Moparts

Rotisserie Restoration

Posted By: MuuMuu101

Rotisserie Restoration - 12/19/10 03:29 AM

How much would it be to partially Rotisserie Restore my 1968 Dodge Dart. I would like the bottom to have the factory undercoat and I would like the entire body to just look flush and nice so I won't have rust coming back. There is barely any surface rust on the car and the trunk. It is really solid. Suppose to be a vinyl top car. I don't need it to be painted though, I can have my mechanics do that. I would like to put a 6.1L HEMI in it and possibly a T56 Viper Transmission. So I was wondering if I would have to increase the size of the trans tunnel because I would have to use a Quicktime bellhousing adapter. Reilly Motorsports did something similar with attaching it to a 528 HEMI in a 69 Dart. Any advice would be great. This will be a long 4-6 year project I hope to do mostly myself. Thank you.

Anybody know a good Rotisserie Shop near Los Angeles, CA?

Picture of the Trans Tunnel in the 528 Dart:

Attached picture 6365422-tunnel2.jpg
Posted By: not_a_charger

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/19/10 10:50 PM

You're going to spend the money to have the bodywork done on a rotisserie, but have a mechanic paint the car? Not that there aren't mechanics out there that also know how to paint, but why not get the body/paint done by the same folks?

Also, your "What color should I paint my car" topic is in the General forum.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 12:01 AM

Thanks for moving it. Well, the paint would be cheaper at my mechanics because they give me a discount but they don't have a rotisserie setup and probably don't know how to enlarge the trans tunnel.
Posted By: not_a_charger

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 12:05 AM

My point is that if you're going to go through the trouble and expense of having a body shop do a rotisserie job on the body and get the body nice and smooth, you'll likely come out ahead if you spend the money to have them paint it. Saving money on paint after spending big money on body isn't a wise decision. Enlarging the trans tunnel isn't a huge deal. If the mechanic can't do something relatively simple like that, I doubt he's got the skill to lay down a quality paint job.

A mediocre paint job will make the nice bodywork look like garbage.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 12:10 AM

My dad uses them for the company cars at his work so they give us a discount but you are right. They are an autobody shop but they tend to do a sloppy job. Like I had them do some work on my Stealth and I redid the paint job and added that little sparkle in it and they left some primer in between the trim and the body and there were some bubbles. So how much would it cost to have it Rotisseried and Painted?
Posted By: not_a_charger

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 12:33 AM

There's no way anyone can give you an accurate cost for that work via the internet without the following:

1) a detailed description of exactly what body work needs to be done

2) pictures to accompany the description

3) Info on what parts need to be replaced and the cost of those parts

4) The prevailing labor, paint & material, and tax rates in your area

5) Are you going to paint it base/clear or single stage?

Doing the body and paint on a rotisserie, and doing a QUALITY job, will run you into the 5 figures easily.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 12:44 AM

Well, it's a pretty solid car. Quarters are nice and the trunk has been replaced by the previous owners. There is little surface rust on the car that would have to be removed, and some surface rust in the trunk. It has a really straight body as it is. And I would like to paint it blue as shown above. While also enlarging the trans tunnel and adding a manual shifter whole. The car is currently a auto on the column and I plan on putting a Viper Transmission in it with a Quicktime Bellhousing.
Posted By: fireeng

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 01:31 AM

Between 7000 and 15000 for quality body work and paint around here. Thats just labor. I agree with using a top notch restorer. Pay now or pay more later is usually the case.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 01:36 AM

Quote:

Between 7000 and 15000 for quality body work and paint around here. Thats just labor. I agree with using a top notch restorer. Pay now or pay more later is usually the case.



And that's on a Rotisserie? Ok, it doesn't seem too bad. Would that include enlarging the Trans tunnel? Well, then again, I live in California so prices are a bit higher .
Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 01:41 AM

Quote:

This will be a long 4-6 year project I hope to do mostly myself.



Why not fab all the tunnel mods yourself ? Buy a good mig welder and have at it.
Just buy the metal you want and shape it to suit your needs.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 01:45 AM

I would love to. I won't learn how to weld in college till probably next year when I join the SAE Formula team in college. I was thinking about it. I'm just trying to gather as much information and research sooo much so I can be efficient and not waste time or money later. But it would be fun. I would probably have to buy the whole transmission linkage first so I could measure everything. But then again I don't have any tools.
Posted By: DaveRS23

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 01:48 AM

Frankly, if you are going to undercoat the underside, are you sure you need to flip the car? Undercoat covers up a lot of ills. And a lot of detail work.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 01:55 AM

Maybe I don't need it. It will be a show kind of car but I do want to drag race it once and try to autocross or road race it maybe once or twice a month.
Posted By: Scatransit

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 01:56 AM

Quote:

...A mediocre paint job will make the nice bodywork look like garbage.



