To Restore or not to Restore?

[Richard M.]

Re: To Restore or not to Restore?

Thanks for all the replies. I'm very familiar with the restoration process. The car is not drivable now, as the driver side kickup is sagged to the point the driver door is very hard to close. So it would need to be repaired before the car could be taken to any NCRS judging venue. Suggestions? Mark

Mark,

IMHO, based on what your saying, if the kickup is that bad I don't see how you could accurately and more importantly....safely, fix it with the body on. I love a "survivor" and would be a blast to see it up close and personal, but do you really want to go through all of that work, potentially risking damage if a "temporary" fix doesn't hold? You could break the body! I'd be scared crazy just getting it on and off of a trailer, let alone driving it onto a show field.

Rich,
p.s. Not trying to deter your enthusiasm. I'd just hate to imagine your pain and anguish if it went bad.

[Rey S.]

Re: To Restore or not to Restore?

Hi Again Mark ---
I have done a little research on what you describe about the frame in the area of the kick ups. The structural integrity of the frame is severely compromised
You mentioned that it is sagging enough already to make the door hard to open or close. Myself I would not trust the reliability of the car,think what possible consequences could occur should you be driving down the road and hit a severe pot hole.
Restore yes,prejudge maybe,spend a ton of $$$$$ if you restore,guaranteed !!!
Rey Stenhouse

[Mark A.]

Re: To Restore or not to Restore?

Thanks for all the input. I don't think I ever implied I was thinking of driving the car in it's present condition. That will not happen. Never having had a car judged, I was just inquiring as to what the judges would think of a basically unrestored car, with the exception of the frame. If replacing or repairing the frame, is unacceptable for a Bowtie class car, then I will do a complete restoration. I think I will take it to the local chapter meet in Sep, and let them have a look. You can check out my website at www.ridgetoprestorations.com. Thanks for taking the time to give some input. Mark

[Richard M.]

Re: To Restore or not to Restore?

Wow, I kinda feel like Paul Newman when he and Jackie Gleason shot some pool in a movie years ago..........just kidding!

Mark, You obviously have done this kind of work before after viewing your work on the website. Nice work it is! So you and only you can decide what to do. As I said before and I'll stick to my opinion, do what makes you happy.

Good Luck.....sincerely.
Rich