Restoration Planning
#21
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16
$80k can easly reach $100k and 5 years sounds about right, as long as they don't get discouraged and either abandon it or sell it as several boxes of parts.
If the OP has a son (or daughter), the bonding of them doing the restoration together is priceless.
#22
#23
Former Vendor
By the way, In my opinion there is no such a thing as a "lowly" 69 L46 car.
They are all awesome!!! You are fortunate to own one.
#24
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regardless of the sentimentality and the family ownership of the car, you still must place a price and labor break even point for your project.
you have to decide how much money you want to give to someone else to fix some of the issues. birdcage issues automatically require a total body/firewall/cutup in order to fix it right. you have to decide if you are going to spend every weekend totally out in the garage, and spend the time away from your family for years, perhaps even during the growing up of your kids years also. do you want to miss your kids baseball game because you have to haul your air cleaner to the chromer..
birdcage issues will require a 5 figure check and trips back and forth on the flatbed.
you will eventually spend hours and hours snooping thru ebay looking for just that one correct water pump pulley for 300$ and that empty casing with the correct date code alternator for 500$.and finding the right painter who will do a good job for less than 10K.
sentimentality is admireable but you gotta consider the basis of the car you are comptemplating working on and what it is going to do to your life for the next 4 plus years.
plus the more you don't do yourself, the more you will get frustrated with the vendors that will do what they do best, milk you for more money, for less quality work, and deliver months after promising..
gee, I can give my car to my kids... well the first thing they will do is sell it to pay bills, or to buy a more practical car, or help on down payment on a new house..
come back down to reality my friend... sell your project, buy a car that is already done, and spend the time you saved with your family.
all this happened to me and selling my project was a very very good decision.
you have to decide how much money you want to give to someone else to fix some of the issues. birdcage issues automatically require a total body/firewall/cutup in order to fix it right. you have to decide if you are going to spend every weekend totally out in the garage, and spend the time away from your family for years, perhaps even during the growing up of your kids years also. do you want to miss your kids baseball game because you have to haul your air cleaner to the chromer..
birdcage issues will require a 5 figure check and trips back and forth on the flatbed.
you will eventually spend hours and hours snooping thru ebay looking for just that one correct water pump pulley for 300$ and that empty casing with the correct date code alternator for 500$.and finding the right painter who will do a good job for less than 10K.
sentimentality is admireable but you gotta consider the basis of the car you are comptemplating working on and what it is going to do to your life for the next 4 plus years.
plus the more you don't do yourself, the more you will get frustrated with the vendors that will do what they do best, milk you for more money, for less quality work, and deliver months after promising..
gee, I can give my car to my kids... well the first thing they will do is sell it to pay bills, or to buy a more practical car, or help on down payment on a new house..
come back down to reality my friend... sell your project, buy a car that is already done, and spend the time you saved with your family.
all this happened to me and selling my project was a very very good decision.
#26
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So, I understand where a lot of you are coming from regarding the expense and the time. But, that's not the point of this thread. Ultimately, the decision to spend my money on this or not is mine and I'm sure you understand that. What I really need is advice, lessons learned, and contacts. I can't do this restoration entirely on my own...I'm just not that skilled, but I am willing and able to learn.
So, with that said, what other information can you guys offer up? The way I figure it, the more I can determine now about how I'm going to go about this restoration, the more accurate my budget will be and that's what I need in order to plan this endeavor out (or to not plan, if the budget is outside of my price range). Either way, I'll figure that part out if you guys can help with the details of what will be needed. Some ideas and/or questions I've been thinking about:
What should I use to coat the frame? Powder coat? Por-15 or some other rust inhibitive paint? Something else?
I saw a post about someone who zinc plated their bird cage, sounds like a great idea to me, are there any pro's or con's to that? Are there other items I should consider for zinc plating?
What about the fasteners? Should I try to use stainless in some areas that may be more prone to exposure to the elements and thus more prone to rust? or is it just a waste of money.
Interior components - I have some panels with cracks and random holes from the previous owner...should I try to refurbish them (is it even possible?) or do I just plan to purchase new or used replacements?
The Engine - It's an original numbers matching 350/350 that I'd like to keep in it. What should I do to it to make sure it's in tip-top shape and will be around another 40 years? Any machining that I should do while it's out of the car? Hone the cylinders? Take it to a shop to have it cleaned and/or x-rayed? I'm not much of an engine guy, so I don't know what makes sense to do, but I'm trying to learn what's useful and what isn't.