And vise-versa...
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 02:05 AM

Good point.
Posted By: DaveRS23

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 02:27 AM

These are just some thoughts, not meant as criticisms. I haven't seen a lot of "show cars" with undercoating. And undercoating on race cars would just seem to add needless weight and make future mods a little more difficult.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 02:35 AM

Quote:

These are just some thoughts, not meant as criticisms. I haven't seen a lot of "show cars" with undercoating. And undercoating on race cars would just seem to add needless weight and make future mods a little more difficult.



I just thought about that now. Undercoat is a no go. I think I will be fine with some normal body work. But thanks for your input
Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 04:02 AM

Quote:

I would love to. I won't learn how to weld in college till probably next year when I join the SAE Formula team in college. I was thinking about it. I'm just trying to gather as much information and research sooo much so I can be efficient and not waste time or money later. But it would be fun. I would probably have to buy the whole transmission linkage first so I could measure everything. But then again I don't have any tools.



Why not wait then until you have the transmission to go in the car (so you will know just what mods will be needed) and by then perhaps have the ability and tools to do the floor mods yourself ?
Not sure if cost is an issue to you, but imagine if you do the custom fab work yourself it will save a decent dollar and leave some extra for the rest of the body.

If it were me (and I have just done it this way myself..) I'd get the engine and trans in the car, get all the fab work done, and get it running and driving even so you can work all the bug out, then just pull the engine and trans and have the body done.
That way if you have some other holes to drill,lines ,wires,etc to run you will be able to do it all without worry of scratching new paint.

I've done a couple of pretty involved builds now, and did both of them that way...cars where completely running and driving then did paint and body last.

Perhaps just blow some primer over the iffy spots on your car now and just fabricate as you go.

Having the proper tools will make the job MUCH easier and go alot easier as well. I've been buying stuff I didn't have as I went and made for not only an easier project but more enjoyable as well. (for example...I built all of my own custom a/c lines and bought a crimp tool to build them all...)
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 04:19 AM

Quote:

Quote:

I would love to. I won't learn how to weld in college till probably next year when I join the SAE Formula team in college. I was thinking about it. I'm just trying to gather as much information and research sooo much so I can be efficient and not waste time or money later. But it would be fun. I would probably have to buy the whole transmission linkage first so I could measure everything. But then again I don't have any tools.



Why not wait then until you have the transmission to go in the car (so you will know just what mods will be needed) and by then perhaps have the ability and tools to do the floor mods yourself ?
Not sure if cost is an issue to you, but imagine if you do the custom fab work yourself it will save a decent dollar and leave some extra for the rest of the body.

If it were me (and I have just done it this way myself..) I'd get the engine and trans in the car, get all the fab work done, and get it running and driving even so you can work all the bug out, then just pull the engine and trans and have the body done.
That way if you have some other holes to drill,lines ,wires,etc to run you will be able to do it all without worry of scratching new paint.

I've done a couple of pretty involved builds now, and did both of them that way...cars where completely running and driving then did paint and body last.

Perhaps just blow some primer over the iffy spots on your car now and just fabricate as you go.

Having the proper tools will make the job MUCH easier and go alot easier as well. I've been buying stuff I didn't have as I went and made for not only an easier project but more enjoyable as well. (for example...I built all of my own custom a/c lines and bought a crimp tool to build them all...)



That's awesome! I was definitely thinking about installing interior last and I was thinking about getting the drivetrain first. I found a trans on eBay for $2500 (And that includes shipping). The Bellhousing is going to be around a couple hundred and then I am going to need the clutch pedals, shifters, etc. The engine with everything on it is almost $10k new. That's a lot to chew on just to prep in the car. Almost $15k. Not to mention in order to mount it, I want to install Reilly Motorsports alterktion and streetlynx suspension. Which is another $10k (Including a new rear end and driveshaft). Not to mention breaks will be another $1-3k. So I was thinking about restoring in this order: Suspension, drivetrain, body, interior. Or should I do interior then body since I will be making modifications to the trans tunnel? Thanks for the help .
Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 04:29 AM

In your budget...don't forget stuff like fuel system, cooling system,etc,etc then add a couple grand on for little stuff (I don't even want to think what I've spent on ARP stuff )

Oh, and if it were me...I'd do interior pretty much last, since you want to have the trans tunnel and shifter stuff all completely done before you start to think about console and what not. And you'll want the engine in place to you can plan out where to run all the wiring looms, etc.

I'm not a pro, but just been through it a couple times is all

Oh, and once I finish my Torana (which is just about there...) my next big project will be another Oz Mopar again

Here is my Torana I'm doing now...

And something else neat I did...

