How many of you are doing total restorations?

[Seth Swoboda]

I'm curious, how many of you guys are doing complete restorations yet or are most folks just maintaining their V8's to keep them on the road?

[rockfla]

Count me as NINE, AS a matter of fact, I have one just restored that has to be done AGAIN!!!! IF That counts twice (OR More)

[SJCormier]

Would love to do a complete restoration of my 33 Tudor but realistically it’s going to be “maintain and drive” as is for the foreseeable future.

[Zeke3]

I need a third option, putting my long term project back together, to running condition, along with repairing the rust issues along the way.

[the.secret.victoria]

I'm sure there are those of us that would do the first, but have decided to settle for the latter given the ever decreasing availability and increasing cost of useable parts (both OE and reproduction) and correctness the available reproduction pieces.

That may inadvertently result in more owner enjoyment, though, as one might not feel as much worry when actually driving the vehicle.

[Kube]

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Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

I'm curious, how many of you guys are doing complete restorations yet or are most folks just maintaining their V8's to keep them on the road?

Seth, as has always been the case, the majority of folks get their cars running / drivable and perhaps a paint job on the top surfaces.
The number of folks that restore a car fully and properly has always been a small minority.
In my opinion, that minority is growing even smaller as each year passes. Given the cost of doing a correct restoration and the leaning of interest in these cars overall, well, you can surely understand the inevitable outcome.

[tubman]

I'm getting too old to do one myself, but if I can get anything near what I want for my Corvette and can find someone, I am prepared to spend a ridiculous amount on my '51, which is already a pretty nice car.

[flatford8]

I’m doing a body-off “total repair” on a ‘51 Tudor Delux. Rebuilt motor, painted the frame, new suspension all painted. Repaired the floors and trunk pan. New interior and glass. I’m not redoing the chrome or having it professionally painted. When it’s done it’ll look like the best that I could do myself......it’s taken a few years because I work to much....I’m retiring in Dec and I’m going to finish it. I have a ’37 pickup that’s going to get the same treatment.....a “total repair”......if I had it to do over I would have bought “driver quality “ and not spent so much time making them that way....I don’t care about the money I’ve invested...for me, that’s not the reason for doing it....Mark

[Mike34]

Been nibbling away at 3 total restorations (if I'm allowed to count a bowtie on this forum.) In hindsight, I probably should have bought drivers and slowly sorted them out over the years.

[SoCalCoupe]

Had an interesting experience as a 1st-time car show judge a couple of weeks ago. My category was 1960 - 1972 original/restored. As I learned the level of perfection it actually takes to be competitive in that category, I lost interest. Now I know why I don't win any trophies at judged car shows. My preferred category would be driver/period-correct/reasonably-clean but I've never heard of such a thing.

Thought my car was restored when I bought it. It's not. Read a few posts here on the 'Barn critiquing cars for sale and learned how restored is a whole other level above good-looking-original-appearing-clean-driver. And that next level is A WHOLE LOT MORE dollars. Not my thing. If it's your thing, that's fine. There are a lot of right ways to enjoy the car hobby. If your name is on the title, you call the shots. Live and let live.

[Model51]

I'm doing a full nut and bolt back to as original assembly line condition as possible of a 1935 1-1/2 ton 157" stake bed truck. This will be my only complete restoration. It's very expensive, slow and I will likely be the only person who knows how detailed the restoration has been. Started in 1999, grew two great sons, had a 42 year very busy career with lots of travel, so now that I'm retired and have time, it's beginning to come together. Hope to get it all done next year. I've chosen to enjoy the process and not be pressured by setting a time limit. Still have paint and many details to complete, but it's finally coming together and the 35-36 truck book is finally done so time is now my own.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by SoCalCoupe

Had an interesting experience as a 1st-time car show judge a couple of weeks ago. My category was 1960 - 1972 original/restored. As I learned the level of perfection it actually takes to be competitive in that category, I lost interest. Now I know why I don't win any trophies at judged car shows. My preferred category would be driver/period-correct/reasonably-clean but I've never heard of such a thing.