Anything you guys can offer up is appreciate.
Thanks again,
Andrew
So, with that said, what other information can you guys offer up? The way I figure it, the more I can determine now about how I'm going to go about this restoration, the more accurate my budget will be and that's what I need in order to plan this endeavor out (or to not plan, if the budget is outside of my price range). Either way, I'll figure that part out if you guys can help with the details of what will be needed. Some ideas and/or questions I've been thinking about:
What should I use to coat the frame? Powder coat? Por-15 or some other rust inhibitive paint? Something else?
I saw a post about someone who zinc plated their bird cage, sounds like a great idea to me, are there any pro's or con's to that? Are there other items I should consider for zinc plating?
What about the fasteners? Should I try to use stainless in some areas that may be more prone to exposure to the elements and thus more prone to rust? or is it just a waste of money.
Interior components - I have some panels with cracks and random holes from the previous owner...should I try to refurbish them (is it even possible?) or do I just plan to purchase new or used replacements?
The Engine - It's an original numbers matching 350/350 that I'd like to keep in it. What should I do to it to make sure it's in tip-top shape and will be around another 40 years? Any machining that I should do while it's out of the car? Hone the cylinders? Take it to a shop to have it cleaned and/or x-rayed? I'm not much of an engine guy, so I don't know what makes sense to do, but I'm trying to learn what's useful and what isn't.
Anything you guys can offer up is appreciate.
Thanks again,
Andrew
#27
Melting Slicks
POR-15 it if you are only doing a touchup in my opinion. Others may advise you otherwise.
The Engine - It's an original numbers matching 350/350 that I'd like to keep in it. What should I do to it to make sure it's in tip-top shape and will be around another 40 years? Any machining that I should do while it's out of the car? Hone the cylinders? Take it to a shop to have it cleaned and/or x-rayed? I'm not much of an engine guy, so I don't know what makes sense to do, but I'm trying to learn what's useful and what isn't.
#28
What should I use to coat the frame? Powder coat? Por-15 or some other rust inhibitive paint? Something else?
I saw a post about someone who zinc plated their bird cage, sounds like a great idea to me, are there any pro's or con's to that? Are there other items I should consider for zinc plating?
What about the fasteners? Should I try to use stainless in some areas that may be more prone to exposure to the elements and thus more prone to rust? or is it just a waste of money.
Interior components - I have some panels with cracks and random holes from the previous owner...should I try to refurbish them (is it even possible?) or do I just plan to purchase new or used replacements?
The Engine - It's an original numbers matching 350/350 that I'd like to keep in it. What should I do to it to make sure it's in tip-top shape and will be around another 40 years? Any machining that I should do while it's out of the car? Hone the cylinders? Take it to a shop to have it cleaned and/or x-rayed? I'm not much of an engine guy, so I don't know what makes sense to do, but I'm trying to learn what's useful and what isn't.
Anything you guys can offer up is appreciate.
Thanks again,
Andrew
I saw a post about someone who zinc plated their bird cage, sounds like a great idea to me, are there any pro's or con's to that? Are there other items I should consider for zinc plating?
What about the fasteners? Should I try to use stainless in some areas that may be more prone to exposure to the elements and thus more prone to rust? or is it just a waste of money.
Interior components - I have some panels with cracks and random holes from the previous owner...should I try to refurbish them (is it even possible?) or do I just plan to purchase new or used replacements?
The Engine - It's an original numbers matching 350/350 that I'd like to keep in it. What should I do to it to make sure it's in tip-top shape and will be around another 40 years? Any machining that I should do while it's out of the car? Hone the cylinders? Take it to a shop to have it cleaned and/or x-rayed? I'm not much of an engine guy, so I don't know what makes sense to do, but I'm trying to learn what's useful and what isn't.
Anything you guys can offer up is appreciate.
Thanks again,
Andrew
#29
Melting Slicks
All of us are shooting in the dark a bit here... could you post some detailed photos of the outside, underside, engine compartment and interior so some informed advice can be given? Generalizations are nice, but if you want specific help with damage assesment we need pictures.
#30
Burning Brakes
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St. Jude Donor '06
If you're going to have the motor rebuilt, you can have the block decked. Just make sure the pad with the #'s on it is left alone.
