Things You Will Do Differently Next Time
 

I was asked to install painted fenders, splash aprons and reproduction running boards on a 1931 Model A.

NEXT TIME, or if it was mine: I'd assemble everything in bare steel, or semi finished primer off the car, cut the welting, check fender beads to running boards. Long punches are great for aligning holes but shouldn't have to be used as pry bars. Bob

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Yes sir, restorers often overlook this critical step and it shows in the end product. Even mock-fitting fender brackets and then labeling them for which side helps with reassembly.

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Simply put, you build the car twice. Once without paint. Once AFTER paint.

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Blessed are the younger people who restore cars so we seniors can buy them ready-to-run!

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yeh, that's right. It took me 3 restorations to wake up. g

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I had the fenders on and off my pickup so many times fitting them that my buddy said I should put them on with Velcro!

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Love this thread....
Made all the mistakes at least twice and will make them again just for fun.

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Del is soooo right
I tell people I do work for that exact thing and they act like I'm crazy.....
Probably am crazy but not about that!

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I told my daughter that the next time she buys a Land Rover, DON"T.

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Would have purchased a balanced crank and a high compression head when the engine was rebuilt in 2000. The engine was fully balanced with the flywheel when assembled and is very smooth, but could be better. The engine will pull a steep hill and accelerate some achieving the 25MPH speed limit but is still a little sluggish. Could be we are at 5500 feet in elevation.

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I agree with all the above about fender fit etc. Also would not convert my 30 coupe to a rumble seat which I did back in the 60's and 70's when that was a big fad of the time.
I would not put WW tires on it and I would just paint it all black - preferably an antique patina type of black if there is such a thing. I did put a roll down rear window which I like and would still do today - good for ventilation.

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Drive it more

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Buy a body without bullet holes . They stretch the metal and become a nightmare to repair.

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Buy the most complete and solid car I could find.

JP

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Unfortunately, much of what I have learned on this old car is by planning, and doing, and then doing again! (and hoping I don't do the same dumb thing ever again!)

Re: Things You Will Do Differently Next Time
 

Buy the most complete and solid car I could find.

JP
X2! I'm currently putting a 28 Phaeton together from pieces. Simply put, it's not worth all the time and trouble. When this Phaeton is finished, I have a very rust free complete 28 business coupe waiting in the wings.

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I am so glad I read this!!
Thanks

Re: Things You Will Do Differently Next Time
 

Take photos at all stages of diss-assembly, then more photos and even more photos.