Thought my car was restored when I bought it. It's not. Read a few posts here on the 'Barn critiquing cars for sale and learned how restored is a whole other level above good-looking-original-appearing-clean-driver. And that next level is A WHOLE LOT MORE dollars. Not my thing. If it's your thing, that's fine. There are a lot of right ways to enjoy the car hobby. If your name is on the title, you call the shots. Live and let live.

I thoroughly enjoy and agree with your comments. Thank you.
There are many aspects of this old car hobby.

Ya know, there are local shows (McDonalds, etc.) that award cars based on popular vote. That leaves room for ALL cars. It sounds as if that may be a fun venue that you'd enjoy.
Then there are marque specific shows with specific year classes. Those are the toughest to "win" but. like you had mentioned, (paraphrasing here) there are different strokes for different folks.
As it should be.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Model51

I'm doing a full nut and bolt back to as original assembly line condition as possible of a 1935 1-1/2 ton 157" stake bed truck. This will be my only complete restoration. It's very expensive, slow and I will likely be the only person who knows how detailed the restoration has been. Started in 1999, grew two great sons, had a 42 year very busy career with lots of travel, so now that I'm retired and have time, it's beginning to come together. Hope to get it all done next year. I've chosen to enjoy the process and not be pressured by setting a time limit. Still have paint and many details to complete, but it's finally coming together and the 35-36 truck book is finally done so time is now my own.

You won't be the only person that who understands your efforts. There will be two others, Dave Rehor and myself

[kirkf]

Maybe we should just label this poll as 'Maintaining' and 'Restoring'
Authentic is a level that's well beyond most vehicles.

Kirk

[petehoovie]

Had a totally restored '37 and it won many awards. On those occasions when I showed the '37 along with my original unrestored '34, the '34 garnered much more attention, praise and accolades than the '37...




There's something to be said about the patina of age and use...

[1952henry]

Doing one on a 1952 F3 Marmon Herrington. Been smoothing the frame, getting ready for top coat, then slow assembly. Taking awhile, saving every original fastener to clean, and replate, recolor, mostly myself. No 1-800 buy a part. Can’t anyhow when it comes to the MH parts.

[DavidG]

As Mike notes, I enjoy the research, the hunt for the parts, the frustration, and the sublime satisfaction of restoring them as built. I've just added another one to my list of those in final assembly, now seven in total. I'm not bragging or complaining; as well said above, to each, his own.

[Model51]

The thing that keeps me going and interested is that I enjoy the research and the process of bringing back something to the way it was originally made (at least as best I can).

One thing I like about the Early Ford V8 Club is that there is no "winner", it's you against the judging sheet and everyone who takes the time and care gets rewarded. I sort of shot myself in the foot by publishing a 275 page detailed book about my truck, so now other can tell what's right or not, but for me the book was as much fun as restoring the truck, so I'm happy.

[DavidG]

As you should be, it's THE benchmark for the subject matter.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by Kube

You won't be the only person that who understands your efforts. There will be two others, Dave Rehor and myself

Dave
I may not know the platitudes of correctness to the "inth" bolt......But I would be number 3 behind Kube & DavidG in recognizing, further exploring and appreciating what efforts you have made on you "51" as well.......AND mark me down as "cannot wait to see it when it is done!!"

[Model51]

rockfla - Thank you. I'm first in line to see it finished! Had I ever known how difficult it is to do a big truck, perhaps I would never have started. The silver lining is that by trying the hard way, I had much of the material for my book.

[busmania]

Didn’t vote as mine fits neither category. Every part (almost) will be new or refurbished except the paint. Got a thing for ugly outside, hot in all the right places. Frame off as we speak and it’s all being built back up. 5’s rod style with a cigar lounge feel inside when I eventually get to the interior. Excited to get the body back on in the next 2 months or so.

[TagMan]

Hope to finish my '36 3W coupe this Summer. Started it in 2010, but lost a few years due to medical issues and a relocation.