There have been numerous threads of machine shops decking the #'s off in an oops moment.
The machine shop that did my '71 LT-1 block did a superb job of machining and left all #'s intact.
I know what you're going through, keep it stock or upgrade. There are arguments from both camps.
Good luck,
Tim
There have been numerous threads of machine shops decking the #'s off in an oops moment.
The machine shop that did my '71 LT-1 block did a superb job of machining and left all #'s intact.
I know what you're going through, keep it stock or upgrade. There are arguments from both camps.
Good luck,
Tim
#31
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St. Jude Donor '10
It Is Your Call...
I can only offer two things for you right now. First, I am including my restoration thread on my 1971 for you to look through and consider.
http://http://forums.corvetteforum.c...barn-find.html
Secondly there are some key decisions you will want to make up front before you break loose your first bolt, or break your first wire, and those decisions are yours and yours alone. I am over restoring the 1971Brandshatch Green Coupe now. It will look and have the feel of its original roots but it will be safer, and better, in many ways. Mine will stay matching numbers but that is a decision I made. As for costs I can only tell you that my original projections have been exceeded in every aspect, that is, cost, timing, and work. Would I chang my mind if I knew a year ago what I know now, no chance. What I have learned so far is invaluable. So whatever you want to do just be determined, have some fun, and live your dream.
If I can help in any way give me a shout, I'll be working on this 71 for a few more months so please join along.
Best regards to you.
David
http://http://forums.corvetteforum.c...barn-find.html
Secondly there are some key decisions you will want to make up front before you break loose your first bolt, or break your first wire, and those decisions are yours and yours alone. I am over restoring the 1971Brandshatch Green Coupe now. It will look and have the feel of its original roots but it will be safer, and better, in many ways. Mine will stay matching numbers but that is a decision I made. As for costs I can only tell you that my original projections have been exceeded in every aspect, that is, cost, timing, and work. Would I chang my mind if I knew a year ago what I know now, no chance. What I have learned so far is invaluable. So whatever you want to do just be determined, have some fun, and live your dream.
If I can help in any way give me a shout, I'll be working on this 71 for a few more months so please join along.
Best regards to you.
David
#32
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#33
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All of us are shooting in the dark a bit here... could you post some detailed photos of the outside, underside, engine compartment and interior so some informed advice can be given? Generalizations are nice, but if you want specific help with damage assesment we need pictures.
Thank you!
#34
#35
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Bad Estimate, schedule overrun, unforeseen issues or parts escalation?
It would be interesting to hear what the forum recommends to prevent this from happening.
#36
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St. Jude Donor '10
Do You Have The Room?
First question I asked was will this be a frame off restoration or not.
The question alone will help to give guidance on what you may want to consider when laying out your project plan.
If the answer is yes, body is coming off the frame, then consider where parts will be stored, staged, parked, while you are working on the car. I was fortunate to have a four post lift to place and help me with my car. This may not sound like much but I learned that with storage shelves and storage tubs it took two bays in my garage, and four shelves of storage space alone for parts in need of repair, replacement, and staging. If you are going to repair or replace the chassis then you will need a place to store all the parts you remove from the chassis as you get down to that level of attention. If you have to pay for storage then this should be factored into your total costs. There are so many areas we could cover and could spend hours covering just what I alone experienced in the one year since I started mine. I cannot over state that you should absolutely search your car for damage to all the metal. Mine had a lot of damage, all fixed now, but at a cost you will want to understand up front. A thorough inspection of your car is very important and I suggest you get a knowledgeable person to spend a day with you doing just that.
I grew up South of Kalamazoo but no longer live in the area or I would be glad to come over and spend that time with you. With Corvette Central located in Michigan maybe they can recommend some help in your area...it is worth the effort to gain the insight. Maybe a post in the regional area for assistance as well might get you some assistance.
Good luck to you, heading back home to USA now but will check in again soon.
Best regards,
David
The question alone will help to give guidance on what you may want to consider when laying out your project plan.
