Project car- how hard is it?

Ibrox90 · 19-01-2010, 11:32 PM

So I want to start a project car either an old commodore or a falcon circa 60-70's (which leaves me a VB)

I would be looking to do most of the work myself over a few years. I have minor mechanical knowledge

My question is how hard is it to work on and build up a car by yourself learning as you go. Including things liek dropping in new engines and transmissions and what not.

Just pondering.

snappy · 19-01-2010, 11:42 PM

Quite difficult if you dont have someone showing you the ropes.
You could do some coarses at tafe as you go .

pks54 · 19-01-2010, 11:44 PM

Dropping in engines and gearboxes not that hard but rebuilding them is another thing. Depends on how much knowledge you have I suppose.

The hard part is the money. What ever you factor for it will end up probably costing more from what you think.

It definately is pleasing though that you can sit back and look at what you have done.

RSgerry · 19-01-2010, 11:46 PM

it isnt too hard, but you do need someone along side who does have a bit of knowledge. something of that age would be mechanically quite simple, so you dont need a degree in electronics to start the car. as snappy said, have a look at what your local TAFE offers. i did a panel beating course and spray painting course. worth every cent. turns out i am cr@p at welding but not too bad with a spray gun.

i bought an Anglia to do as my first full project because it was simple and small (sanding an entire car by hand is no fun...). it is getting there slowly, paint is nearly finished.

Ibrox90 · 19-01-2010, 11:56 PM

I can pull apart an engine and put it back together. well i can pull apart a subaru flat 4

**El Venom** · 20-01-2010, 12:01 AM

As long as you take your time its not that bad. The hardest part will be funding as alot of the older cars are getting hard to find in decent condition and finding the right parts can be a struggle depending on what you hope to achieve from the build

SM1DY · 20-01-2010, 12:05 AM

I say, give it a shot. I'm planning on doing a build one day, with my very limited mechanical knowledge, but it hasn't really deterred me. If it's something you really want to do, then the difficulty of the project will mean very little to you.

GreenMachine · 20-01-2010, 12:18 AM

Financially hard, hard on relationships, hard to find time to do it... The actual spanner turning is easy, don't let lack of knowledge put you off. I suggest starting with a cheap, common 6cyl classic (202 Kingswood/250 Falcon) - play with that, get thje body etc right, drive it stock for a while, then decide where you want to go. Old cars aren't for everyone - they look cool, but they're just not BA XR8's!! Make sure it's something you know you'll enjoy driving before you spend up big.

Ibrox90 · 20-01-2010, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

Financially hard, hard on relationships, hard to find time to do it... The actual spanner turning is easy, don't let lack of knowledge put you off. I suggest starting with a cheap, common 6cyl classic (202 Kingswood/250 Falcon) - play with that, get thje body etc right, drive it stock for a while, then decide where you want to go. Old cars aren't for everyone - they look cool, but they're just not BA XR8's!! Make sure it's something you know you'll enjoy driving before you spend up big.

To be honest i wish i could go back and not buy an XR8. Could have bought my dream car for the same cash, would have been a banger version of it though.

Love 69 chargers.

I was thinking VB Commodore with a 355. A One Tonner or an old falcon.
having said i want to drop a 351 into something.

At the moment I have a TS Magna that my late father bought me (50/50). its just too hard to look at it everyday i wanted to hang onto it forever and fix it up but its just too hard

Ibrox90 · 20-01-2010, 12:47 AM

Ps thanks for the positive encouragement

GreenMachine · 20-01-2010, 01:00 AM

Tonners/early Commodores and XD/XE Falcons are all good choices... Great second hand and new parts/panel availibility due to epic build numbers, aftermarket support is excellent. I'd be inclined to find an immaculate stock 6cyl version of any of those and build my own motor rather than paying a premium for some bogan's hot rod that you don't know the build quality of...

There's been some good threads on this in the past with advice about starting projects. The common thread is set a budget, triple it and don't expect to see any of it back when you sell! (I've said this before here, but I spent 30+k on my ZH over 5 years, never finished it and ended up giving it away (minus motor)...

trippytaka · 20-01-2010, 11:29 AM

Older cars are much easier. I learned on a Datto 1600. Over 2 years of ownership I did body work, changed 2 motors, 2 gear boxes, a diff and put in big brakes.

