Car Restoration Chain of Events: Need help

[PureVenom]

Ok, I'm finally at a point where things are settled down enough that I can get back to work on my 81. I'm going to be getting the body blasted by the end of the year and ready for body work.

Where I am stumped is, what should my outline be as far as putting the car back together? Here is what I have so far:

1. Media blast and get car in primer
2. Body work/repairs, reprime affected areas
3. Chassis Stiffening (Cage, Subframes, torque box supports)
4. Suspension (Front, rear, front 5-lug conversion)
5. Rear end (8.8 rebuild with welded tubes, bracing, 5-lug disc conversion)
6. Electrical (Rewiring whole car with new painless harness)
7. Re-Install all Glass
8. Brakes
9. Fuel
10. Engine, Trans, Exhaust
11. Interior
12. Paint Car
13. Re-install trim, lights, and moldings

Does this seem like a logical chain of events or should some things be moved around?

[jimmy_beaner]

you may want to paint before you install the glass or motor or what-not. Especially if you plan on changing the color. That way your engine bay will roughly match the exterior.

Painting before glass and trim means less prep work for the paint shop.

[PureVenom]

Ugh, I knew that and just re-looking at my list I confused myself.

For paint, I expect to send it to the paint shop without motor and trans, just as a shell. I guess the thought is to build the motor, get everything test fitted and clearanced, then take it all back out when it comes time to paint. I just don't want to paint before installing the motor just in case modifications are needed. A 520+ cube BBF might need some body panel tweaks when all is said and done.

The glass I wanted to install after the electrical so that I can make sure the electrical stays dry inside. I don't have a garage, only a car port, so it is possible for it to be exposed to the elements as it is today. Initially, I had glass at the end after paint. I do need to update my list though and add on the trim stuff.

[jimmy_beaner]

Quote: Originally Posted by PureVenom Ugh, I knew that and just re-looking at my list I confused myself. For paint, I expect to send it to the paint shop without motor and trans, just as a shell. I guess the thought is to build the motor, get everything test fitted and clearanced, then take it all back out when it comes time to paint. I just don't want to paint before installing the motor just in case modifications are needed. A 520+ cube BBF might need some body panel tweaks when all is said and done. The glass I wanted to install after the electrical so that I can make sure the electrical stays dry inside. I don't have a garage, only a car port, so it is possible for it to be exposed to the elements as it is today. Initially, I had glass at the end after paint. I do need to update my list though and add on the trim stuff.

yeah, the being left exposed to the elements adds important information

In that case, your build looks better. Definitely seal it up before electrical... though you could paint it before you do electrical.

So something like...

1) media blast
2) fix body panels
3) seal bad areas so rusting isn't an issue
4) test fit motor/trans
5) paint
6) install glass
7) install electrical
8) drop in motor/trans
9) brakes, rear end etc.
10) finish her up

[SimplyOrange]

Quote: Originally Posted by jimmy_beaner yeah, the being left exposed to the elements adds important information In that case, your build looks better. Definitely seal it up before electrical... though you could paint it before you do electrical. So something like... 1) media blast 2) fix body panels 3) seal bad areas so rusting isn't an issue 4) test fit motor/trans 5) paint 6) install glass 7) install electrical 8) drop in motor/trans 9) brakes, rear end etc. 10) finish her up

if finish her up includes interior, this is a good list to follow, ill be building a notchback at the same time rob

[jimmy_beaner]

Quote: Originally Posted by SimplyOrange if finish her up includes interior, this is a good list to follow, ill be building a notchback at the same time rob

hell yeah it does.

[SimplyOrange]

thata the order imma do my build up