If the answer is yes, body is coming off the frame, then consider where parts will be stored, staged, parked, while you are working on the car. I was fortunate to have a four post lift to place and help me with my car. This may not sound like much but I learned that with storage shelves and storage tubs it took two bays in my garage, and four shelves of storage space alone for parts in need of repair, replacement, and staging. If you are going to repair or replace the chassis then you will need a place to store all the parts you remove from the chassis as you get down to that level of attention. If you have to pay for storage then this should be factored into your total costs. There are so many areas we could cover and could spend hours covering just what I alone experienced in the one year since I started mine. I cannot over state that you should absolutely search your car for damage to all the metal. Mine had a lot of damage, all fixed now, but at a cost you will want to understand up front. A thorough inspection of your car is very important and I suggest you get a knowledgeable person to spend a day with you doing just that.
I grew up South of Kalamazoo but no longer live in the area or I would be glad to come over and spend that time with you. With Corvette Central located in Michigan maybe they can recommend some help in your area...it is worth the effort to gain the insight. Maybe a post in the regional area for assistance as well might get you some assistance.
Good luck to you, heading back home to USA now but will check in again soon.
Best regards,
David
Last edited by AllC34Me; 08-13-2010 at 01:40 AM.
#37
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This is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. Logic dictates that there will be increases simply due to the unknowns of the project. What will I find when I remove this piece or that piece or I thought I could salvage this piece, but I can't. What is it specifically that you all seem to run into? Obviously, I can't plan for every little thing, but I can add a slush fund for things that come up unexpectedly and I can pad my timing with the expectation that issues will arise...
Last edited by Drews69; 08-13-2010 at 10:54 AM.
#38
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First question I asked was will this be a frame off restoration or not.
The question alone will help to give guidance on what you may want to consider when laying out your project plan.
If the answer is yes, body is coming off the frame, then consider where parts will be stored, staged, parked, while you are working on the car. I was fortunate to have a four post lift to place and help me with my car. This may not sound like much but I learned that with storage shelves and storage tubs it took two bays in my garage, and four shelves of storage space alone for parts in need of repair, replacement, and staging. If you are going to repair or replace the chassis then you will need a place to store all the parts you remove from the chassis as you get down to that level of attention. If you have to pay for storage then this should be factored into your total costs. There are so many areas we could cover and could spend hours covering just what I alone experienced in the one year since I started mine. I cannot over state that you should absolutely search your car for damage to all the metal. Mine had a lot of damage, all fixed now, but at a cost you will want to understand up front. A thorough inspection of your car is very important and I suggest you get a knowledgeable person to spend a day with you doing just that.
I grew up South of Kalamazoo but no longer live in the area or I would be glad to come over and spend that time with you. With Corvette Central located in Michigan maybe they can recommend some help in your area...it is worth the effort to gain the insight. Maybe a post in the regional area for assistance as well might get you some assistance.
Good luck to you, heading back home to USA now but will check in again soon.
Best regards,
David
The question alone will help to give guidance on what you may want to consider when laying out your project plan.
If the answer is yes, body is coming off the frame, then consider where parts will be stored, staged, parked, while you are working on the car. I was fortunate to have a four post lift to place and help me with my car. This may not sound like much but I learned that with storage shelves and storage tubs it took two bays in my garage, and four shelves of storage space alone for parts in need of repair, replacement, and staging. If you are going to repair or replace the chassis then you will need a place to store all the parts you remove from the chassis as you get down to that level of attention. If you have to pay for storage then this should be factored into your total costs. There are so many areas we could cover and could spend hours covering just what I alone experienced in the one year since I started mine. I cannot over state that you should absolutely search your car for damage to all the metal. Mine had a lot of damage, all fixed now, but at a cost you will want to understand up front. A thorough inspection of your car is very important and I suggest you get a knowledgeable person to spend a day with you doing just that.
I grew up South of Kalamazoo but no longer live in the area or I would be glad to come over and spend that time with you. With Corvette Central located in Michigan maybe they can recommend some help in your area...it is worth the effort to gain the insight. Maybe a post in the regional area for assistance as well might get you some assistance.
Good luck to you, heading back home to USA now but will check in again soon.
Best regards,
David
Great information. Thank you, David!
#39
Workscope creep is the killer in most cases, or the delusion that we can do it for 50% of cost and hours of what everybody else did it for.
#40
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Start buying the Corvette reference books and read/learn how others have of done it. Learn the specifics of your model year. Continue to post here. Join a Corvette club. Talk to other owners/restorers.
Knowledge is power. The more you learn, the more you'll be able to answer your own questions, and, questions others have.
Knowledge is power. The more you learn, the more you'll be able to answer your own questions, and, questions others have.