[Jacques1960]

Thanks to this forum, I continue to chase the details on both my 1936 Phaeton and 1938 Station Wagon; while many of these details remain hidden from view, I know they are there. I completely agree with those who find joy in the research, the hunt, and finding “the guy / gal” who can point us toward the unobtanium we need. Connections on this board have helped me source a NIB(!) temperature sending unit / gauge, open car antennae, spare tire cover plans (thank you Dearborn !), and specialists for coils, pneumatic Trico components, glass bug etching kits, and on. My sincere compliments to those older members who accomplished these similar tasks without Google / search engines - the true Sherlocks among us.

[slowforty]

See my Avatar. Resotation after a total. Hit in the Ass by a lady on a cell phone. Took three years. For got to ask "How Long?" Turned out Nice. Toobad about the "Why Dont Yous?" They cost about $500 Each. As long as you are doing this,Why dont you?

[Ron_r1959]

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I am doing a 41 pickup for me this time, I have worked on a few over the past 25 years. One thing that is a constant, it would have been much cheaper to bought one already done LOL!

[busmania]

Originally Posted by Ron_r1959

it would have been much cheaper to bought one already done LOL!

No doubt but what fun is that? I consider the time I spent not as an expense, but as an experience!

[Ron Pilger]

3/4 done my ground-up resto on a 36 3-W

[RKS.PA]

Seth, this was a great question you've posed here!!

Love the diversity of responses you got in very short order.

If there's a common thread I picked up, it's about the "doing"!

Thank you for thinking of this!!

[DavidG]

Yes, it's all about the "experience" and the "doing" and blessedly, those mean different things to different people.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by RKS.PA

Seth, this was a great question you've posed here!!

Love the diversity of responses you got in very short order.

If there's a common thread I picked up, it's about the "doing"!

Thank you for thinking of this!!

RKS.PA
You hit the nail on the head, for me. It's the challenge of the project, its the satisfaction of using your hands, working through the process, learning, talent, and completion of each task that builds to the fulfillment of the reason I love this hobby!!! I helping my best friend on his project, He keeps telling me "I don't need perfection" on all the work I do for him....I told him, "I work to do the BEST I can do....IF that is perfection then that is what you get....BUT I am trying to do as perfect of a job that I can possibly do!!! The RIGHT way, as best I know it to be!!!

[Ron Pilger]

The nice thing about doing a thorough restoration is you gain a true understanding of the vehicle you own and drive. It also gives you a real clear picture of the fix involved when you breakdown on the road!

[Seth Swoboda]

Great responses so far. Keep them coming. I have enjoyed reading them all. This is a question I pose to Michael Driskell from time to time. One thing that is important no matter what your level of interest is, there are still folks involved in the hobby in some fashion, keeping these cars and trucks on the road.

[deuce_roadster]

Of the early Fords I own, I only tried to put one of them together to be judged at an EFV8 Concourse. I did it as a challenge to myself. Not to "win" or outdo anyone else. Most of my cars were in very sad shape when I got them and this late in the game, restoring a 32 is almost an impossible task unless you start with a VERY complete car and or lots of money, or picked up the hard to find items long ago. Even though I am 73, I missed out on the time when you could buy many NOS parts as I had lots of Brand X cars before I bought my 1st flathead V8 car. Also I grew up very poor and learned metal working and painting skills due to necessity. The 34 sedan delivery pictured in my MISC folder is an example of what I could afford to start with. I had the good fortune of learning for 41 years about EFV8s from a well respected person who had many 32s. I feel I did as well as I could for the money I had on my 1 concourse car. The rest i just want to drive and really are only judged by me.

