Where to start...?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Nassau Bay Texas
Where to start...?
I purchased my 71 BB coupe in April...it is matching numbers and in very good condition but painted white instead of the original WBY. Also interior is blue in excellent condition but not the original dark saddle... I would like to get back to original....I also plan on cleaning up engine compartment and under carriage and suspension....my dilemma is in which order should I go...suspension, engine compartment. interior or exterior paint? Thanks....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi D,
A 71 BB to work on NICE!
I'd think a good sequence would be chassis/running gear, mechanical/engine compartment, exterior, and then interior.
It's good to have a plan, to document what you're doing, and have a workable system for controlling parts and fasteners as you work.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
A 71 BB to work on NICE!
I'd think a good sequence would be chassis/running gear, mechanical/engine compartment, exterior, and then interior.
It's good to have a plan, to document what you're doing, and have a workable system for controlling parts and fasteners as you work.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Painting the car should be the last thing that you do, because then you have to worry about scratching the new paint while you do everything else.
If it were me, I would start on the suspension and then I would start on the undercarriage, actually I consider the two the same and do both at once. I would work the engine bay after those two. Finally the interior of the car, before paint.
That is what I would do. I am sure others will agree with me and some will not. It truly depends on you. Do you plan on driving the car while restoring it? Or do you like to drive it around while you do so? I honestly think that, that is the first question you should ask yourself.
Either way you go, it is about having fun in the hobby.
If it were me, I would start on the suspension and then I would start on the undercarriage, actually I consider the two the same and do both at once. I would work the engine bay after those two. Finally the interior of the car, before paint. That is what I would do. I am sure others will agree with me and some will not. It truly depends on you. Do you plan on driving the car while restoring it? Or do you like to drive it around while you do so? I honestly think that, that is the first question you should ask yourself.
Either way you go, it is about having fun in the hobby.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Nassau Bay Texas
Thanks for the suggestions....I plan on driving it while doing the work..not planning on doing any major suspension or engine compartment work except cleaning and maybe some detailing...the car shows 75,000 miles, stil has original riveted ball joints and the pedals show little wear...don't know how else to determine actual mileage. I will start on underneath and engine compartment..
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You may plan on NOT doing any major suspension or engine compartment work...but your 42 year old car may have different ideas. I managed to avoid the inevitable for almost 5 years...before the clutch came apart and I limped home to the vette cave. Ahhhh...remove the tranny or the engine...or both? Then the fun begins. The "while I'm at its" are the most difficult to control.
Whatever you do, make it in stages so that the car is not disabled for extended periods of time. That will drain your resources and motivation to continue. Alan gave you excellent recommendations. Try to emphasize the journey, not the destination. Seek expert advice and don't be afraid to admit your limitations. To do otherwise can be even more costly.
Whatever you do, make it in stages so that the car is not disabled for extended periods of time. That will drain your resources and motivation to continue. Alan gave you excellent recommendations. Try to emphasize the journey, not the destination. Seek expert advice and don't be afraid to admit your limitations. To do otherwise can be even more costly.
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