Expert: Sean Halliday - 4/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Sean:

My question was whether or not you knew of a GENERIC plan for restoring a car. What to do first, what to do next and what the sequence of sub-projects should look like? (and maybe what mistakes not to make), etc.  I don't see how the make, model or year makes any difference.

Thanks anyway.

Tony

I am asking if there is a generic plan, for example:


ANSWER: Each rebuilder has his own procedure so its what you want to do first.If it were me,i would remove the engine/transmission.The interior will need to come out.All the body work will have to be done seperate.Then there is the interior upholstery,seats,carpet,wire loom,lining,dash,under car such as brakes,steering,suspension.So it is up to you as there is no set way to do this.Each car will be different depending on what you want to spend,how much rebuilding you want to do.The engine can be done by you or a shop,as with the body work and there are books in the library that will give you lots of information on how to do this.As for the engine,if you have never rebuilt one,its best left to an expert.Average cost to restore a car,depending on the car and age is anywhere between,$10,000 and $35000.A good paint job can be $5000.I would have a better idea if i knew what car you have as i have seen many rebuilt cars and know pretty much what the job entails and who or where to go for help,parts etc,,Example is restoring a Ferrari compared to a Buick or Cadillac.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sean:

Thanks for all the valuable information.  

This is a 1965 Rambler Classic 770 4 four sedan.  I bought it with my 17 year old boy who is itchy to re-build a car.  I wanted to get him off on the right foot as he tends to run in every direction (like wanting to put in the radio before there's an electrical system!)  I also wanted him to get the right training in following a plan step-by-step to avoid mistakes and do-overs.  That's why I'm looking for some published plan so I can show him the right way to do it (not his way).  He has never worked on a car and of course fantasizes that its very glamorous (and easy).

We have lots of parts in the trunk. The interior is almost perfect.  The body is in prime but I have two concerns 1) there is some puffing over the wheel wells which I am sure is rust and 2)the previous owner spray primed it, but i can see in one spot the primer peeled and the original paint is still underneath (and shiny!).  So it will have to be stripped, sanded and primed properly.

Any ideas you have would be most welcomed.

Thanks again,
Tony


Answer
If the paint is bubbled with rust then it will have to be stripped to bare metal.Most people use a grinder and remove all the paint,then either a new fender or solder the bad areas.This is an art as i have seen guys do this and takes patience.If the interior is good,thats a plus,but whats the under carraige like?Chasis etc?Like i said,there are books in the library that tell you what to do from start to finish,either engine,body or where you want to start.If you go online im sure there are rambler forums.They have clubs where people show and tell cars that have been restored.Another good way to find info is go to any old car swop meets and shows to ask some of the guys there.There is no easy way to do this if you want the car to look good,it takes a lot of time and money.