Guys here is the deal, I've been involved in a frame off restoration on my 68 Corvette coupe. I need some ideas on a order to complete the restoration. So far the car in painted drive train done, fuel tank, exhaust and brake system. In short it runs. The rear of the car is completed (bumpers tag bezel lights, etc). Only weather strip is done is the doors. The new wiring harnesses are run to where they need to be (engine compartment is done). Things I have not done are glass, front components (bumper, grills, guards, etc) interior (dash, seats, seat belts, all inside panels)(seats are redone and not installed) horns, wipers (door is in place and works) radio, speakers, (radio,speakers,and all interior components are restored painted and ready to install). Also the tops need the weatherstrips, stainless trim installed, and interior panels. As posted earlier the seat are done just need to be put back together (hinges, backs, stops, ect.) What do you think, AL.

 

I'll give a basic run down of the order I did mine:

1) Chassis and suspension repaint and rebuild T-arms, Arms new springs, brake and fuel lines etc.
2) Rebuild engine and trans and install in place on rebuilt chassis. Installed exhaust system at this point too.
3) Did rough body stuff off of chassis including stripping the paint, repairing any stress cracks, panel straightening etc. Painted engine compartment, firewall, and detailed anything that wouldn't be accessible after the body was on. This was a good time to replace the battery to starter cable, trans insulation, and staple the A-arm dust shields and radiator seals etc.
4) Installed the body to align doors, hood, deck lid, head lamp covers, and connected the throttle cable, tach, brake lines etc. Now is the time to trial fit all trim including bumpers--Not after the paint is applied!!
5) Prepped body for paint inlcuding priming and block sanding, and painted. Body was otherwise completely stripped. Then wet sanded and buffed at this stage.
6) Installed exterior trim, weatherstripping, bumpers etc. I also ran the wiring harnesses at this time.
7) Interior installation was last. Seat and steering wheel installation was about the absolute last thing.

Many guys will paint the body off the car in order to save the chassis from overspray. I preferred instead to mask off the chassis from the underside with plastic sheets to save it from overspray. For the most part I was successful. The priming and painting processes will involve some very lengthy masking sessions. I'd say that I probably spent the better part of a day to mask prior to priming, in between primer applications and paint application itself--probably 4 days total. A lot of work!!

 

Okay, That will work. Thanks AL.

 

I just figure I would post my ride, AL.

 

pretty car, AL

 

Thanks, I'm hoping to fiinsh it this year, AL.