[Old Redneck]

When I bought my 32, 6 years ago about all I knew was what a 32 look like. It looked nice but completely all wrong. Did have a 32 motor and that was it. Springs were wrong, Oil Pan,Woodgrain, Carb., Wiring , Plating, and Generator plus 1000. other things. All bolts were Metric. I was total ashamed of myself that I had not done any homework before buying a 32. First I got Dave books and his e-mail then started trying to correct this darn Contraption is what I called it. Maybe it was best I did buy it because with Dave's books and his e-mail I have learn a lot trying to correct the 32 as I call it now. Almost 6 years and lots of homework its starting to look decent. I wanted to take it to the National meet to have it judged to see where it is now. But do to my wife's back problems I had to cancel. She more important them the 32 any day of the week. One problem is I am 83 now a bit shaky and stumbles a lot, trip over and falls because of my poor eye sight. I might be a bit bang up but I am not quoting because of little things. I have learn to love the 32 and do enjoying learning about it. Have not name the 32 yet but a lot of names I have though of. Will not repeat them now. Maybe down the road a nice name will come to me. Dave have been a super good help on the 32 plus the internet. Without the internet we all would be lost. That the story about my 32.

[Stretch Cab]

At the bidding of my father, I took my 36 Fordor Deluxe apart about 50 years ago. The man who was to restore it backed out and it is still apart. I'm 66 and have started restoring the car with the running gear almost ready to put back together. The car will be nice but not judged. My motivation is that I want my kids to be able to advertise the car as running when they sell it when I'm gone.

I actually enjoy the build process but haven't had the time or money to really stay on it. I have also lived outside of the country for much of my life, so the car has languished in storage.

I'm also working on an early non-ford build.

[highbeams]

My '33 3w Deluxe (no body number anywhere!) will continue its 87 years, as it has . . . as it rolled off the assy line; later with one repaint Washington Blue peel'g off in areas showing the Ford Washington Blue.(should not've been repainted in the '50s;owner= too lazy to Simonize, obviously.)
very Original 'moosehair' interior, orig rumble seat with Ford original 'leatherette' as ford referred to it, good but deteriorating. Original Ford's fabric roof; good but deteriorating. Original 6Ford33 Safety Glass (except windshield . . .apparently was replaced w/plate. . . cracked. So I replaced with 6Ford33 Safety Glass from Sanders. (perfect)
Orig '33 flathead w/ replaced cast iron heads dated '47 & '45. has throwout bearing oiling tube. 100% Ford exact original 'fine-threadeds' size depending where/what per Ford.
Ford painted Tacoma Cream wheels with road-debris chipped to the steel, more-or-less, here 'n there . . . '33 (no blue) presentable original caps.
Deteriorated heavily-dulled '33 chrome. windshield frame I tennis-elbowed Bon-Ami 'hasn't scratched yet'.) (elbow now might need a Ford fine-thread machine screw)
Headlight-bucke- stainless still excellent.

Wards yellowed whitewalls; excellent tread=setting how long you say?), but are "retired" w/me. (Wards last made 17" auto tires= 1996+-) yellowed but excellent tread. hmmm.

I wouldn't have a resto'd-from-the-ground-up car with cadmium-plated fasteners, Chinese parts. I want a Ford-made-by-Ford; not a Chord = Chinese Ford. That's what 'resto'd from the ground up" are. You're driving a Chord . . .

Thank you for 'putin' up with my Archie Bunker-to-anyone-and-everyone style; and that's not a pigment of my imagination, Edith.*

[SoCalCoupe]

Originally Posted by DavidG

As Mike notes, I enjoy the research, the hunt for the parts, the frustration, and the sublime satisfaction of restoring them as built. I've just added another one to my list of those in final assembly, now seven in total. I'm not bragging or complaining; as well said above, to each, his own.

Originally Posted by Model51

The thing that keeps me going and interested is that I enjoy the research and the process of bringing back something to the way it was originally made (at least as best I can).

One thing I like about the Early Ford V8 Club is that there is no "winner", it's you against the judging sheet and everyone who takes the time and care gets rewarded. I sort of shot myself in the foot by publishing a 275 page detailed book about my truck, so now other can tell what's right or not, but for me the book was as much fun as restoring the truck, so I'm happy.

Theses are great explanations about the appeal of doing high-quality restorations. Doing one is a totally different thing than buying one. While not doing restorations myself, I've researched, worked, and hunted for parts for a number of mechanical and electrical issues in cars and other systems. Economically, I probably shouldn't have spent the time or done it myself, but solving them certainly gave me great deal of satisfaction.

