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Restoration Advice

220 messages,  Last post on May 31, 2009 at 5:49 PM

You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Performance Mods, Auto Body, Auto Repair, Classic Cars, Coupe, Convertible, Truck, Sedan, Wagon


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#131 of 220
Re: What "service" [euphonium] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
May 21, 2008 (1:48 pm)
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Replying to: euphonium (May 21, 2008 1:17 pm)

He means a VIN decoder.
 
Just post it here, we'll decode it for you.
#132 of 220
Re: What "service" [Mr_Shiftright] by euphonium
May 21, 2008 (10:09 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 21, 2008 1:48 pm)

Thank you. I had no idea, but can now sleep sounder tonight.
#133 of 220
Re: 1954 Cadillac Coupe deVille - Advice needed [Mr_Shiftright] by funchmobile
May 26, 2008 (6:21 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 19, 2008 11:32 am)

My Shiftright,
Thanks for the info, and opinion. I have had the car's engine evaluated and it has 2 cylinders with zero compression and the others have around 100 lbs. "Tired out" is how the mechanic described it. He is looking for a possible swap but no luck so far. He is going to get back to me in a few days with pricing and options. In the mean time, I am driving it around a little and letting my son get a feel for the good old days. (He is 16 with his permit).
 
Thanks again,
 
Bill
#134 of 220
Re: 1954 Cadillac Coupe deVille - Advice needed [funchmobile] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
May 26, 2008 (8:00 pm)
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Replying to: funchmobile (May 26, 2008 6:21 pm)

really? two cylinders at zero? I'm surprised the car would even run, or even idle. Why not just do a valve job then? Is it smoking really badly?
#135 of 220
Re: 1954 Cadillac Coupe deVille - Advice needed [Mr_Shiftright] by funchmobile
May 27, 2008 (12:16 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 26, 2008 8:00 pm)

The smoke is very bad from the right/passenger-side tailpipe, not as bad from the left but still pretty bad.. Not sure which cylinders are doing what. I expect more details soon. The car does run and even goes down the road but not too fast. PS. My wife flipped when I told her we were looking at a $5K repair job and she wants to sell her half of the car.. ;-(
#136 of 220
1968 mustang restoration by debose
Jun 03, 2008 (6:45 am)
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i rebuilt my engine about 6 years ago and put less than 5000 miles on it, but its just been sitting for five of those six years in my back yard.now i got a little time and money do i need to rebuild the motor again?
#137 of 220
Re: 1968 mustang restoration [debose] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Jun 03, 2008 (8:46 am)
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Replying to: debose (Jun 03, 2008 6:45 am)

Not necessarily. It depends to some extent how it was stored, etc. Best thing would be to take out the spark plugs and squirt a light oil in each oil (automatic transmission fluid would be fine), about 3-4 teaspoons of oil in each hole, screw in the plugs by hand, let it sit overnight. Then next day try to turn the engine by hand using the belts and fan or a socket on the crank bolt. If the engine won't turn, the piston rings have rusted to the cylinder walls and you are screwed for the time being.
 
If the engine does turn okay, then get a battery and some fresh spark plugs. Remove the old plugs and spin the engine over until the oil you put in has cleared out. Then put in new spark plugs, then STOP.
 
Now, drain your gas tank, put in a new fuel filter, squirt a little starter ether in the carb, and hold on to your hat as you crank it over. MAKE SURE there is someone with you to work the ignition key while YOU watch the engine for leaks, fire, whatever. Have a fire extinguisher handy.
 
If the engine is jammed tight, you still might be able to save it by adding MORE oil and letting it sit longer, or, worst case, pulling off the cylinder heads and rapping on the pistons with a wooden stake; however there is a chance that you will break the piston rings and you know what that means.
 
Even if the engine frees up, the rust might have damaged the cylinder walls.
 
If the engine runs okay, let it warm up for 15 minutes, then drain the old oil and add new oil and filter and that part is done. Now you have to do tires, brakes, coolant, trans fluid, etc.
 
Big job here but if the car is a nice one, it's worth doing.
#138 of 220
help!!! where do i start? by debose
Jun 03, 2008 (3:36 pm)
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i have a 1968 mustang im trying to restore where do i start?
#139 of 220
dashboard..can i get an original? by manny73661
Jun 03, 2008 (4:21 pm)
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restoration on my car,,a 78 culass supreme,is there anyway i can get a original dashboard? if so, from where,,i want a original is this possible?
#140 of 220
Re: help!!! where do i start? [debose] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Jun 03, 2008 (5:12 pm)
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Replying to: debose (Jun 03, 2008 3:36 pm)

I'd get a copy of Hemmings Motor News, and then order up all the free Mustang parts catalogues you can find.
 
I think Hemmings has some good archive articles on how to plan a restoration on their website at www.hemmings.com. What are your goals for this car?
 
You need a plan, a budget, and you need to line up your suppliers. '68 Mustang should be pretty "easy" as long as you are starting off with a decent car but if you have lots of rust, think twice.

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