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Classic Car Restorations
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:32 pm
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:32 pm
Anyone in here ever done a full frame up full restoration on a classic car? Admittingly I use to be into lowrider trucks back in my teens. I have been searching for a decent condition 63 or 64 impala to do a complete restoration on. Problem is that I don't know how to weld. Most of the cars i've seen will need new fenders, panels, and a new floor. Plus frame boxing. I need to find a friend who knows how, who can either teach me, or do the work for me. I'd rather learn. Anyone ran into this problem before?
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Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:37 pm to Kracka
quote:
64 impala
quote:
Kracka
Who's gonna tell him.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:38 pm to Kracka
Better have a big arse check book handy, or be willing to go into a massive amount of debt if you want it done quickly. Parts to do it yourself will set you back mightily as well. I just installed a two post to do a frame off and it cost me 4 grand. I'll geta around the frame off in another decade or so 
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:38 pm to Kracka
You need to learn to weld or you're going to spend waay more money than you would have without a basic welder and basic knowledge.
Welding isn't that hard if the goal is to make things strong. Its much harder to make things strong and pretty. Luckily for me all the welding I've had to do on my old Bronco restoration are not easily seen.
Welding isn't that hard if the goal is to make things strong. Its much harder to make things strong and pretty. Luckily for me all the welding I've had to do on my old Bronco restoration are not easily seen.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:39 pm to Kracka
My pops is into Impalas. Has a 64 & a 65 maybe. I don't know exactly. One of them was a total restoration by someone else. Guy spent a fortune and took a bath selling it. That happens a lot with resto's. You'll put more $ into it than it's worth if you don't/can't do the work yourself.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:42 pm to Kracka
Wire welding is not that hard to learn. Get a machine and practice.
On another note. Restoring old cars is EXPENSIVE. I grew up in a body shop . Have the tools and know how to do it.
It just cost too damn much. Especially a big project it sounds like you are looking to get into. You probably don’t want to pay for welding.
On another note. Restoring old cars is EXPENSIVE. I grew up in a body shop . Have the tools and know how to do it.
It just cost too damn much. Especially a big project it sounds like you are looking to get into. You probably don’t want to pay for welding.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:45 pm to AllDayEveryDay
Well my plan is to do this over 3-5 years. I don't have the kind of bank to have this done inside one year. Especially with the learning curve. I have some friends who have built drag cars, but this is a bit different. My main issue is the metal work that will likely need to be done. I can help with body work, engine work, electrical. But metal work, I'd have to have someone teach me how to do that.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:48 pm to Shut Up Mulllet
I think it would be for the joy of doing it, not to make money on it. Also, it would help if you enjoyed driving it. If so then I think it would be worthwhile. But selling it for a profit is not likely to happen.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:51 pm to PerplenGold
quote:
You'll put more $ into it than it's worth if you don't/can't do the work yourself.
You’re going to put more money into than it’s worth even if you do 100% of the work yourself.
If you’re doing it as an investment, don’t.
If you’re doing it because you love old cars and want to drive it/show it/ keep it forever, then go right ahead.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:53 pm to Kracka
Get one that doesn't need major welding work.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:54 pm to Shut Up Mulllet
quote:
Restoring old cars is EXPENSIVE.
This is 100% the truth. I am doing a frame off restoration in my dads 68 ford truck and everything is expensive. If the vehicle had lots of rust rot in difficult areas it makes it much harder for repair. Also welding the thin metal on body panels can be frustrating if you don’t have experience with such. I would suggest buying one that is complete or near complete and work on that one to bring it to the condition you want. Not trying to discourage you but you have to be “ all in” financially and mentally to see if thru completion.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 2:54 pm to upgrade
quote:
If you’re doing it because you love old cars and want to drive it/show it/ keep it forever, then go right ahead.
This is why I'm considering doing it. I have zero intention on doing this for profit. This is just to have a cruiser to drive and show off. It's just watching these guys completely reinforce the entire frame, or cut and replace the entire rusted out floor is overwhelming.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 3:01 pm to Kracka
I have to say I respect full restorations but I couldn't resist going the resto-mod route. There are cars I wouldn't dream of doing that to but those are ones I couldn't afford even if they were just a collection of parts and a VIN.
The allure of a crate LS/tranny and Baer/Wilwood brakes would just be too strong for an actual driver.
The allure of a crate LS/tranny and Baer/Wilwood brakes would just be too strong for an actual driver.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 3:02 pm to Kracka
I have nearly zero interest in cars, but I used to love watching that Travis Tritt-lookin' MFer on CMT redo a whole truck in 30 minutes on Sunday mornings. I think it was called "Trucks!" That baw could turn a wrench.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 3:13 pm to Kracka
First off, you’ll have to find the impala and it’s not 30 or 40yrs ago when you could find one for pretty cheap and in decent shape.
Secondly, when you do find it they’re going to want several thousands for it because they think they’re setting on a gold mine. Even if it’s ate up with cancer.
Third, if you don’t do the research and already have an idea of what it’s going to cost to restore it you’ve already lost money. This is looking up parts outta a Year One catalog to start. And that just the beginning
I could go on and on but I won’t bore with all the headaches that you never see coming.
If you really want to dive in restoring something, start with a truck. It’s pretty simple and not overly costly especially with the interior work. My first restoration was a 69 Chevy swb step side. I learned so much of what to do and what not do. What to spend money on and what not too. Good luck
Secondly, when you do find it they’re going to want several thousands for it because they think they’re setting on a gold mine. Even if it’s ate up with cancer.
Third, if you don’t do the research and already have an idea of what it’s going to cost to restore it you’ve already lost money. This is looking up parts outta a Year One catalog to start. And that just the beginning
I could go on and on but I won’t bore with all the headaches that you never see coming.
If you really want to dive in restoring something, start with a truck. It’s pretty simple and not overly costly especially with the interior work. My first restoration was a 69 Chevy swb step side. I learned so much of what to do and what not do. What to spend money on and what not too. Good luck
Posted on 10/17/23 at 3:18 pm to hwyman108
quote:
when you do find it they’re going to want several thousands for it because they think they’re setting on a gold mine. Even if it’s ate up with cancer.
Well, I found a hardtop 63 near me. He wants 4k for it. But the floor its ate up with floor and quarter panel cancer. I can probably jew him down to 2000. shite maybe even cheaper if it's in worse shape when I go to see it Thursday. I figure at minimum it's going to cost me 25k without putting hydraulics on it. Another 20 if I do. So a new vehicle. I can live with that.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 3:19 pm to Kracka
quote:
Well my plan is to do this over 3-5 years.
And we expect a thread in 3-5 years sir.
Good luck.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 3:23 pm to Kracka
I've done several restos and plenty of race car builds. You need either a lot of skill or money to get anything half way decent done. They end up being like building a house with the budget swell. Just be honest with yourself about your capacity and what you want out of it before starting.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 3:52 pm to Kracka
You'd be better off finding some rapper willing to part with his and just change the wheels.
Posted on 10/17/23 at 4:53 pm to Kracka
I am going to "restore" my 76 Bronco. It's going to get a new frame and suspension and then an interior make over and paint job. Find some forums and start watching youtube videos. I've tuned my carburetor and timed my 302 just from watching youtube so just be ready to get your hands dirty and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Start a thread on here once you get started.
Start a thread on here once you get started.
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