buys her own!

 

[Richard Cranium]

You've got the wrong wife... mine buys her own!

My wife rolls her eyes at me when I get a hankering for another.

 

[chargervert]

My wife rolls her eyes at me when I get a hankering for another.

I told my wife,it could be worse,I could collect women,instead of cars!

 

[chargervert]

For the longest time, I'd tell people to figure out what you think your costs will be & then add 40%, but I really do think doubling one's estimated price tag is about right today.

I think you are spot on RC! Everything costs double or more. Our cars are no exception!

 

[QuickBpBp]

Something I always see is people buying reproduction parts that DON'T FIT. Do your research as many parts out there look right but when you go to use them years later they don't fit or last for that matter. Many others have already used them or tried and failed so it doesn't hurt to ask BEFORE stock piling parts. Also research the people you are buying from as these days there are scammers everywhere. So if are not sure ask.

 

[threewood]

Buy once, cry once. If you get parts to save money, you will not be happy and they will get replaced eventually. Buy what you want even if it costs more.

Be cautious of restoration parts. Quality is not always great so do your homework or buy oem. Especially turn signal switches.

 

[eldubb440]

a "built for profit" car is exactly that

 

[SlingLow]

Explaining to you wife that the car is an "Investment".
View attachment 1766290

When I quit flipping houses and bought my 3rd classic, my wife asked me what I was doing. I told her I'm flipping cars now. She said, 'but you haven't sold anything yet'. I explained that my houses were 'project' houses, and I was able to add value by rehabbing them. My cars are all drivers and I'm not adding any value, so I need them to appreciate before selling them. I'm in the appreciation phase now. I don't think she appreciated that.

 

[Chargerjase]

I agree with the tracking of parts that you have purchased. I always keep a spreadsheet showing part number, description, date purchased, cost, who purchased from and date recieved.

 

[66ChargerHI-PO]

If you can use a rotisserie especially if you are an older guy like me. It will save your back.

And time