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View Full Version : Ok... so I decided...


CDN63Deuce
19th-August-2006, 01:09 PM
not to sell my nova... for now at least... had lots of tire kickers but that was about it... so I pulled the sign of her. Mind you, I never really advertised that it was forsale more or less just the sign in the window while I drove it...

So here is my question... I've never restored a car before and want to know where to start. Interior? Exterior? Engine? Electrical? As it is, my car is a daily driver, everything works in it other then my head lights can be a little flakey (bad connectors, just have not replaced yet) When I bought the car I was also given a 63 Acadian 2dr post for parts. I took the front fenders off, the doors w/ glass, trunk lid, and a few other odd's and ends. That car wasnt worth restoring unless I was able to do the work myself, but Im not a bodyman or a mechanic.

My neighbor is a bodyman and charges me $30/hr for labour, which I think is a fairly decent rate, so I asked him to clean up the 2nd set of fenders so that I can put them on, as well, he is going to look at the other doors so that I can look at adding those to the car. I have some rust on the rear quarter panels (top of the wheel arch) and along the lower rear part behind the tires. This rust is on both sides. Thats pretty much it for the required body work, other then I would like to find a 2" cowl hood.

Current drive train is a 327 w/ 4 speed Sag and 2.75 posi rear. It is still running the mono leafs in the back with air shocks. Up front is the stock front clip. I had always planned on replacing the front with some form of clip and the rear suspension with a 4 link, obviously as money allowed me to. I know I need a new rad eventually cause my current one likes to burp fluid after a long drive, not much comes out, just leaves a mark on the cardboard underneth.

So if someone out there wants to be my personal guide, and suffer all my stupid questions let me know. I can post any pictures of the car as needed. I know where I would like to take the car, just need someone to help connect the dots on how to get there.

Brad

Shane65
19th-August-2006, 01:52 PM
I would consider the things that make the car safe and reliable should be the priorites. That is if you are using the car as you upgrade it at the same time. A front clip is a longer process from start to driving time. The CPP lower a arm kit seems to be a good value to upgrade the front suspension. Dual master cylinder should be at the top of the braking list follwed by front disc brake upgrade. There's lots of options for brakes. It's best in the long run to sit down and think about what you want the car to be when it's done. You will need a budget, a plan, and a time frame. You may need to pull it off the road fror a while for the paint and body work so that is the time to do engine work if needed.

CDN63Deuce
21st-August-2006, 01:39 AM
Thanks Shane...
Given that I am daily driver already, I might start my savings for the front clip, I rarely take baby steps... just pound some money away after my wedding next year. Would this be a good order for doing stuff:

1> Front clip
2> Rear suspension (4 link)
3> Body work
4> Electrical
5> Interior

I hit ebay this weekend lol... I bought the front hood lip molding that I was missing ($15.50), it has some pitting but figure its better then just having the holes in the hood. I also picked up some chrome for the rear of the car, around the lights and accross trunk. Some small dings to take out of them, but I figure I should be able to do that. Also grabbed new headlights, the angel eye styled ones... finally will be able to see at night hehe.
My dad and fiancee are puttnig some money together and buying me a new rad for my b-day... will prolly pick that up in the next 2 weeks.