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I just wanted to start a topic where everyone could post their own tips and tricks for restoration. Some simple things can really save alot of time if you know about them ahead of time.
One tip I have is be sure of what your doing, don’t just assume things. For instance, while helping BIG BLOCK restore the interior of his 71 cutlass we discovered an interesting problem, the perferated holes for the window handles on the rear panels were in the wrong spot. So in other words take it slow and make sure everything lines up.
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Quote:I just wanted to start a topic where everyone could post their own tips and tricks for restoration. Some simple things can really save alot of time if you know about them ahead of time.
One tip I have is be sure of what your doing, don’t just assume things. For instance, while helping BIG BLOCK restore the interior of his 71 cutlass we discovered an interesting problem, the perferated holes for the window handles on the rear panels were in the wrong spot. So in other words take it slow and make sure everything lines up.
I think one of the reasons for the door panel problem in the Cutlass is that the manufacturer just recently came out with the product. When we restored the interior of my GTO the panels fit perfect. But they had been producing them for years. So pre-measuring can save meny headaches.
Quote:Quote:I just wanted to start a topic where everyone could post their own tips and tricks for restoration. Some simple things can really save alot of time if you know about them ahead of time.One tip I have is be sure of what your doing, don’t just assume things. For instance, while helping BIG BLOCK restore the interior of his 71 cutlass we discovered an interesting problem, the perferated holes for the window handles on the rear panels were in the wrong spot. So in other words take it slow and make sure everything lines up.
I think one of the reasons for the door panel problem in the Cutlass is that the manufacturer just recently came out with the product. When we restored the interior of my GTO the panels fit perfect. But they had been producing them for years. So pre-measuring can save meny headaches.
Well said!
Hi Folks
Some of the best restoration’s start with a detailed diassembly.
Take photo’s, keep a log, invest in boxes and plastic zip bags of all sizes ,
and a good perminent marker & 3/4 masking tape . and document everything . You will be glad you did.
Quote:Hi Folks
Some of the best restoration’s start with a detailed diassembly.
Take photo’s, keep a log, invest in boxes and plastic zip bags of all sizes ,
and a good perminent marker & 3/4 masking tape . and document everything . You will be glad you did.Good tips! Its always so nice to look back on the projects, especially the before and after pictures. Its a great idea like you said to have a step-by-step transformation guide.
Hi guys
yes with rusty cars and rusty memories it is a great idea to write things down . lots of parts start to look the same when you have no idea were they came from . Kinda keeps you from taking things apart somany times.
Have you ever held a part up and did a 180 with it a few times thinking (now how the heck did that gizmo fit on there) do that a half a dozen times and the hours could add up real quick . Now not so bad for the novice but your customer would not like seeing that on his or her bill at the end of the week. icon_rolleyes.gifQuote:Hi guys
yes with rusty cars and rusty memories it is a great idea to write things down . lots of parts start to look the same when you have no idea were they came from . Kinda keeps you from taking things apart somany times.
Have you ever held a part up and did a 180 with it a few times thinking (now how the heck did that gizmo fit on there) do that a half a dozen times and the hours could add up real quick . Now not so bad for the novice but your customer would not like seeing that on his or her bill at the end of the week. icon_rolleyes.gifYep, I’ve done that! Or the other one that happens alot if you’re not careful is, “oh, where does this bolt go?” and it takes you forever to figure it out. Also its really good to label everything so you keep the right and left side stuff seperate.
One thing I have found to be extremely valuable is a magnetic dish for holding all the bolts, nuts, washers, springs, and so forth that are removed during any disassembly process. How many times have we all put these items in a small box, tray, or loose on the floor and then “accidently” bumped the box with your foot sending the items off to never-never land! Of course having size 12 shoes doesn’t help either Drogar-Laugh(LBG).gif With the magnetic tray I still at times will bump it but at least I haven’t lost any more parts! The only hard part is finding a “plastic” magnet for the plastic parts icon_cheesygrin.gif
Quote:One thing I have found to be extremely valuable is a magnetic dish for holding all the bolts, nuts, washers, springs, and so forth that are removed during any disassembly process. How many times have we all put these items in a small box, tray, or loose on the floor and then “accidently” bumped the box with your foot sending the items off to never-never land! Of course having size 12 shoes doesn’t help either Drogar-Laugh(LBG).gif With the magnetic tray I still at times will bump it but at least I haven’t lost any more parts! The only hard part is finding a “plastic” magnet for the plastic parts icon_cheesygrin.gifYeah those are great! Its nice to have one for the left and right sides as well, to keep everything seperate (like you would with the door panels, ect). Let me know if you can find that plastic one, I’d like to get one too! w00t.gif
Quote:Yeah those are great! Its nice to have one for the left and right sides as well, to keep everything seperate (like you would with the door panels, ect). Let me know if you can find that plastic one, I’d like to get one too! w00t.gifWhat I use is an old container with lid. (such as GladWare) I put the pieces in there as I taking them off, and then when I finished doing that I put the lid on and sit it somewhere until I need the parts again.
Quote:Quote:Yeah those are great! Its nice to have one for the left and right sides as well, to keep everything seperate (like you would with the door panels, ect). Let me know if you can find that plastic one, I’d like to get one too! w00t.gifWhat I use is an old container with lid. (such as GladWare) I put the pieces in there as I taking them off, and then when I finished doing that I put the lid on and sit it somewhere until I need the parts again.
Good idea, doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
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