I think when you're learning as you go you have to have realistic expectations. It's not going to be a summernats elite car by any stretch, but getting a clean streeter is very doable.

At the end of the day, the whole process is awesome fun and the knowledge you take away from the experience is invaluable. Go for it! And start a thread to keep track of the progress.

**Elks** · 20-01-2010, 11:48 AM

great idea, I hope to follow you into the mire soon.

The only thing to be weary of is buy the right base. I would hate to think i had spent heaps of time and $$$ on a car that would be worthless in the end.

Stick to an early falcon/cortina or kingswood/torana a "chrome bumper" car (yes i know a VB commo has a chrome bumper) It may cost a few extra bucks to buy initialy, but all the work and mods cost the same from there on.

If you get the right car you can take your time and even if it takes years you will have something of worth when you finish.

my 2c

**cs123** · 20-01-2010, 11:57 AM

If you are looking for a candidate for a first project. As a beginner I'd recommend something simple as others have advised. A carbed engine with simple mechanicals is best.

Also until you gain some experience avoid cars with rust. These can be difficult and often result in a significant tear down to repair. I'd go for a car with a good body and bung mechanicals first.

Good luck, it's heaps of fun.

Nickxb · 20-01-2010, 12:35 PM

My advise is to buy a complete car. I got a rolling shell with lots of parts missing and it is a nightmare to find everything.

GTP owner · 20-01-2010, 12:44 PM

That is how i started - with an xb then a vh commodore. The xb was complete, but i ended up throwing out half the stuff and replacing it. The vh was a shell, but to get all the bits i needed i ended up buying another wreck - stuff like latches and stuff you need. Find a friendly mechanic to help you when you get stuck, and don't be afraid to ask silly questions.

OzJavelin · 20-01-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrox90

To be honest i wish i could go back and not buy an XR8. Could have bought my dream car for the same cash, would have been a banger version of it though.

Love 69 chargers.

Yep .. I love '69 Chargers too .. I wouldn't be buying one INSTEAD of a modern XR8. I'd be buying one AS WELL AS an XR8 (if you can afford it). I've got two registered AMC Javelins (and a Plymouth Fury convertible in pieces) but I will always have a modern car for daily driving. I drive the Javelins to work a couple of times a week and on weekends, but when the weather is too hot, too cold, too wet the distance is too far, or parking is "questionable" it's the modern car which gets the gurnsey. Old cars in (stock form) are great for ad hoc use but can't hold a candle to something modern for daily driving. Foose specials with modern drivetrain, interior, etc in an old body would be much better, but so much money it wouldn't be driven regularly anyway.

Buy the BEST condition old car that you like the look of and can afford and go from there. If you are inexperienced don't by a wrecked Dodge Charger 'cos it was cheap; buy a neat, stock 215 Hemi Valiant Charger (for example) and go from there.

My 2cents.

**buggerlugs** · 20-01-2010, 01:36 PM

If your going to pull a car apart my biggest tip would be to mark and bag EVEYTHING. Makes it so much easier when putting it back together.................Oh and the most important tool is a beer fridge in the shed...........

kiwimark · 20-01-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggerlugs

If your going to pull a car apart my biggest tip would be to mark and bag EVEYTHING. Makes it so much easier when putting it back together.................Oh and the most important tool is a beer fridge in the shed...........

Also digital cameras allow you to take a pic/video of each step of removal and then store them in folders relating to the bag'd items.

I am contemplating a mid to late 60's 2 door from the states, I can bring it back here to nz and use as a left hooker. They are rarer than a mustang and you can get a 289/302 runner for about 4-6K USD and it would cost 2K to bring it over.

