Car Restoration

IceNine · Posted: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 00:59:04 Post Subject: Car Restoration

I'm looking to start a project car. So far I've got my eye on a 1970 Dodge Dart (Mopar baby!) that in its life has taken a bit of a beating.

I want to know how I can find a good body/paint shop. I don't know anyone that does that sort of thing, but I would want a very high quality job done. Same thing for upholstery. Where do I start? Advice for a newbie in this sort of thing?

Thanks in advance, by the way.

Cool

mAnChO · Posted: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 01:21:55 Post Subject:

I know here in Michigan, nearly every weekend cars meet up somewhere to hang out and basically cause trouble. Its usually the 1950's themed McDonalds, or a local produce shop. So that might be a place to start asking questions and get ahead of them game.

Also, 2 or 3 pretty big cruises are organized each year and some places might be advertising. But I'm not sure if the car craze is as huge like up here in Ford country.

I would definitely try and find out where the local car guys hang out and talk to them. Nothing can be better than hearing things through first hand experience.

dadx2mj · Posted: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 01:46:32 Post Subject:

Yeah best bet is to find local car club gatherings and talk to people in your area who are into it. Look at their cars and when you see something you like ask who did it for them.

BeerCheeze · Posted: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 01:55:13 Post Subject:

I'm going to have to 3rd that.

knight0334 · Posted: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 11:59:23 Post Subject:

Start with the body for sure..

Darts are "A Bodies" http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=A

Try to avoid getting a 225cid slant six engine car. Theres no aftermarket parts for the engine. And the k-member wont allow for a v-8 engine. More then likely, it'll be a 318cid v-8. ...which was a bread-n-butter engine. BUT dont under estimate what you can do with it.

When you get to working over the engine, be sure to get ahold of me. I've built several small and large block mopars-being I'm a "Mopar or no car" person.

BeerCheeze · Posted: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 12:04:46 Post Subject:

OOO And I never start with the outside.... I always start from the mechanical on out. 2 Reasons

1) Makes it easier to pull engine parts out with out worrying about damaging the paint/exterior, or the nice interior getting dirty when your in and out of it and greasy.

2) It's fun to have a POS body, pop the hood and show them a chromed hot rod engine Grin

jake_johnson · Posted: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 13:32:34 Post Subject:

I am still doing my 1973 el camino. 350v8 original block. Just bout everything else is replaced and chromed. I didnt do chroming myself though.

It just has primer on it. I am going to do paint jb myself. I have been agonizing for about a month on the paint job on how I want it to look.

The entire is kinda themed after the small british sports cars. Go figure. Small seets. etc. (not installed. Stil getting cash together.) Choped top by 4".

I got all my info for doing stuff and people to contact on parts from local car shows. Every month their is one at my favorite pizza place.

IceNine · Posted: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 15:42:17 Post Subject:

Thanks for all the information guys. I'll try to find some of those Wendy's groups and ask what their thoughts are. Though I have yet to hear back from the people with the Dart so I'm thinking that's a no-go.

In any case, I found what looks to be a sweet 1964 Thunderbird: http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/82685824.html
The interior is what kills me! I can't believe the condition!!

What do you guys think?

jake_johnson · Posted: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 17:43:47 Post Subject:

go with the t-bird man.

I dont know. I like a project car to have crappy interior. I just love doing car interiors. Its my favorite part.