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Classic Cars 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
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I inherited a 1966 Chevy pick-up and plan to restore it. It has not been started in years and I am still in the information gathering stage. Any way to find out if the hydraulic dump bed it has was a dealer installed option, how many others like this may be around and how to initially start the process? Thanks
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Replying to: jbt66 (Nov 06, 2006 8:41 pm) |
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Replying to: jbt66 (Nov 06, 2006 8:41 pm) I just bought a 1967 Rolls Royce and the self leveling system is disabled. I am getting wildly different quotes from mechanics as to how much it wil cost to fix it - from five to ten thousand dollars - and also as to whether it is a major or optional repair, some say don't dare drive it until its repaired, yet the system was disabled for over ten years before I bought it. Does anyone have any advice or comments on this? The front and back systems were disabled at different times from what I understand from the previous owner. I have also heard that Rolls cars from 1965 to 1967 had difficulty with the self leveling systems. I would appreciate any coomments anyone might have.Thanks. Vernon Stepp, Kansasville Wisconsin |
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 04, 2006 4:59 pm) |
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Here's a long one, but I'm a rookie and would appreciate it if you pros could bear with me and offer some advice. I'm looking for some help with what to do with my '72 Chevelle convertible. I don't have the time or knowledge to work on it myself - there's too much to do - so I'm trying to figure out how much it will cost and the most efficient way to get it fixed. First, here are some of the problems: 1) the engine (350 V8, rebuilt 15 years ago) has been leaking oil for some time - bad - and I recently lost compression in one of the cylinders (100 psi in #3, ~140 psi in the rest, if memory serves), but it was running well before this 2) general overhaul of the brakes is needed 3) doors hang on the hinges (about 1/2"). They latch, but won't close properly 4) we did the body work about 10 years ago, and its still in pretty good shape (other than the doors), but lots of small scratches. Also, the work wasn't top quality - paint looks great (still), but some of the lines could be sharper. Basically, I'd be looking for bondo work other than the doors. 5) I don't know how to really judge the condition of the frame, but there is some rust. 6) Interior could use some work - carpet is faded, driver seat needs to be re upholstered, door panels could be replaced So how much could this cost to fix if I take it to shops and get it done separately, and how much if I get it restored? I'm not looking for a show car, and don't need all factory parts or anything - I want this to be a good looking and (relatively) reliable everyday car. My thoughts on cost for those things initially were: 1) replace the engine - $3000-5000 2) brakes - $2000 3) doors - $1000-$2000 4) bodywork and paint - $5000-8000 5) frame - I'd leave this alone unless I did a restore 6) interior - $1000-1500 I guess that totals to around $12,000-18,500, from my estimate. I would guess that a restore would be $20,000-30,000, depending on the condition of the frame, but with better results. Of course, I pretty much pulled these numbers out of the air (which is why I need your help). My questions are: a) are these estimates reasonable? and for the individual problems I mentioned? b) would it be better/cheaper to simply rebuild this engine, rather than replace it? c) does anybody know offhand what options I have if I replace the engine? is it possible/easy/affordable to put a 454 in there? d) obviously each shop is different, but any idea how long I could expect everything to take? e) I live in southern California, would it be cheaper for me to take my car to Nevada or somewhere else that might have lower labor rates to get it repaired? f) anything I forgot to mention, obviously missed, or need to find out to get better help? If you made it this far, thanks for your time and patience. Any advice more experienced folks could give would be greatly appreciated, as the sooner I know what to do, the sooner it will be done, and the sooner I'll be cruising down the PCH with the top down. Thanks!
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Replying to: newblazerkid (Apr 21, 2007 10:22 am) interior---this will cost you more doors ---I don't see re-hanging the doors and or replacing the hinges as costing as much as you think brakes --- might not cost quite that much, depending on whether you need new brake lines (rust issues) and condition of the drums, etc. The BIG problem with your entire plan is this rusty frame business. I would myself hesitate to put a cosmetically restored body and interior on a rusted frame, as this will devalue the car considerably. of course I don't know what you mean by "rust". If you mean surface rust, well this is just a matter of spending a week or two in misery under the car wire brushing it off and re-painting it as best you can---it won't look great but it will look better than what you have. But if the frame has actual perforations from rust, especially where the body attaches, this is an ugly thing that needs addressing with a body lift possibly. If the rust in the frame is forward of the firewall, you can do a "front-clip" restoration....just pull off all the sheet metal forward of the windshield, as well as the engine and trans of course, and clean up the frame that way. You'll have a sweet looking engine bay that way, too. Otherwise, if you aren't prepared to attack the frame, I'd just do the engine and interior and clean up the body as best you can for now until you're ready to tackle it properly. A badly rusted frame will devalue your car 50% at least. Anyway that's my two cents and yes, a good "street restoration" of a '72 Chevelle ragtop will be worth about $25K....add a few K for the 4-speed if you have one and a little more for the 175HP 350/V8. The 1971s are generally worth more $$$ as you know. But it's a great car and will always be worth fixing up---but I 'd hate to see you have to do over again. The front clip resto might be a good compromise, depending on where the frame damage is and how bad. |
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Replying to: newblazerkid (Apr 21, 2007 10:22 am) If you are fairly mechanically inclined, you can resonably rebuild the engine. Check this site for rebuild kits. I have used this company for several years for most the classic Chevrolet engines I rebuild. http://www.northernautoparts.com/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductId=148 To add: If this is the origianl engine, DO NOT replace it. You are better off rebuilding the original engine. 2) general overhaul of the brakes is needed Most of thses parts are readily available from NAPA or any other name brand parts store. Total overhaul of the brake system can range around $1500. 3) doors hang on the hinges (about 1/2"). They latch, but won't close properly The hinges are an easy replacement. This site has replacement hinges that are a direct bolt on. Hinges are about $60 each. Figuring 4 hinges, $250 plus shipping. I have used Bob's Impala's for a lot of products. http://www.impalas.com/product_list.asp?dept=6677&last=4461 4) we did the body work about 10 years ago, and its still in pretty good shape (other than the doors), but lots of small scratches. Also, the work wasn't top quality - paint looks great (still), but some of the lines could be sharper. Basically, I'd be looking for bondo work other than the doors. Find a good body shop that can do the work. Ask for referances and work they have done on similar vehicles. Your figures for the body work seem in line. 5) I don't know how to really judge the condition of the frame, but there is some rust. You can do most the work yourself. Knock off any flaking rust and use products from this company. http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=372 Eastwood is one of the leading automotive restoration products company. 6) Interior could use some work - carpet is faded, driver seat needs to be re upholstered, door panels could be replaced Southern California has some of the nation's top interior/upholstery shops. Again, ask for referances and vehicles that they have worked on similar to yours. As for some of the interior parts, again, see this site. http://www.impalas.com/product_list.asp?dept=6146&last=4222 Carpet kits range around $150
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Replying to: 0patience (Apr 22, 2007 1:16 pm)
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Replying to: newblazerkid (Apr 23, 2007 7:11 am) |
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Replying to: inkspot43 (Aug 01, 2007 5:46 pm) If so, is there a proportioning valve installed? Do ALL of the brakes release or do they drag? With the engine shut off and the booster bled (no vacuum in it), how do the brakes feel? Who's kit did you install?
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