Restoration Tips Needed

[Wayne B.]

Re: Restoration Tips Needed

If time isn't the biggest issue I would tackle that interior myself. I bought a 71 driver several years ago with an interior that sounds a lot like what you have. I completely gutted the interior and put it back together myself. That allowed me to add extra insulation (so glad I did that), upgrade carpeting, door panels and wiring where needed. Don't just "tear everything out" in ten minutes. Take your time and note how each item was installed take notes and pictures...don't trust your memory, I'm sure everyone in here has been bit by the "oh, I don't need to label or take notes, I can remember where that part goes" mistake. IMO you'll learn more about your car and appreciate the results having done it yourself.

As for paint, I can relate to the sticker shock you're getting. It had been a long time (decades) since I had priced a paint job and when I got quotes for my current project (70 LT1) I had to pick myself up off the floor. Heck the thing is already primed with everything still off from a body off restoration and it still floored me so I'm considering doing that myself. I had painted three cars i restored in my teens and early twenties so I think I remember how it's done LOL but then again, mine is way way farther along on the prep work so I wouldn't be up against what you are.

Good luck!

[Michael M.]

Re: Restoration Tips Needed

Thanks Wayne.

Am I right to assume that I would remove the interior first, then send off for paint, then re-install the interior?

I am hoping I can reduce costs by possbily removing the chrome pieces and emblems, door handles, etc. before sending to the paint shop, then reinstalling new stuff myself (or after re-chroming). Should I leave the bumper re-install to the pros?

Thankss again.

[Rich P.]

Re: Restoration Tips Needed

Michael,

it's best to let the guys who painted the car install the trickey parts (Bumpers wiper door + Trim) that way if the chip or scratch the paint they have to fix it. If youy put it on and chip and scratch you pay to fix it. Also if they know they are installing the pieces you can bet they will make sure they fit before it's painted.

Rich

[Michael M.]

Re: Restoration Tips Needed

Thanks for the advice.

[Steven B.]

Re: Restoration Tips Needed

Michael, a point on the interior. It isn't as hard as you may think but does take some time. I have had every panel and the console and carpet off my '77 looking for chalk marks, etc. A screwdriver will get the hard panels off, including the door panels. Top of dash and seats require a little more work. Take your time and you can do most of the interior yourself. If you run into something you are not certain of just hop on the discussion board.

As for the exterior you can strip the paint yourself. I asked the painter what I could do before my car went into the shop and he gave me good guidance. I saved a bunch of $$$ doing it myself. Check with local chapter members for a good shop in your area.

I have never used one, probably should have, but maybe someone can recommend a good restoration book.

Good Luck and Have Fun! 'Send pictures!

Steve

[Wayne B.]

Re: Restoration Tips Needed

My interior is about half in and half out. I have all the door panels, glass and hardware off the doors...the glass isn't necessary but in my case everything came off when the body came off. My seats aren't in just to make it easier to move around later, they'll go in last. If you plan to strip it then make sure you use the right stripper that won't damage the fiberglass. So, you have the "usual" choice here 1. put in a LOT of work or 2. put in a LOT of money

[Michael M.]

Re: Restoration Tips Needed

All good advice. Capt. Lee's (?) seems to be the stripper of choice. This is all great info. I am much better informed for when I actually get some estimates.

[Larry S.]

Re: Restoration Tips Needed

Michael
Since you say your car is a 68 and you intend for it to be a driver, look in the archives for discussion of the two support brackets that came on the front of 69 and later chrome bumper C3's. They take the front sag out of the 68. My 68 big block car looked like the front end was warped beyond repair, but when I added the brackets (the header bar is already drilled and tapped for them) the whole problem went away and the car still looks right 30 years later. They were available from Chevy for 3 or 4 bucks each back then, but I'm sure you can still locate some. Nothing you do to a 68 body will ever be right without the brackets. Good luck with your project. Larry