so i bought my 67 chevelle about half a year ago...it has the original 283 with the factory 4 speed...ok..well its been sitting since i bought it due to money issues...well its about time i get to work on it..and i was wondering what i should do first...i just need some sort of ground to start on and work my way up...any helpfull tips appreciated...some picture links below....thanks...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/s10mud/Picture004.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/s10mud/Picture007.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/s10mud/Picture047.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/s10mud/Picture048.jpg

I would remove all stainless and bumpers to strip the body to metal
Etch prime than epoxy ASAP so the body does not start to rust. I would not strip more than I could prime in the same day.
Once the car is in primer you can take your time to do the body work.
Good Luck

What is your goal?

If it's a driver, get it driveable. Tires, brakes, fuel delivery, suspension, electrical (lights & wipers), tune up, and anything you can clean/paint/rebuild without a major tear-down is a given.

You can always work on it as you go on weekends (limit your projects to small stuff that you can finish in a week end or two) and still enjoy driving it. A project drags when it's down for a long time. Me, either I have $ and no time, or no time and no $.

I do buy parts and store them in the trunk. But be careful, don't buy parts you won't plan to use for a couple years. Course, I ran across an early 12 bolt case, rebuilt GM Posi diff, new gears, 2 C.I. hoods and door panels that I couln't pass up. I did build the 12 bolt, but I bought a cradle to hold it in the garage. I sold both Hoods and bought a Goodmark repop. :(

That reminds me I need to look at my car (have not done anything in 6 months), waaaa :eek:
http://home.woh.rr.com/dgadams/images/chev_run1.jpg

its a project...not gonna be a daily driver...but more of a car to have fun with...i just look at it and see all the things that i need to do with it and i get overwhelmed...i just want a little feedback to see what others would do in my situation...thanks'

Both made excellent point's. Strip off the bumper's and stuff, clean it up, do some rust repair. Get the drivetrain in good working condition. You'll be alot happier, and motivated the more you keep it together. Look at the pic's in my sig, got the car cleaned up, rebuilt the suspension, built the motor, painted a few thing's while they were apart. Replaced a couple of panel's, and drove it for while. Even took it to the ACES N.W. regional and won "best under construction". Now I got the money to buy the rest of the panel's, the car is almost complete and pretty much gone through. As soon as I weld on the rest of the 1/4's, I'll lift the body, paint the frame, and line-x the underbody, and slam the car back together, cause I got all the part's already. Don't tear it apart, with the intention of doing it all at once, you'll regret it.

Just take it one system at a time. But, try to get it driving safely first, nothing like yard art to really discourage a person. if nothing really works I would start with the brakes, and front suspension. at least it will steer and stop. Next go to the motor, trans and cooling, charging system. now you can at least drive it. Prime it so its at least all the same color, start buying stuff do redo the interior, so now its comfortable to drive, then maybe enjoy it and drive it like you stole it. Because once you put a high dollar paint job on it then you have to worry about parking lot dings, scratches, working near the paint. Jim

Just work on it! Do one part at a time such as: Body, engine, suspession and so on. Alot of the restoration is work and requires time. Buy what you can for parts but work, work, work.

Work on other peoples cars or a second job for extra cash to feed the money pit. Good Luck! :D

By the way, your Chevelle looks alot like my '67 looked back in 1984. :thumbsup:

ive talked to a couple body guys and they say just feather the existing paint and primer over it...which is a better route, going down to bare metal or just covering the existing paint??...i dont like the fact that i will have layers upon layers of paint on this car...so im leaning towards doing the whole car to bare metal first...

and do i need to have a spray gun to paint it..or can i just rattle can it?...will rattle can work the same???

any feedback is greatly appreciated...thanks

its a project...not gonna be a daily driver...but more of a car to have fun with...i just look at it and see all the things that i need to do with it and i get overwhelmed...i just want a little feedback to see what others would do in my situation...thanks'

LOL Sell it to me if you are going to spray bomb it..... heehe.. Don't even waste your time with that. You need a good epoxy followed by lots of primer to make it straight.

You need to figure out where you are going with the car. Hot Rod, Restore, Pro-street, Cruizer, etc. Then you can determine how much you want to spend. First, you need to see how much paint is on the metal, that will determine if you need to strip it. All depends how much and how long this project is going to take.

Once you get going and start making some real progress it will become like an addiction...
That car doesn't look like it's in bad shape at all. When I got my el camino the roof was so totally rotted through i had to reskin it. At first I was really apprehensive because I had never done major body work before, but once I started working and making progress, there is nothing I enjoy more.