Not Mopars...just I think alot of the basic build progress and process is similar at least. (and I've had a bunch of Mopars too..just done these 2 things most currently)

And already have abit of a plan in mind for the Aussie Valiant build too coming next...
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 04:45 AM

Ok, so first things first. I gotta find a used tool box with a butt load of tools and a cutter and a welder. Secondly work on front and rear suspension and mount them in the car. Third, slowly somehow find the money to buy all the components for the engine and trans. Fourth install it in there and work on the mounting for the trans tunnel. Fifth, uninstall it and work with the body. Sixth, interior. Now is there any aftermarket radiators I could use or anything? And will these rear ends hold the power?:

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/2068265497.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/2109201902.html

Thank you sooo much.
Posted By: mopargem

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 04:52 AM

90% of beginners lose interest before the project is finished. You are better off finding a finished or drivable car that you can improve to your liking and slowly work your way into the total restoration, restomod hobby. I'm just trying to give sound advice before you get overwhelmed and burned out right off the bat. We need young guns like you for long term involvement. But I dont know you, so if you feel like you have the balls to tackle a major like this than go for it!
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 05:04 AM

Quote:

90% of beginners lose interest before the project is finished. You are better off finding a finished or drivable car that you can improve to your liking and slowly work your way into the total restoration, restomod hobby. I'm just trying to give sound advice before you get overwhelmed and burned out right off the bat. We need young guns like you for long term involvement. But I dont know you, so if you feel like you have the balls to tackle a major like this than go for it!



If I get support, help, and some advice (isn't that what this website is for?) I will be fine. I am doing mechanical engineering for my major and I love muscle cars. Yes it is a overwhelming project, but you just have to think. "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." (No pun intended with regards to the HEMI engine) It would be awesome if I get featured in the young guns section of Mopar Muscle Magazine.
Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 05:04 AM

Good points....large projects can take thier toll...and the longer it stretches out the harder it can be on some people to keep at it. But if you are up for a big project and try to plan it out somewhat at least that will help somewhat as well.
Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 05:07 AM

Oh, and on the diff....all your are really going to need most likely is the housing. You'll want to go to large bolt pattern so need brakes for that and probably axles... probably want to pick your own gearing and style of limited slip,etc.
I would just go to DoctorDiff here on the board (Cass) and get him to do you one up top to bottom when the time is right

(I had a bare 9" housing for the Torana and got everything for it from him and couldn't have been happier)
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 05:09 AM

O, I have been planning. I have a list of parts I want. Where I can get them. How much it costs. Similar builds. I've been trying to do as much research as possible before getting started. Someone told me on Moparmusclemagazine.com that "You gotta fill your library before you fill your garage."
Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 06:00 AM

And don't forget to have the room to work on it, and room for all the parts you will buy before they go on the car. Once you pull all the suspension out for work, it will stay in one spot for a little while, so make sure it's a handy spot where you can get all around it.
Posted By: 71rm23

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 06:18 AM

Mock up everything before you paint
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 06:41 AM

Thanks man. I am not sure where to work on it. Idk if my mom will let me work on it in our garage which will be really roomy (She doesn't like the idea) and my dad would definitely wouldn't mind. I may have trouble because my dad lives in a different house. But then she may like the idea that it will help me with my major. Now I was looking at pedal assemblies and do I really need a hydroboost power break or would a master cylinder kit be fine?
Posted By: jbc426

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 02:30 PM

She also might mind that your spending enough money to put yourself through a 4 year college on your first project, what with the Hemi and all.

Heck, I remember when I was young and wanted to restore my high school hot rod. It took me almost 30 years to get myself in a position to have the garage, the skill and the extra money to be able to fullfil that my dream, and I'm still not finished, but I'm getting closer.

Keep the dream alive, and good luck!

Attached picture 6367934-IMG_1521(Large).JPG
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 06:07 PM

Thanks a bunch. Well, that was one of the points of me spreading the project out over years. To cut down the cost per year. Secondly my dad said he would pay for it all because he loves cars (of course I love them more ) and he loves the fact that I want to build something new, similar to my major.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 10:29 PM

Does anyone know were I could get a radiator for this kind of application or would I have to get a custom one? Somewhere in the Los Angeles Area? Approximately how much would the entire cooling system cost?
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/20/10 10:52 PM

I think I found a good deal of help with regards to almost all of my mechanical needs:

http://www.bouchillonperformance.com/G3HemiCompleteEngineKits.asp
Posted By: DaveRS23

Re: Rotisserie Restoration - 12/21/10 02:12 AM

This sounds like it might be a little much for a first project. You eat an elephant one bite at a time, but that assumes that you know how to eat. You are probably going to find that you don't know what you don't know regarding a full-on job like this.

Take the advice above, and get a more finished project and save yourself an expensive learning curve.



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