[RalphG]

Most here have seen my 52 Merc and its never going to see a restoration while I own it. I have neither the skills or patience to do that. Plus it would be off the road and sitting who knows how long. I want a car I can drive, not a years long project that I might not live to complete. Its definitely no show car but it does get a lot of comments and "likes" at local car shows when they know the family history in it. I've spent many hours cleaning up the original paint and chrome and whatever mechanical repairs were needed to get it on the road and thats as far as I'm taking it.
I have a lot of respect for those that can do their own cosmetic and mechanical restorations but mine will always be just "driver class".

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by RalphG

Most here have seen my 52 Merc and its never going to see a restoration while I own it. I have neither the skills or patience to do that. Plus it would be off the road and sitting who knows how long. I want a car I can drive, not a years long project that I might not live to complete. Its definitely no show car but it does get a lot of comments and "likes" at local car shows when they know the family history in it. I've spent many hours cleaning up the original paint and chrome and whatever mechanical repairs were needed to get it on the road and thats as far as I'm taking it.
I have a lot of respect for those that can do their own cosmetic and mechanical restorations but mine will always be just "driver class".

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
This topic is always near by as we work on our projects, and most of these questions come to my mind!
How good should they be
When are they complete
Are the parts original
How much do you do yourself
what items do you have to have a expert in that field do
How long will the project take
Do the dollars invested matter
Are we having fun
What keeps us going

Back to the question: I believe my items that I work on are in the realm of Clean Refurbish and Paint. I try to most of that myself. They are nowhere near perfect or even close to restorations. So projects here get improvements to be functional, safe, and somewhat reliable, Considering most of my stuff is 60 years or more old.
I sure have had fun with the ragged ol truck! Keeping it in its work clothes, updating some of the systems, learning details about Big ol Ford trucks, meeting good folks in the hobby, sharing and trying to help others.
Regards.
Chris

[JayChicago]

I am in the maintaining category. Restoration is above my budget, and way above my skill level. I enjoy my time in the garage, but just doing:
Fix Or Repair Daily

[35fordtn]

To do a proper restoration nowadays unless you have hoarded NOS parts over the years, will cost at minimum $30k-40K assuming you do the paint and upholstery and all the work yourself. I restored my 36 Pickup as a driver but took it to the bare frame and did 100% of the work myself. Paid $10k for the truck and spent $36k on the restoration and took me 72 Weekends (roughly 6-7 hours each weekend). So had I paid a shop that charges $85 a hour to do it, I would have paid $43k in labor.

A reputable Model A restoration shop charges a minimum of $80k for a point judged car.

At our parts business I'd say 2% of the sales are parts going to a full blown frame off restoration. Of the other 98% roughly half are hot rodders.

[Newc]

Have 4 Fords in Progress and goal is nice drivers. Repro parts closeouts and interior closeout have messed this all up. Now it's bumpers N/A. Newc

[DavidG]

Michael.


And a lot more if your starting point is junk.

[rockfla]

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Originally Posted by DavidG

Michael.


And a lot more if your starting point is junk.

David & Michael


"OR" if what you paid for finished product is "JUNK"

[Seth Swoboda]

The absecnce of a supplier for authentic interior kits for V8 Fords is the biggest problem my projects are facing currently. This is a major blow for some of us.

[cjshaker]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

The absecnce of a supplier for authentic interior kits for V8 Fords is the biggest problem my projects are facing currently. This is a major blow for some of us.

Very true. The only things I can't do are the woodgraining and the interior stitching. That alone is going to cost me $6-$7k, probably at a minimum. That's going to be a hard one to swallow, especially with my limited income, not to mention even finding someone that is experienced with this style of interior work.


That alone is enough to stop most anyone from doing a full on restoration, so then guys look for cheaper alternatives to get the car on the road. But the sad fact is, not many people today are even interested in completely stock cars of these years. It's hard to deal with modern traffic while driving, and they just see us as a 'nuisance'.