Neeek · 20-01-2010, 03:53 PM

As others have said:

- research what needs doing, set your budget and allow for it to be exceeded!
- make sure you've got the time and an action plan
- make sure you've got the space to carry out the work
- make sure you have transport other than the project car, and I mean reliable transport that you can just fill with fuel and go; not something to distract you from your real project
- make a list of things you'll be doing, and sort out the order in which you'll be doing them
- take pictures of everything before and after you touch it so you know how it's supposed to look
- bag and label ANYTHING you take off and store it away so you can easily find it again later when you need it
- use the Internet as a resource to help you do things (but don't RELY on it - buy books to assist you, perhaps take a course at TAFE, if possible/relevant)

That's all I can think of; I'm sure there's plenty more to consider, but those would be the basics.

Most importantly don't be afraid to tackle something that you've never done before.

I've done a lot of things to my car(s). The first "serious" thing I remember doing to my Fairlane was changing the front discs and pads. I bought a workshop manual, studied it over and over again, went and got the bits and the tools and just got in there and did it. Took me all weekend as I recall, but I did it and it worked. If you can follow instructions and have the tools you'll need for the job, you'll be able to do it.

Next thing I did after that for me was the engine. First time I'd ever contemplated doing it, so again I researched what I would need, bought and read a couple of books cover to cover, got tips from friends and so on. That engine's still going strong and it was fantastic to have done it myself - been itching to do it all again.

Next stop for me is a gearbox rebuild, which frankly I'm terrified of. But as with previous tasks, I know that if I have the right tools for the job, thoroughly research it, buy a good manual, read up a lot on the Internet and ask on forums such as this, I'll get through it fine.

And for the Forrest Gump moment, my Mum always told me that if I could read, I could cook. Like most Mums, she's right.

JACK250 · 20-01-2010, 08:08 PM

^ All of that in Neeek's post is top advice. Having a mate to help out in the shed and just for company, and another opinion is always good... And will keep you from going insane

FPV+fteT3 · 20-01-2010, 09:13 PM

Make sure you have a permanent place to carry out the project not much fun moving a part built car and all the bits you will collect along the way.
Dont rely on mates helping you all the time as this seldom happens.
Dont be afraid to ask others advice and dont believe all your told you will soon figure who really knows what there doing and those that think they do.
I have built a few cars in my time but now I dont have the time make sure you have the time to put into the project, Ebay is littered with half finished half *** projects.
That said if you build a car your self the satisfaction from finishing it can only be understood by other people who have done the task. Must start a build thread on AFF.

Cabbage · 20-01-2010, 10:55 PM

Yeah definately give it a go. Halfway through my resto I would say this.

Best things I did:
1) Joined AFF where there is so much advice and assistance available. You will find it invaluable.
2) Got my old man to help me who knew a bit about cars and could guide me along the way.
3) Labelled everything when I took the ute apart and took photos whenever I could so I knew how it was supposed to go back
4) Did lots of reading about the car I was restoring.
5) Bought some quality tools.

Bad things I did:
1) Bought parts on ebay in the spur of the moment thinking I would have trouble getting that part later on. Alot of this stuff I haven't used and have sourced better quality parts or gone a different path after talking to people.
2) Didn't take enough photos
3) Wasn't realistic about the timeframe, money and space required for the quality of resotration I wanted.
4) Doing things out of order, eg buying all the suspension components while the car was at the body shop on a chassis jig and not being able to look at how the car would sit at different ride heights to see if I was happy.

Having said all of that I've had alot of fun restoring my car and can't wait til its done. The more you put into it the more rewarding it is I guess.

Good luck.

PS: Definatey go a ford!

Ibrox90 · 24-01-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzJavelin

Yep .. I love '69 Chargers too .. I wouldn't be buying one INSTEAD of a modern XR8. I'd be buying one AS WELL AS an XR8 (if you can afford it). I've got two registered AMC Javelins (and a Plymouth Fury convertible in pieces) but I will always have a modern car for daily driving. I drive the Javelins to work a couple of times a week and on weekends, but when the weather is too hot, too cold, too wet the distance is too far, or parking is "questionable" it's the modern car which gets the gurnsey. Old cars in (stock form) are great for ad hoc use but can't hold a candle to something modern for daily driving. Foose specials with modern drivetrain, interior, etc in an old body would be much better, but so much money it wouldn't be driven regularly anyway.

Buy the BEST condition old car that you like the look of and can afford and go from there. If you are inexperienced don't by a wrecked Dodge Charger 'cos it was cheap; buy a neat, stock 215 Hemi Valiant Charger (for example) and go from there.

