Procedure for restoration?

[zippy500]

Hi, is there a Procedure for restoration,or does anything go !!

I have been offered a project car, apart from the rust/bodywork that needs doing, clutch is gone, no brakes, engine smokes and interior is shot. is there a rule of thumb people work to.

cheers

[aupickup]

bodywork then mechanics and interior at leisure

but will cost a few pounds to do

[bmcecosse]

Survey the bodyshell very carefully before worrying about anything else. Mechanical stuff is very cheap compared to bodywork!

[markc]

I agree..its the bodywork that kills cars,not mechanics !

Good luck !

[rayofleamington]

bear in mind that if you have a budget to work to, a full respray is possibly your biggest expense.
Some Minor specialists will do floor and sills and chassis legs etc. all inclusive for a decent price - however if you are having this kind of work done make sure there are formal quotes and an approval required if/when the cost changes and extra work is needed.

A top quality resto will require the shell to be sprayed with all parts removed - (i.e. after the shell is repaired but before any mechanicals are refitted). if you get the shell sprayed on a complete car you can't expect a very good quality job - the paint will only go as far as you can see and not under trim and window rubbers etc... This often leads to problems in the long term.

If the window rubbers need replacing it's best to remove windows before the shell repairs are done - this way you keep the glass free of metal sparks (from grinding and welding). The windows can be protected with cardboard taped over them if needed but it's wasted effort if you plan to replace the rubbers anyway.

An engine rebuild will take time and effort - you may save a LOT of money by getting a good engine from a rotten car. However you also run the risk of buying another poor engine so take care.

Brakes - there is little to be gained by cutting corners as new brake parts are not overpriced. Actually I wish they were priced higher with quality to suit!

Second hand interior parts (if neeeded) should gie some chance of matching the exisiting interior colour. For example new seat covers won't match the faded door trim panels. Therefore if you want it all to match it will need to be all new or all old or you'll end up using trim colouring dye.

I've mentioned window rubers already however many people avoid replacing them (to their own cost). Perished rubbers let water in. Water in the car rots floors and sills etc... and you end up needing more and more welding.
I scrapped a 4-door that had been welded up (bodged plates over plates over plates) many many times by the previous owner - you could trace a wide path of rot from the corners of the rear window down the rear arches and into the sills /floor. If they's spent £50 to get the seals done they would have saved many hundreds.