[meric42]

I'm 28 years into my #1 of 2 '42 Sedan Delivery's restoration, too many other projects getting in the way. Progress photos attached as found in 1995 in Claremore OK then in 2016 showing some good progress made but still lots to do the second one came from Pasadena and will be a 'patina' tidy up for fun driving.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by meric42

I'm 28 years into my #1 of 2 '42 Sedan Delivery's restoration, too many other projects getting in the way. Progress photos attached as found in 1995 in Claremore OK then in 2016 showing some good progress made but still lots to do the second one came from Pasadena and will be a 'patina' tidy up for fun driving.

[SoCalCoupe]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

The absecnce of a supplier for authentic interior kits for V8 Fords is the biggest problem my projects are facing currently. This is a major blow for some of us.

My current car is a 1941 Ford Special Business Coupe. Evaluating the clues, seems like it was "restored"/refurbished about 20 years ago. The Special was the "strippo" trim level and relatively few were made meaning it's rare. It's many owners since then seem to have assumed that rare equates to more valuable, so it's been through several auctions as each new buyer attempts to flip it for the rarity premium. History seems to show that that premium is near zero. It seems to draw about the same bids, certainly no more, than a much more common Custom or Custom Deluxe.

One thing that intrigues me is the odometer reading of less than 6,000 miles. There's no documentation whatsoever that that's the actual mileage but other points about the car make me believe that it's POSSIBLE that it is. The seller made no representations in that respect. I can construct a theory that the car purchased prior to WWII, the owner went off to war, stashed the car, never returned, and the car was pulled out of a barn around 1999 and refurbished. It's a pleasant fantasy.

It was refurbished using Custom upholstery. Looking at the EFV8 club green book, the Special has model-specific upholstery. As far as I can tell, no one has ever re-manufactured this upholstery. Looked around casually but, so far there's no stash of NOS material for this any where. I'm assuming it would have to be custom woven.

The car looks great, I paid a fair price for what it is and enjoy it a lot is so I'm not actively looking for the correct fabric. If I stumble across some of it for a reasonable price I'd probably buy even though I suspect redoing the interior correctly would add no economic value. Nevertheless, it might be personally satisfying. It's not out of the question but there are other reasons I'm not actively pursuing a total restoration on this car. The fabric issue is a total show-stopper.

[Daves55Sedan]

I've done two body-off-frame restorations (both '55 Fords) at different times, each one taking 4 years to complete. The 4-dr sedan was done in '96 and it is still driven to this day, anywhere, anytime. The Courier sedan delivery wagon was done in 2000. The Courier has been in mothballs for years and I rarely even go out to start it up anymore.

Both required extensive floor cut-outs and patching with new panels as well as inner & outer rockers and some floor supports. I had the 4-dr sedan body plastic bead blasted and frame sandblasted. The wagon I had dunked in chemical rust/paint remover. All the painting was done in my 1-1/2 car garage with a cheap spray gun inside and out. I did not stick with factory repro interior upholstery in either. I used J.C. Whitney upholstery and did all my own upholstery work. Both engine short-blocks were rebuilt by a professional while I rebuilt the heads in my garage and did all engine assembly. Never had the intention of showing either one.
I'm certain I will still be driving the 4-dr sedan till my death.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

I do not do full on restorations but I have definitely done multiple ground up builds and I am finishing one now that I believe will be my last. My builds are no where near exacting or anywhere close to the level of detail of those who do restore them. For me, I can change things if parts are not available so I have options - for those who restore there is no where to turn save beating the bushes for leads on parts.

My hat is off to you guys - you are a breed apart….

[Ron_r1959]

Originally Posted by busmania

No doubt but what fun is that? I consider the time I spent not as an expense, but as an experience!

