Restoration process

[Todd L.]

Is there a book or a known set process for doing a frame off restoration?

Do I do rebuild the motor and have it waiting for the frame to be finished or vice versa, do I paint the body on or off the frame.

I am looking for a reference point so I can formulate a plan.

Thanks

Todd

[Alan S.]

Re: Restoration process

Hi Todd,
If I may I'd like to suggest that you try to find a copy of a book on this subject that I found quite inspirering and helpful.
"Corvette Restoration- State of the Art".
This book was written by Michael Antonick and follows David Burroughs' restoration of Don Ellefsen's 65, 396, convertible. It was published by Motorbooks International.
While not a technical how-to book in ANY way, it has a wealth of information about the procedures you should be thinking of as you begin a restoration. Things like disassembly, documentation while you disassemble, control of parts and fasteners, sequencing, assembly, and many other things.
It gave me the confidence to get serious about my 71.
I hope you can find a copy to read.
Regards,
Alan

[Todd L.]

Re: Restoration process

Alan,
Thanks for the information, I will look for it.
Where is the Mason Dixon Chapter?

Todd

[Rick A.]

Re: Restoration process

Todd,

Mason Dixon Chapter is located in Maryland - many members located around 40-mile radius of Baltimore; many further out, like where Alan lives; some live in PA and some in Northern VA

[Domenic T.]

Re: Restoration process

Todd,
I would first pick the mission for the car then do it that way. Some are trailor queens and some are driven.

Some are done exactly like the factory and some are over restored and last forever.

Some have the poor workmanship removed and some have it added.

pick a way then stick with it.

My pick was to keep it all original but over restore. Many are different but they all are beautiful to the owners eye.

DOM

[Keith B.]

Re: Restoration process

Todd It would be best to find some one local who has done one or is doing one. Just to see how much work there really is to do. and how much space it can take. it looks very easy on paper and that is why you see a lot of cars for sale that have been started to be restored and were never finished. its a great experience doing one but it can take a lot out of you.

[Todd L.]

Re: Restoration process

I live in Odenton, are you able to get me more information?
Thanks.

Todd

[Todd L.]

Re: Restoration process

DOM,
I am leaning towards what you have done. I would like to make it look original, but over restored.
I also would like to get a little more out of the stock LS4 than the factory 270hp.


Did you do the majority of the work, what was your plan?


Todd

[Russ S.]

Re: Restoration process

Is there a book or a known set process for doing a frame off restoration?

Do I do rebuild the motor and have it waiting for the frame to be finished or vice versa, do I paint the body on or off the frame.

I am looking for a reference point so I can formulate a plan.

Todd

Todd, As far as the motor, it doesn't matter weather you go it or the chassis first. After having done many paint jobs I prefer to do them off the frame because if your frame is freshly painted it is going to get paint products messing it up.As I stated in a previous post, I did one on then frame after the frame was painted and even tho I had covered the frame with plastic before setting the body down, the frame ended up needing to be partially repainted.
Thanks

[Todd L.]

Re: Restoration process

Keith,

I can understand that, I started on the project and quickly was overwhelmed. Hence, looking for help/ experience.


I am still not anywhere close to throwing in the towel. The 74 will be on the road and complete within the next two years.

[Joe R.]

Re: Restoration process

Hi Todd,

Do you need help with how to hop up your engine?


Joe

[Rick A.]

Re: Restoration process

Todd,

I live in Severn, about a mile from Arundel Mills

Check out our website @ https://www.ncrs.org/masondixon/

Shoot me an email @ mdninja1@hotmail.com

[Todd L.]

Re: Restoration process

I got a hard copy of the book for < $30.00. Thanks for the advice.
Todd

[Paul J.]

Re: Restoration process

Is there a book or a known set process for doing a frame off restoration?

Do I do rebuild the motor and have it waiting for the frame to be finished or vice versa, do I paint the body on or off the frame.

I am looking for a reference point so I can formulate a plan.

Thanks

Todd

Todd. there is no set process. Deconstruction is easy in that it's simply taking parts off. It's hard (for me) because of the documentation. I keep a ledger of how more difficult parts come off so I can install them more easily. Bag and tag everything (I mean everything). Others have mentioned some good books, but there are many others like Tripolli's frame book, the AIM, and the service manual. A lot of it is just common sense. The key is to not install something and then have to remove it because there was an assembly sequence for that particular part. Study the location of all of the parts in a particular area, you'll see how they go together.

Paint the body off of the frame, as Russ suggested. It's also easier to work with this way. It does'nt matter if the motor sits waiting for the frame, but some feel that there might be some internal deterioration, although I don't think it matters.

If this is your hobby, don't burn yourself out with it. I can't tell you how many projects I've looked at that someone lost interest. These become barn finds or are sold at a fraction of thier value. Don't set a schedule, and don't work on the car if you become frustrated with something. Timelines and unnecessary pressure are no fun.

Paul

[Todd L.]

Re: Restoration process

Paul,
Thank you for your input, I do appreciate everyones advice. So you are saying it is ok to work on the motor and once finished it will be ok sitting? It is out and would be the easiest part to start on until I get the rest of the car prepped and ready to begin restoring. I just found out my Water pump is not original, and it is a date coded item. I love the hunt.

Todd