Um....no, a rattle can job on the body is way more expensive and not as durable as using a sray gun (assuming you prep the body and spray a semi-quality epoxy primer).

If rattle cans are more your budget, you can leave the body the way it is and tackle the mechanical repairs. Krylon is suitable for inner fenders, hinges, etc in the engine compartment.

What I found that helps me with a large project is to list on paper the work that needs to be done. Then tackle one item at a time. When finished, check that item off the list.

If I have a couple hours I try to find something that can be completed in that amount of time. If a weekend is available the I choose one of the larger items on the list. Any of the larger items can be broken into subsections. There is a since of a complishment as you see items being checked off.

It does get to be overwhelming when there is no plan and one just jumps around from item to item.

anyone have any advice on how to strip my car of all the paint...like whats the best method of doing that...and some advice on painting it myself...i will be doing most of the work at my house so i would like to know what others do with restoring there projects at home, like the best place/way to paint it and such.....any advice on this topic is appreciated...thanks'

Personally, I wouldn't strip original paint myself.
If I were in your position I think I would slick down small sections at a time and use rattle can primer for temporary.

It sure CAN be overwhelming but do like Chris and othes said, just do a little segiment at a time and don't think about the whole picture too much.
Realize it's gonna take a while but it will be worth it all someday.

Pretty soon when you see some progress it will give you inspiration to do more.

:hurray:

Are those bullet holes in the door of that car???? :eek:

If your just looking for something to get started on, start stripping parts (interior, front clip, etc.).

If your looking to do a "Restoration", follow these 4 simple rules:
1. Read these forums, and ASK QUESTIONS!
2. Strip it to the bare frame, and start from there. Build it how you want it from scratch.
3. Read these forums, and ASK QUESTIONS!
4. Read these forums, and ASK QUESTIONS!
Ok, I forgot the fifth rule...
5. stock up on plenty of beer... :beers:

If you mention the rattle can in here again, I'd bet there are a few members here that may violate you with a rusty quarter panel. If your going to paint it, do it right. Yes it is possible to do all of this at your home if your patient (and the $$$ to dump into it).

One of the previous posters had a good advice. Make a list of things to be done. First you must decide what you want...

Good Luck

no those arent bullet holes...just parts where the paint peeled off and it rusted there....ok, well the rattle can part is out of the questions..sorry for even bringing it up..but how should i go about painting it..any recomendations???

i need to think about what i want to do with the car...cause ive been kinda throwing things around...i know i dont want to do a total restoration...but i want a clean built car....a cruiser with the occasional trip to the track...

thanks for all the feedback'

If budget is a concern, you can rent a small compressor and an inexpensive spray gun (or buy the gun from Harbor freight). A quick block sand so the primer (inexpensive Epoxy ~1-2 quarts + activator 4:1:1) will stick. Get it 1 color of primer and I think you could enjoy driving it, assuming you have addressed issues like, tires, brakes, and electrical.

You can always sand the primer off for metal work as you go.

You do NOT want to strip the body and then realize your budget can't afford the whole route of metal etch & quality epoxy primer.

Otherwise, the origional paint jas lasted so far (except for the bad spots), just get it drivable. :cool:

Not to argue here but I'm thinking maybe some don't really know what it's like to get "overwhelmed."

Saying rattle can primer for temporary use is such a big no no only adds the thought of being "overwhelmed" by thinking "OH NO, I can't do anything unless I buy or rent equipment."

Even though, yes it will cost a little more in the long run, there is nothing wrong with using rattle can primer to temporarily prevent rust since it can be sanded back down when the time comes.
I'm talking about a case of taking baby steps with the body work when cost becomes a factor in the "overwhelmed feeling'.

Now I'm not saying they are OK for the final job but you can actually get pretty good with some rattle cans with practice.

I remember back when I had nothing and by spending a few bucks a little at a time, I did some rattle can Laquer jobs that when I showed them to a professional auto painter, he just would not believe what I did it with until I showed him some of the MANY cans I used.

:thumbsup:

As "Racing" said make a list and set your priorites on what you would like to accomplish. This way you can evaluate big costs verses just plain old sweat equity. But also remember that what starts out as a simple task can lead into another associated project. It's all how far you want to take it.

Start a task and keep plugging away until you are done. Many people start a task, get halfway there, then end up with a bunch a parts that just lay around for weeks... then months..... then years.

I have always worked on mechanicals first ( Drive train, brakes, suspension), then moved on to cosmetics just because I want to get behind the wheel and enjoy driving it. As mentioned earlier, the satisfaction of making something right can get addicting. Take your time, do it right the first time, and enjoy the thumbs up as your sport your ride around town.

