I forgot how this thing goes back together. It's been apart for about 2 years. I have the shell back home from getting painted. I took everything apart, a shell on a rolling frame. What a big mistake. I can't see this car in one piece again. Heck I've never even driven the car! I just spent 2 days organizing my small 1 car garage and am now literally surrounded by parts in need of restoration. I did manage to make a pile of parts that are going to the powdercoater, and polished a pile of trim! I aquired NOS parts with the car when I bought it, I take the chrome decklid trim out of the packages for the first time and it's allready pitted! Anyway who else has been in this situation? Where did you start? I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've been thinking about this car for way too long and just want to drive. I guess I just need a kick in the ass. That's enough for now. Need sleep.

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How does this go back together???

I am in the assembly stage on my 66 SS frame off resto, I try to work on it 5-7 hrs a week. One piece at a time. Check fit and finish etc., I started in the middle of the car and worked towards the ends. The interior will be last . Have fun and dont make it work, I find myself stopping and staring all the time visualizing the next step.

My suggestion is to purchase an assembly manual, if you don't already have one.

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Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017
A.C.E.S.#3731
progress has little to do with speed, but lots to do with direction.
Maryland Chevelle Club (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1810652400&r=0&t=0
$19 on ebay

Ditto on the assembly manual. A definite must. I spent hours poring over mine. Also try to find a local auto body supply store that has a good selection of clips and fasteners. I visited mine often.

The longest journey begins with a single step http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Like others have said take your time and enjoy the progress. Rushing things always causes problems. Make sure everything you put on the car is as nice as the new paint. And last but not least don't freak out if you scratch the paint, it happens to the best of them.


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TC #364
Aces #4309
Jeff's 69 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/daytonajeff1.jpg)

Hey Jeff, I like your single step quote. Did Confussious say that. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I agree with these guys, you can't live without an assembly manuel. If you get stuck on something, have someonelse take a look at it. Also, I hear there is some kinda awesome Chevelle site on the internet somewhere that the guys there could probly give you a hand when you need it. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif Cal

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TC Member # 1308
http://72sselcamino1.tripod.com/calscaminos/

Your in the same boat as I am! I start with a good cup of coffe. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif

Hello all! Well the assembly manual should be here any day now so I have that covered. I have found out that some of the parts I need are not reproduced. It's a 65'. So replating will be in order. Is there such a thing as an impossible to find part? I need 2 pcs. of trim that have been cut on the interior rear armrest panels that are proving highly elusive. Won't need them for a while though. Thanks everyone for your reply's up to now this has been a solo project.

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How does this go back together???

I've been taking my 64 convertible apart and I know that even though everything is bagged and tagged I'll still go postal putting this thing back together. Go ahead freak out, think about selling it, second guess everything, then go to a car show, get pumped up, and realize that there is nothing on that car that isn't covered in an assembly manual.

I had my 65 wagon pulled apart and I used to lay awake at night worrying that it would NEVER get back together again. The assembly manual and common sense were great tools. So was taking pictures. I would go to car shows, find a 65 Chevelle and take lots of pictures. I got a lot of good ideas about how to do things and where to find parts from talking to the guys and looking at their cars. I took pictures of things on my car before I disassembled them, too.
The hard to find parts are out there, you just need to know where to look. Good story: I have a four door wagon with a 65 model year four door wagon only strip of chrome trim on the tailgate. I never thought I would find even a used one that would not be pitted. I brought the piece to Carlisle (BIG swap meet) walked into a small obscure tent with it and as I was walking towards the vendor he said, "65 four door wagon, oh, I have one of those New Old Stock, in the original wrapper." I bought it on the spot. My advice is, if you see a hard to find part that you need, buy it if you can afford it, especially if it is in NOS or great condition, you may never come across that part again.

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65 Danube Blue MALIBU 4 door wagon, 350/330hp crate with 700R4, Factory air, Factory am/fm stereo.

Assembly manuals? real men don't read dirrections. Spend two years building a boat without one and get gray hair in the process.

Well, mine was apart for over 12 years and I moved twice in that same time frame. I got mine back together just fine and I didn't even have any parts left over!

It's easier than it may feel right now. The manuals can help too so that was a good move. Try to also find the original shop manuals as they can show you things the assembly manual may not (and even the assembly manuals have a few errors).

If you get stuck, just ask others with similar cars and/or here on good ole TC!

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NCOA member #220
ACES member #1670
Team Chevelle #998
YesterYears Chevys #52949
Rich's 1965 Malibu SS Restoration Project Progress Page (http://www.geocities.com/ticklewiggle/)
1:18 scale diecast car Detailing by Scooter (http://www.amhost.com/scooter/)

Yep, go to a few car shows and a lot of cruise nights this spring and summer. Make friends with people at these events who have similar cars to yours or may know someone who has a similar car. This can come in handy when you need to figure out how something goes back together because you can look at your new friends car in person. It's also a great encouragement to keep you going. Most car nuts love helping another car nut out.

Rod

[This message has been edited by Rmchevelle (edited 03-10-2002).]

The first thing to do is hook up with the Maryland Chevelle club, knowledgable, and friendly bunch of guys and gals. Second you may want to get in touch with John Haislip. He just restored a 65 convertible L79. "WOW" is the word when you see it. Attention to detail is his area of expertise.
chevjon396@aol,com
Make plans to attend the MCC show this year and bring a video camera. It will help you put yours together. So mark your calendar!!!
Hope this will help.
Canadian70SS