Re: Step By Steps to restore?

Posted by Tim Cole On 2015/1/7 9:15:39

Given you plan to use the car for more than fair weather only local use, the paint isn't going to protect anything and the car will slowly deteriorate into a disaster.

The plating is poor as well, but that can be stabilized using chemicals. And the interior is visibly poor.

The other day I was looking at pictures of a nice original car taken in 1952 when it was 22 years old. It was well maintained and shiny. That notwithstanding, 30 years later it was a mess.

So I think the first step is to decide whether you plan to spend a little money or a lot. If the motor is sound and needs only a valve grind then painting, plating, seat covers, and a battery disconnect is still fairly involved. However, it doesn't take long for use to wear out an original engine so plan on that as well.

Personally, if I was is your position I would get the car running, store it properly, and use it for fair weather local stuff. Anything else is a full time project costing upwards of $100 grand even when done at home.

Are there cars I would spend more than they are worth restoring? Absolutely. As Jack Nethercutt said "I make my money at Merle Norman and I spend my money on cars."