Lots of good advice here so far. The "list" thing is probably the most important thing and maybe the easiest to do first. Really analyze what you want in the end, and then one or two different ways to maybe get there. Know going in that the "route" will change once or twice (maybe more!) and there will be several "stop and start again" times.
Another thing to remember-- don't be afraid to walk away once and a while and just leave it when things get to be too much (they will!) When you are cranked up about the project, you really can get things done. When your not, or the $$ is low, it becomes very difficult.
Good luck and don't forget about asking questions-we all have!

Duke

When you do a resto, do you normally take the body off and do the chassis first, then work on the body? Or do you do the body first while it's on the car, then take the body off and do the chassis?

Trying to get some ideas. :)

Assuming the body mount bushings are in decent shape if replacing panels you do the preliminary body work prior to removal of body from frame with car setting normally on it's suspension.

Oh boy, the part that needs the most work. :D

Thanks Dean! :)

so i bought my 67 chevelle about half a year ago...it has the original 283 with the factory 4 speed...ok..well its been sitting since i bought it due to money issues...well its about time i get to work on it..and i was wondering what i should do first...i just need some sort of ground to start on and work my way up...any helpfull tips appreciated...some picture links below....thanks...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/s10mud/Picture004.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/s10mud/Picture007.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/s10mud/Picture047.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/s10mud/Picture048.jpg


first... as you take it apart.. take pictures lots of pic's... each step if need be...
a year later when u'r bolting it back together you'll thank yourself for doing this...
use a real camera not a dig camera...
if you save pic's to your computer and it crashes they are gone...
oldfashon prints are best or dig pic's printed out on paper .. but ink/picture paper will cost more that prints...
or have a c/d made of the dig pictures.
what everway you go.. just take the time to take the pictures...
2) have a plan.....
AUTORESTORER MAG. has a book out on restoring "project charger"
I'd buy it and read it....
it'll be money well spent...only difference will be your working on a chevy(like me)

they are doing a mustang now.. it's a great mag..

their web is..
www.autorestorermagazine.com.....

good luck

Definately lots of pics,I'm using a digital camera,but I back up all my pics on cd's,external hard drive, 2 other computers, and on webshots.com,so I'm not worried about losing them. Also get lots of ziploc bags and label EVERYTHING. You WILL forget where that screw,clip,retainer or thingamajig went. Take your time and do it right

Do like what I did since I was tired of having a dull car and get some rubbing compound and bring back the original paint :D j/k

after 25 years served in the body shop business I will give my best advice,
If you have never prepared a car for paint , don't try out on your dream car.
if you have no mechanical ability , don't try out on your dream car and if you have time and no money , SELL THE DREAM CAR.
good luck

I've never prepped a car, but have prepped and painted tractors (which don't have to look quite as good). I'm a mechanic by trade, so mechanical ability is no problem. Hopefully i've got a lot of time, and money comes with time. :D

How's that?

I don't agree with "hd2nv", Im not trying to start an argument but if you just take your time and ask lots of questions, you will turn out a nice car. Yes building cars and painting them takes lots of knowledge, but it also depends on how determined you are. I don't have a very big budget but I have made excellent progress in a short amount of time. Don't let people discourage you, I'm only 18 and I've worked very little on cars with my brother. It doesn't matter if you have experience, however, you have found out by asking questions you can easily get the answer your looking for. Just work hard and set goals, take pictures, and save money. It can be done without any experience at all.

I'd probably have the body work done somewhere else. At least the painting done somewhere else. I may tackle the floor pans, but besides that, i'm afraid to do anything else. I could go to school for it, but, i'm just out of college after three years and need to have an employment position somewhere.

Think i'll pull the short block out, tuck the car somewhere and leave it be for awhile while I gradually pull in money, and tend to other committments beforehand, like life in general. :) And my tractors...... :) That's my main hobby and enjoyment. :D

thanks for all the replys...i think im gonna hold off too and wait till i get the money to get it done right the first time...cause i dont want to waste my time doing it when im just gonna have to get it re-done...i guess ill focus on other parts of the car for now intill i bank some money...thanks all'

I'm the San Jose CA area, actually just south of you in Morgan Hill. My son and I just finished a full restoration on his 66 Nova. I'm doing a frame off on my 66 Chevelle SS. Lots of rust and have replaced many panels, but it's coming along.

Great advice in this forum for the first timer... my advice below.

Slow and steady
Digital camera (take many pictures)
Walk away BEFORE smashing something (you'll just have to fix that TOO)
Take the rest of the day off if you're frustrated
Ask questions on this site - lots of knowledge

I just sent you an e-mail.

