Quote: Thanks (to the last 3 individuals who posted) so much for the encouragement concerning this project. I will be documenting and providing a step by step analysis for anyone who is interested about the steps that will be taking throughout the entire process. We will be documenting the mil thickness of paint on every square foot of each body panel. It will be interesting to see the variance of paint that was applied during the factory painting procedures.
The first thing we will do will be to get the car on a lift and have every inch documented with digital pictures. Jon (who does our graphics) will position a camera under the car, while it is suspended and take pictures spaced six inches apart. It will take over 100 pictures that will then be put together in photo shop to provide a seamless view of the complete underside of the vehicle. We will also take separate close up photos of all the various components under the car. A narrated video documenting the same details will also be used to reference the original components. That should accurately cover every detail/part that will need to be reinstalled when finished at a later date. Take a look at the underside of the Challenger that Jon put together in photo shop. It was done with about 50 pictures that was fused together using computer programs. To complete this photo the camera was spaced about 12 inches apart.
Using a six inch picture format for the A Body project should provide a much better view of documentation for the components.
Dave,
This sounds like an excellent project and will serve as a guide for not only future restorations and new product development but also in verifying, maintaining and proper handling and care of Survivor cars. I have been planning a very similar endeavor in the future with one of my cars. I am currently finishing the restoration on a 65 Sport Fury Hardtop and will be following it with either a 340 Cuda or Demon for my wife. The project I have been planning is similar to your idea and I will be performing this task on my 65 Sport Fury Convertible Indy Pace Car. I have had this car since I was 16, bought it from the original owner, an elderly gentleman in his late 70’s (also named Shannon); that kept the car in a heated garage since new and took pristine care of it. The Sport Fury still retains its original paint (Excellent condition), Interior which is near perfect, the top still looks new, but the rear window is clouded and is one item that will be replaced, the original suspension still feels tight etc. The Plymouth was so nice, that even as a 16 Year Old I bought a 76 Volare to beat on to save my car and keep it in nice condition. The car shows minimal wear but has accumulated some dirt and grime in areas that cannot be cleaned properly without disassembly; for years I have considered a ground up restoration, but over the past year I have decided to do a project very similar to yours since I don’t want to kill its character. I plan to dismantle the car, document as I go (You have already given me some excellent ideas on the amount of detail and documentation I need to achieve), restore all of the original components as much as possible and replace (in my case at least) only the items that have to be replaced. I have restored two 65 Sport Fury’s already and am currently finishing a black hardtop that has helped develop a process that I prefer and acquire knowledge of the assembly line techniques and patterns on these cars; I have taken extensive notes along the way. I have also accumulated a number of NOS and NOS Assembly line parts for these cars since the late 80’s and even though the other Sport Fury’s were total restorations to correct specs, I have always held back the best of the best for this car in anticipation of a complete restoration. Since deciding on preserving the original fit, finish and as many of the components of the car as possible; most of the NOS parts will probably end up staying in inventory, but that is fine. I am looking forward to your documentation and revival of this car; I know it will serve my project and others well by illustrating both assembly line technique and patterns along with the craftsmanship it takes to accomplish a project such as this.
Best of luck to you and your team with this project, it will take a lot to rival the Challengers accomplishments if it’s even possible, I look forward to seeing the finished product and the updates along the way.
