The major things I learned..
1. It is important to write down an outline of your steps. I didnt' do this..build an outline with a LOT of space between the headings and divisions of your project. Divide it up into parts so that you don't drive yourself nuts trying to figure out what to do next. If you have the space, build yourself a roll-around 4x8' plywood table with wheels under it. In addition, have a completely empty set of shelves for the various "divisions". Think of it as the inverse/opposite of building a house. I would divide it all up by: Engine; Body; Chassi; Electrical; and Interior And have a shelf/area for each.
2. It is not only possible but NECESSARY to do the projects all at once. The procurement of parts and wait for restoration services will require a LOT of waiting and calendar challenges if you aren't savvy at all of the areas of a resto. For example, Chromers can take forever..so can rebuilding a Fan Clutch; getting door panels restored; getting your bright trim re-anodized; rebuilding the engine and transmission..the list goes on and on. I had my body with a sheet metal and chassis expert for over a year, and had the engine build and tranny rebuild all done before the body came to the next step (paint shop). You can procure/refinish, or exchange all of your new door handles, window cranks, bumpers, window frames and glass, exterior lamp fixtures during all of this time too..
3. If you are building a driver, you can certainly decide not to restore your undercarriage and springs, drums, etc. Completely, but that is your decision. In the meantime, though, you want to decide how far to go with control and pitman arms, sway bar, and all the power steering components. Luckily, these days it is really easy to order up all of these parts from WCCC and the online Catalog is a hugely awesome tool to build your car and remind you of what you need.
4. Speaking of the online catalog- USE your OUTLINE and BuILD your SHOPPING LIST in conjunction. The catalog is great for guiding yourself through the process and laying out your needs. I wasted a lot of time trying to restore a lot of stuff that now comes all done and perfect from WCCC. A lot of developements have happened in the past five years! So compare the cost (and time needed on your behalf) of new stuff vs. what you can do yourself..and refere to your outline/notes..
5. Get your screw/nut and bolt kits from AMK. Buy the Chassis, the body, and the engine detailing and underhood detailing kits and don't worry about all of those bags of nuts and bolts that stress you out when you dissassemble the car. Certainly KEEP them, but don't stress about it. If you're doing a Concours restoration, all of the bolts and nuts and screws are in these kits. They have an online catalog too..but GET the KITS and enjoy. They are 100-150 each total, and make life so much easier. BUT, don't throw away the unique bolts on the Chassis and undercarriage. The Body kit is the best one, but there are some body bolts, for example, that you might want to save and wire wheel.
6. Speaking of Wire wheel--make sure you have a good and powerful one. And a BLAST CABINET. Air is everything. And good light. Mine sucks and I"ve plowed through the process cursing the thing! Also, a buffing wheel with a lot of power is pretty nice to have. $ spent is worth it for these tools!!
7. Have TONS of 0000 steel wool! Cleans everything and polishes things nicely. You don' thave enough when you think you do, believe me!!
8. Have TONS of "low gloss black" and "SEMI GLOSS Black paint. Eastwood.com. Buy at least a case of each and save some $. I use the high-temp panit from NAPA just because it is here in town and is a bit more hearty than regular black paints.. Also get a TON of "detail gray" from Eastwood which mimics stamped steel, and "Cast Gray"(Might be called "spray gray) also from Eastwood. There is a big difference between stamped steel and Cast Iron. Know the parts and the paint and get 'em painted with a LOT of HEAT when you do it. And do it immediately once you have blasted or wire wheeled the parts. This is the fun stuff..get the parts done at your leisure while you're waiting for other parts to come in or services to be done..and put them back on your special shelves that you've built for each area of the car.
9. The MOST IMPORTANT thing I learned was to have a MENTOR or two. We all need motivation and encouragement and help. That is what has saved me and pushed me along. The board here is also your friend
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10. Another thing-- Keep a MASTER LIST of things-to-do..on your PC or blackberry, or whatever. And have it in the shop with you..Then cross them off as you go. It's a huge motivator and very satisfying to cross things off or delete them. But don't delete them completely..It's fun to go back and look
Build this with your outline..And keep all of your contacts and purchases recorded and the receipts in a file..those phone numbers and addresses come in handy later..
Another thing part 2: If you have the chance to buy or get a lift..it makes restoration so much easier it's not even funny..if you're building a driver, though, see number 3 . It won't be all that bad
Just some random thoughts. Good luck and enjoy!!
