Where would you start

[lbpdz]

Hello all -

I am a longtime lurker here, and finally decided to join up.. I am gearing up to start on my 71, and thought I would get some input from anyone who wanted to participate in the thread where to start on this car.

I picked up the car about a year ago. It has not ran in about 15 years. One day, it wouldn't start and after several shadetree mechanic attempts it just ended up sitting until I picked it up. During that time, parts of the car were gutted ("I'm going to restore it" syndrome), so the seats, console and carpets are gone, as well as the heater control bezel. Still had the correct ashtray in it, along with new ball joints and several pieces of fuel line.

So far, I have pulled the tank to see how bad it was and found it to be clean as a whistle. The only rust I have identified is under the left side of the hatch. Rockers, frame rails and floor all look to be in great shape...

[WingZr0]

IMO engine, clutch, brakes then go from there in that order. Since your body is pretty much rust free stay on the mechanicals for now as everything else is cosmetics. Fix what 'little' things you can along the way though. But also if you plan to paint it it might be a good idea to completly gut it now while it's halfway done. You near Sac town?

Edited January 24, 2010 by WingZr0

[lbpdz]

I am closer to Fresno (between Fresno and San Jose).

I do plan on a repaint, but want to keep it in 920. I have been reading up here on what a nightmare it is to get that color correctly mixed. Its been a few years, but I will most likely paint it myself (I have access to a fairly new booth). I want to figure out who will have the closest mix then use those products for my prime/seal.

[psdenno]

When I awoke my '71 from a 15 year nap a few years ago I changed all the fluids and replaced all of the brake components that come in contact with brake fluid - also the clutch cylinder. New fuel lines, belts, and spark plug wires were also on the list. Mine had been in a dry desert climate and anything made of rubber was fairly well toasted.

Good luck with the project and keep us posted.

Dennis

[lbpdz]

will follow up with some pic's hopefully later today.. Due to a change in the family financial situation, it will be a slow restoration/modification. We are fortunate to have a good base to start from, and to save as much as possible, we (me and my 2 children) will be spending a lot of time at the buffing wheel and dremel tools doing detail work. Next payday will be the purchase of a small parts soda blasting cabinet and medium size parts washer.

We are going to start from the back, and work our way forward (this way we can get the spindle pins, etc out of the way.

I was surprised when I got the car and began pressure washing everything that most of the paint markings on the suspension pieces were still in tact. Going to have to photograph that and repaint them when complete.

What I really love about project cars is some of the most fun work you can do for free (I.E. Polish diff cover) and a can of black paint is reasonable enough. I have access to some powder coating gear too.

Goals for this weekend is to get the back half of the car up on stands and evaluate what to do next. most likely the first thing I will be pulling will be the half shafts and ordering new boots/U Joints.

[lbpdz]

okay - time for some more pics.. As things get more organized these will start to become better in order and will cover what aspect of the project we are working on.

My Daughter has officially signed on to be the helper on this car, and she will be the eventual owner..