I agree, I have done a lot of other projects and after I was done with them, I got bored! There is also a lot to be said about knowing what has been done and how it was done, that you don't always get if you buy one someone else has done! On top of that, I rarely have the money out right to do it all at once anyway. LOL

[oldandtired]

I have have been in the car hobby for over 50 years but have only had any flathead powered vehicles since 1994. I bought a 37 Ford half-ton that was a running driving stock except for a 38 engine and paint pickup. I became interested in doing a show quality restoration. I have had quite a few 35-37 commercial vehicles that I have had since as restoration projects wherein the intent was to go back as bone stock as possible. I have now sold all 7. I decided that I would be miserable to actually drive one of them knowing that the first person who put their foot on one of those gloss black running boards to get into the pickup would wipe out a significant amount of time and expense. I have two vintage vehicles left. One is a street rod that started life as a 37 half-ton stake that I bought and rebuilt after it had already been modified beyond the possibility of restoration. The other is a 39 panel delivery. I have had it for quite a few years, have redone the body work several times, repainted it several times because I did not like the way it looked with my original color choices, and it sat for several more years. Finally, the gloss painted running boards got Raptored, the inside door panels the same to eliminate scuffs, the 4-speed is gone in favor of a 3-speed, and the milled oak tongue and groove floor that I couldn't get myself to paint is now stained. I haven't decided whether to actually put it together and drive it.

[Seabees]

Working on my grandads '48 F1, he bought new. I got it in '76, drove it a couple years until I bought a new F250 in '78, then only drove it on occasion, until a valve stuck open. I think it sat for 30+ years. Tore it down over the last month, parts are getting blasted, the V8 is getting worked over, and I'm lining up new parts. It's a chore that's for sure. I've restored a couple Model A's over the years, along with a '32 BB that I am currently working on also. Just hope I have enough energy to keep it up! I'm sure I'll be back here with questions in a few months.

[Jacques1960]

I’ve found that the best course, for me, is to take over a project where someone else has done the bulk of the work, including very good and expensive paint, then chasing the details and finishing the job myself.

As Kubes says, interest has waned due to an aging out of those who knew and loved these cars when young; as a result, quality restoration “donor” vehicles can be had for 30-50 cents on the original restoration dollar.

With this readjusted costs basis, the last 15-20% of the work can contribute to a value uplift of up to 50%, making this “restoration adoption” approach both good math and a reason to invest as needed to finish the job.

While I love my cars, the hunt for correct parts / the manufacture of those which cannot be acquired, is the true joy for me; meeting people like Kubes and Sheldon along the way makes the process even better.

My turnover is low, maybe one project leaves the shop every three years, but there is an underlying discipline that, once value has been doubled, the car needs to be placed with a new steward.

There may be one, well maybe two, sentimental exceptions to this “rule”, but I generally stick to it as a way to fund new projects.

On the horizon ? A Packard 12, Porsche 356, and a barrel grille Ford pickup. Eclectic to be sure.

[Model51]

I'm restoring my truck to original condition because I want to, can reasonably afford to do so, and more importantly, it's my hobby - the way I like to spend my time.

I enjoy the process of taking a worn out, or rusty, or whatever condition part, and using my hands make it look like new (so something like that). Discovering how it works, understanding how it all goes together, and figuring out how Ford did it "back in the day is all part of the fun. I enjoy meeting so many great people, going to shows, flea markets, late nights alone in the garage tinkering - it's all part of a hobby.

Restoring a vehicle is not about making money and most younger folks really aren't interested. I figure that's just part of the evolution of the old car world and accept it. When I am no longer around, I just assume most of my stuff will have no value, but I'm still buying parts I don't need because it bring me joy. Life's too short to dwell on the negatives.

Now I get off my soap box and head back to the garage to disassemble, sand blast and paint an other big truck jack I picked up a a flea market yesterday.

[DavidG]

Dave,


Well said!

[Model51]

One thing I've learned is that it take me three times to get anything right. First time it's discovery and figuring things out. Second time skills improve. Third time, I know what to do and do it well enough. So, three times I did my starter, three times the generator and so on. Just patience and having fun all the while learning new things.

[wjfraser]

Bill, here, Vancouver. BC.

I long believed that if you do not firmly love the concept and commitment of a restoration beforehand, no matter the vehicle, you will soon hate it.

Been working on the '58 TR3A, neigh-on, with various failures, 21 years.....

b