Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input...
[Re: 268RTs4ME]
#207110
01/28/09 09:16 PM
01/28/09 09:16 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 15,134 Kelowna, B.C. Canada
DPelletier
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 15,134
Kelowna, B.C. Canada
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Take video and a 1000 pictures of EVERYTHING.
Bag every pce and every nut and bolt in a properly identified bag or container.
Get as much literature as you can including the factory parts manuals and maintenance books.
Figure out what parts and do-dads get finished in each type of finish and divide them into piles for sandblasting, media blasting, powdercoating, painting, plating, etc.
Then make a list of stuff you need and start researching where to get it from.
Save stuff even if you don't plan on reusing it and consider rebuilding original components where possible over replacing with generic rebuilds and repops.
good luck,
Dave
1970 Super Bee 440 Six Pack
1974 'Cuda
2008 Ram 3500 Diesel
2006 Ram 3500 Diesel
2004.5 Ram 2500 Diesel
2003 Ram 3500 Diesel
2006 Durango Limited
[url] http://1970superbee.piczo.com [/url]
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input.
[Re: DPelletier]
#207111
01/28/09 09:26 PM
01/28/09 09:26 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,380 Back In Iowa
belv2vert66
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,380
Back In Iowa
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Quote:
Take video and a 1000 pictures of EVERYTHING.
Bag every pce and every nut and bolt in a properly identified bag or container.
Get as much literature as you can including the factory parts manuals and maintenance books.
Figure out what parts and do-dads get finished in each type of finish and divide them into piles for sandblasting, media blasting, powdercoating, painting, plating, etc.
Then make a list of stuff you need and start researching where to get it from.
Save stuff even if you don't plan on reusing it and consider rebuilding original components where possible over replacing with generic rebuilds and repops.
good luck,
Dave
All of the above...... I like using Resto Ricks assembly sequence. It is also useful to keep you on track restoring componants while the car is in body shop prison. You will be amazed how fast it will go back together if everything is organized clean painted restored, when it hits your garage as a painted shell.
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input.
[Re: 268RTs4ME]
#207116
01/29/09 11:16 AM
01/29/09 11:16 AM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,047 Arizona
68CoronetRT
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,047
Arizona
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I would add to the above: - after removing window/door assemblies, reassemble the parts and take pictures of them for reference. - keep 3 separate notebooks. One for parts that need to be purchased (missing, broken or worn out), one for parts that need to be farmed out for restoration (guages,interior, etc.), and one that notes repairs needed to the body, suspension, and drive train as well as general observations of things wrong or that you would like to change. This way you can keep an eye out for the parts on list one while you are working on list number three and you can schedule the work to be farmed out on list two as money permits so everything comes together in a timely manner. I took lots of pictures of my car and yet still find areas where I forgot to get a picture and had to ask someone to help out. The best rule: assume you will forget everything.
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input.
[Re: 68CoronetRT]
#207117
01/29/09 12:41 PM
01/29/09 12:41 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,066 portland or
new bee
Richard Cranium
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Richard Cranium
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,066
portland or
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Here are a couple challenges we encountered when I restored my 69 Super Bee:
*body parts - make sure to test fit trim and bumpers BEFORE painting the car. Make sure all these parts fit and line up. Same with the quarter panel end caps. If you are having a shop do your bodywork, take them all this stuff and insist the test fit everything before painting.
*interior metal - you know those metal panels that are right below the rear side glass? Test fit those as well once the bodywork is done prior to painting. I installed them on my Bee, and closed the doors without thinking about it. Sadly, the inner door metal colided with that rear metal panel and chipped them both. This could have been easily avoided if I had the body shop test fit them and make appropriate adjustments.
*Install the dash, pre-loaded with all wiring and parts BEFORE installing windshield. Ooops!
*Test fit windshield and rear window before painting. Test fit the chrome window trim as well.
*If you are installing new floor pans, make sure the drain holes are drilled before painting.
*Insist on receipts for EVERYTHING
*Ask a lot of question on this website. The answers come quickly. People here know these cars.
*Re-use/restore as much as possible before going down the aftermarket route. Resto parts are generally really good, but originals tend to fit the best.
*Don't get cheap on the plated parts. Pay more for the best work you can find. I had a terrible experience with my chrome shop.
*Ask and demand. If you are dealing with shops, know exactly what you are getting into. Demand receipts, and demand that the work is done properly the first time. Ask loads of questions. Shop around until you find the right people.
*Get an original service manual for your car. If this is too costly, find a re-print. A thousand photos is fine, but the manuals can really help when you are putting things back together.
*Careful with the mods - I made a few modifications to my car - a high torque starter, electronic ignition, and a few suspension upgrades. My car is a little more reliable, but feels like a proper 1969 car. Those are reversible modifications. I also changed the color of my car. That is not as easy to change back. Make sure if you do any major changes, you do some major soul-searching beforehand.
*expect to pay double or more of what you thought it would cost to restore your car.
*1969 383 4sp. Super Bee *1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT *1965 Porsche 356C *2004 VW Passat Wagon *2004 Mini Cooper S *1967 Jaguar E-Type FHC
A mall cop is in our midst.
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input.
[Re: 268RTs4ME]
#207118
01/29/09 02:50 PM
01/29/09 02:50 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,380 Back In Iowa
belv2vert66
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,380
Back In Iowa
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Quote:
Where do I get this Resto Ricks book, does anyone have any literature they want to sell, I'll have to replace lowere quarter sections, and a couple floor pans, typical B Body. I have had this RT for 25 years, and have purchase two more over the years so i have plenty to go back on, but will still take lots of picks. Thanks.
Resto Rick is a sponser here and has a website. The assembly sequence is on the site. Click on his sponser link........