My 2cents.

I HATE YOU, joking I love javelins clean lines awesome sound. gorgeous.

TO be honest i think i want a Mini and make it look like the italian job minis Chrome quad spotters.

definatly drop a bigger engine in tho

**DJM83** · 24-01-2010, 08:56 PM

Ive always wanted to do the same with a retro falcon or commodore

VH SL/E with an EFI 355, big brakes 5sp manual or

XR/T falcon with an EFI 347 5sp manual

Go for it mate

hendrixhc · 24-01-2010, 09:07 PM

Just do it. Dont worry about cocking up. Thats why you a doing a project so you can learn.

I started my cortina and had no idea what i was doing. i stuffed up alot and fixed a hell of alot as well.

Ask people lots of questions and if you dont get answers or smart rs answers ask someone else.

Its good to see someone wanting to do a project and it should be encouraged.

Remember doing a project isnt putting stickers and led lights on your car or even painting your brembos a different colour.

Haver fun with it, good luck Champ!

PS: dont do a crapodore! stick to a Ford

Ibrox90 · 24-01-2010, 09:54 PM

Could drop a 351 into a Lada LOL

smee323 · 24-01-2010, 10:36 PM

Once you start, you will not be able to stop. You have been warned...........

A bit of a rant, but my project story.

I intially wanted to build up a show car. I had visited Summer Nats since its first year in Canberra and was inspired.
I started doing bits and pieces to my old road car, but it became too hard when it had to be off the road. Do not under estimate this. This meant I was without a car. I was a shift worker and could not be without transport. Although, it was about this time I bought a bike and started riding to work, and have not stopped. A good way to fund your build by saving money.

I then decided I wanted to do something properly with a car that I could use and abuse, but to try and build it to the best condition I could. You built it, you really want to use it instead of puting it on a pedestal to be admired.

You will need support from your wife/girlfriend/children etc (which you should not overlook).

With my then girlfriend navigating in rallies I thought I would attempt to build a rally car. I bought a TE gemini to build it to class specs, and took over our single car garage. I really was not Mr Popular. The smells from the 2 pac were overpowering in the lounge as the garage shared a joint wall. Not sure what next door thought.......
This ended in a crumpled mess after miss judging a left 4 tightens over blind crest. My wife was not navigating.
I built another learning from previous mistakes (again with support) and on sold it to finance a new purchase (a House). The car still gets around, has not been looked after which is disheartning.

After a break, I then joined the $wd club and decided to build a Familia GTR.
As well as taking up a whole side of a 2 car garage I somehow managed to get a new shed built in the back yard to accomodate parts and other bits and pieces.
This time I took a fair few pictures. I have had a good run with it, learned to rebuild gearboxes, wire up Autronics, Fuel and Brake systems. Learn to use fibreglass and Carbon Kevlar products as well as weld. I have read plenty of books.
You will spend a lot of money. Some of it on good stuff, and some of it on total crap which will not suit the purpose. Best advice is to plan, and plan well ahead.
Get an idea of the finished product in your head, and then put it on the wall. If you see a car which inspires you, take pictures or keep copies of it from a magazine.
Ask lots of questions. Never be afraid to do this. Some maybe dumb, but there are alot of people on these forums with years of experience. It also serves as a database you can refer back to.
Ask to see how something is done.
One thing I found was to ask questions of businesses during the week. Go in face to face and ask the questions. On a weekend, some places did not care, and generally only had hired help to facilitate opening on a weekend.
My build up can be seen here. It has had a few hits, but comes back strong with little tweaks here and there.
It keeps me out of the pub, and I am only a yell away from asisting in the house hold.
I was 2006 NSW P6 champion.

Rally Car Buildup

Finished Product. And yes my wife navigates for me.

Ibrox90 · 24-01-2010, 10:42 PM

Im keen to build a cool streeter preferable a v8 eventually. I also want something that no 1 else has done. Id seriously do a Lada. I considered converting my old 1995 magna to RWD and dropping an evo 10 mivec into it.

Ibrox90 · 24-01-2010, 11:50 PM

Stunned silence