Good luck!

thanks for all the replys...i think im gonna hold off too and wait till i get the money to get it done right the first time...cause i dont want to waste my time doing it when im just gonna have to get it re-done...i guess ill focus on other parts of the car for now intill i bank some money...thanks all'


o k .. take this to heart...
you can read on this board and almost every other board out there ..
Of a guy paying alot of money to a bodyshop that was said to be "great" only to be unhappy with the work after it was done or worse have to pull the car out of the shop before they did anymore damage...
why hold off... read up,ask ??'s and start in with both feet..
you can do just as good a job as 75% of the shops out there..
most likely better because it is YOUR car...
and you'll learn as you go..
stop buy a body shop and get a junk hood to learn to paint...
isn't hard as it looks after you do it a while...
good luck.. do it yourself... take your time and learn as you go...
it'll take alittle longer but you'll what to start another after this ones done..
cause you'll fine you'll enjoy doing the work..

take one project/section at a time and try to put an hour in a day more if you can...it will get done and it will be worth it.

What is your goal?

If it's a driver, get it driveable. Tires, brakes, fuel delivery, suspension, electrical (lights & wipers), tune up, and anything you can clean/paint/rebuild without a major tear-down is a given.

You can always work on it as you go on weekends (limit your projects to small stuff that you can finish in a week end or two) and still enjoy driving it. A project drags when it's down for a long time. Me, either I have $ and no time, or no time and no $.

I do buy parts and store them in the trunk. But be careful, don't buy parts you won't plan to use for a couple years. Course, I ran across an early 12 bolt case, rebuilt GM Posi diff, new gears, 2 C.I. hoods and door panels that I couln't pass up. I did build the 12 bolt, but I bought a cradle to hold it in the garage. I sold both Hoods and bought a Goodmark repop. :(

That reminds me I need to look at my car (have not done anything in 6 months), waaaa :eek:
http://home.woh.rr.com/dgadams/images/chev_run1.jpg

DG

Looks like we got something in common....lol, heres mly car, looking a bit like yours, also hasn't been driven in six months...I just need to find the time to get out there and put it back together

http://www.fourcornermetal.net/skeeveman/Chevelle/IMG_0015%20(Custom).JPG

and

http://www.fourcornermetal.net/skeeveman/Chevelle/IMG_0108%20(Custom).JPG

I started with the front windshield leaking and ended up do ing a full restoration see pics.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/keltieanne/UpOnRotisserie1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/keltieanne/UpOnRotisserie3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/keltieanne/UpOnRotisserie4.jpg

John

from someone who is at the end of a 3 year project and being overwhelmed at times. Have a plan and a BUDGET, ducument every thing with pictures. you need to have goal to shoot for, but there is an old saying if you don't have time or money to do it right the first time when will you have the time or money to do it twice.Focus on small parts of the project that you will get instant satisfaction or a sense of acomplishment from. It is really cool a when something is complete, it feels good. Move on to the next part of the project and finish it, then do another.Take it one step at a time it will get done. Look at all of the adds for cars in boxes they did too much, to fast, got overwelmed and gave up on their dream car. Keep the faith and good luck. Rember one step at a time and take lots of pictures.

Do you appreciate it enough when it's finished, or does the novelty of it wear off? That's what i'm afraid of. Loosing interest, not knowing if the time and work is worth it. I'm not worried about loosing interest during the project, but with the end result. I've seen a lot of restored cars sold for half of what they put into it, just because of loss of interest or a new interest.

Do you appreciate it enough when it's finished, or does the novelty of it wear off? That's what i'm afraid of. Loosing interest, not knowing if the time and work is worth it. I'm not worried about loosing interest during the project, but with the end result. I've seen a lot of restored cars sold for half of what they put into it, just because of loss of interest or a new interest.

no alot of restored cars are sold because the work they payed someone else to do wasn't up to what they wanted..
or forgot that old cars don't drive like new ones do..
all the standard stuff we take for granted in new cars some find they can not live without.. most times after the car is done..(that why you need to build it the way you want the car!! # matching/hotrod/etc )
some get sold because of ,well, life!!! kids/house/devorce/ kids in college.
some get sold because of lack of time...(never gets used)
if you're worried about loosing money because they sell for half of money put in...
then you need to sell it and just buy one that is already done that the owner is loosing half of what he put into it.. that way you don't..
restoring a car is a money pit that you need to know going in that you'll most likely never get back what you put into it...
unless it's a copo car or a ls6 etc..
build it into what YOU want and enjoy the ride getting it done...
thats half the fun...
and also a reason some newly restored car get sold..
some like the building(restoring) part of the hobby more than driving it when done..