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input...
[Re: 268RTs4ME]
#207119
01/29/09 03:11 PM
01/29/09 03:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,139 East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
RoadRunner
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,139
East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
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When bagging parts, I slide in a 3 x 5 card describing any special ways the part or fastener came off. I also use the card to keep track of the parts when they are out for replating.
68 Road Runner (383/4speed, post car w/decor pkg) - Major Project 69 Road Runner w/472 Hemi & 4 speed. 70 Challenger R/T SE EF8 w/ V9J, U - A32 - Major Project 2023 Ford Mach 1
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input...
[Re: 268RTs4ME]
#207120
01/29/09 03:26 PM
01/29/09 03:26 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 936
OLD318
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 936
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Well, this may open up a can of worms but..
I restored my 70 Coronet from scratch (basket case).
If I had it to do all over again. I would NOT disassemble the whole thing..
Why?
Fact #1---- always remember this..
Over 90% of all cars disassembled for restoration NEVER get reassembled....
Having done one here's what I've learned.. (the hard way)
1) Cars which are completely dissassembled almost always overwhelm their owners. Why...because its not a car anymore, its a stripped chassis with literally hundreds of parts, bags, boxes, assemblies, sub-assemblies, laying around the house/garage workspace etc...
You won't realize how many pieces are on a car until you dissamble one completely and re-assemble it...
In the event life gets in the way sickness, divorce, job loss, an assembled car can easily be manipulated i.e moved, stored etc...
try moving a disassembled car!!!!
So here's my suggestion
1) Take a complete inventory of the cars current state system by system and write down clearly on paper what it is you want done to make that system the way you want it...
then put a cost next to that system... For example:
1) fuel system - replace carb, replace fuel lines 2) exhaust system - replace entire system/hangers 3) brake system - complete overhaul, new lines 4) starting system - new battery/cables/starter 5) charging system - new alternator/vol regulator 6) ignition system - convert to MSD... etc.. 7) Cooling system - recore radiator, new hoses.. 8) Engine long block - reman from Jasper etc.. 9) Transmission - reman from jasper etc 10) Rear end - new bearings/seals rebuild 3rd mem. 11) Electrical engine - new harness 12) electrical dash - new harness/ light bulbs 13) electrical body = new harness 14) chrome (Treat this as a system) rechrome all 15) Glass - replace scratched front w/s 16) interior - replace seats,carpet,h/l. door panels, dash pad, 17) Sheet metal - panel by panel whats wrong - front fender R - front fender L - Driver door - Pass door - Driver quarter panel - Pass quarter panel - tail panel - hood - rocker panels - trunk lid - top - trunk floor - engine bay - frame
18) weatherstripping - repalce all with soffseal 19) wheels & tires - 4 new tires 4 new rallye rims
The total cost will shock you!!!
Do not remove ANYTHING on that car that isnt absolutely necessary...for that system/thing you want to do...
Start with one system.. like the exhaust system etc...
Do not do anything else until that system is 100% done the way you would want it to...
Don't be in a rush, don't be surprised if it takes 5 times longer than you expect and cost 2-4 times as much!
Hope this helps Best of luck
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input...
[Re: OLD318]
#207121
01/29/09 03:32 PM
01/29/09 03:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,139 East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
RoadRunner
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,139
East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
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You are right about the issues if about selling, divorce, etc., so a restoration is a commitment. But, I think you are wrong not to disassemble the car. After all, restoration is about restoring the car. That means starting with the shell, and going from there. You can't do that if you start hanging exhaust, brake lines, etc. I think if you are organized and disciplined with taking pictures and notes, then the reassembly is easy. I also found it may be easier to restore some components like dash, rear end, etc, when you take them off the car. Then set them aside until the body is done. Then its a matter of bolt up. You are right about moving projects, but again, if you have commitment, it shouldn't be an issue.
68 Road Runner (383/4speed, post car w/decor pkg) - Major Project 69 Road Runner w/472 Hemi & 4 speed. 70 Challenger R/T SE EF8 w/ V9J, U - A32 - Major Project 2023 Ford Mach 1
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input...
[Re: cdp]
#207124
01/29/09 09:28 PM
01/29/09 09:28 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,047 Arizona
68CoronetRT
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,047
Arizona
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A serious "restoration" has to be completely disassembled in my opinion. However if you are just trying to get a driver car to look better then option #2 might be the way to go. Either way will require commitment and money especially if you have to pay someone else to do the work. Restoring a car is not a project for quitters so if you are prone to give up easy save yourself some aggravation and don't start.
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input.
[Re: belv2vert66]
#207125
01/29/09 11:52 PM
01/29/09 11:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,304 WI
RestoRick
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,304
WI
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Quote:
Quote:
Where do I get this Resto Ricks book, does anyone have any literature they want to sell, I'll have to replace lowere quarter sections, and a couple floor pans, typical B Body. I have had this RT for 25 years, and have purchase two more over the years so i have plenty to go back on, but will still take lots of picks. Thanks.
Resto Rick is a sponser here and has a website. The assembly sequence is on the site. Click on his sponser link........
Assembly Sequence
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Re: Starting restoraton on my 68 Coronet RT need input...
[Re: 268RTs4ME]
#207127
01/30/09 02:43 AM
01/30/09 02:43 AM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,047 Arizona
68CoronetRT
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,047
Arizona
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Quote:
No I am not a quiter, I will restore this car from the ground up, I have a 74 RR/ GTX to tool around in this years so I won't be without my mopar, that would really miss me up, thanks everyone for all the good info, I know I'll be throwing some more question out there and appreciate everyone on this site. Thanks Larry in Mo.
Glad to hear it. I hope you will post some pics here and on the Dodge Coronet site.
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