Broad Restoration questions

What are some basic do's and don'ts?

Depends, who’s the Broad you’re trying to restore?

But seriously folks…

Whenever you embark on a restoration the number one thing I’d recommend is to always keep perspective.

Make sure you know what you’re getting into, what it will take and what you’ll end up with. Know when to keep going and know when to cut your losses and run. For some it’s all richly rewarding. For others it’s and endless investment of blood, sweat and tears with little to show for it.

Know yourself.


PC.


(How’s that for broad?)

Pretty Broad (yea she was)..



but its either a parts car ..or a "Project". Depends on the day ...and how much available cash i have to sink (and i MEAN sink) into her. lol.
here is a poll thought "will you ever get back the money you have put into your car?".
But i really think (at least for me) it aint about the money, it is about the time spent on
something I like to do. It can be a real pleasure

mark

Walhaus...Basics:
DO:
1) Expect any project to take twice the time you estimated & cost twice the $$$'s.
2) Take lots of photos & label everything as you take it off - if possible, put everything back together in a box or zip lock bag.
3) Do make sure you know where everything is located.
4) Do ask spouse & children's permission to take so much time away from them!
4) UNDERSTAND: When you can't complete the project for whatever reason, its only worth $250 max to me as a parts car!
DON'T:
1) Start a project unless you have the $$$'s & wherewithal to complete it.
2) Completely disassemble the car all at once!
3) Don't agree to have somebody else do some work on the project unless you have the $$$'s in your pocket when he starts the work. &, keep the $$$'s till you pick up the thing he's working on.
4) Get discouraged - my granddad always told me to walk away from a car when I got angry. Good advice!

Aloha Walhaus,

Good advice from the others. As a basic consideration, buy a car in the best condition you can afford. This type of project is usually not an investment in which you make money, so let the previous owner pay for major repairs and rebuilds. Tony is very right in that it will take longer and cost more than you plan, so don't be discouraged. Sometimes it is lackadollar that slows you down, other times it that pesky job that pays you. Generally, more dollars spent on a car in good condition will cost less in restoring/repairing than a basket case. It took me about four years to get my MG TF on the road after I bought it. Good luck.

Safety Fast,
Dave

Good pieces of advice all round, but then we're all blessed with 20/20 hindsight through rose tinted glasses, aren't we?
You will make mistakes - make no mistake about it!! but as long as you learn from them you will have progressed.
As a long term restorer and having worked on some of the worlds most desirable cars, even owners with a bucket load of money are surprised at the cost of the more specialist skills!
My advice? Pick a project that is not too big, it's a good starting point. Educate yourself!
Check out https://www.car-restoring.com

[ 09-18-2003: Message edited by: Gordon ]

[ 09-18-2003: Message edited by: Gordon ]</p>