Ever watch shows on automotive oriented channels that show a ‘project car’ and the host, typically in addition with an assistant, who are going to make a bunch of ‘Wonderful Improvements’ to the car of which they make look so easy almost any monkey can do it? Unlike most in the hobby they have a fully equipped facility, over 20 thousand dollars in tools and equipment, new components are often sponsored by the manufacturers who make them as the program is advertising their product. This pretty much meaning an unlimited budget. There are a lot of people who get trapped into the appeal and before they know it, the time and expense is far more than they bargained for. Hell, the tv or magazine article said it would be easy but, here you are with your unfinished project that has gone way beyond your time and the market value of the car itself. The car, if a completed restomod has more likely lost value and you are wondering ‘what have I done?’. Hindsight is always 20/20.
I went down this road in my early 20’s and had regretted it. Therefore, I like to give some pointers for those who plan to go down this route so you don’t make the same mistakes I did back when.
1: What are you going to use the car for? This question is important as it sets your overall aim to what the completed project is to become as it is the foundation for all the decisions that follow.
2: Research, research, research. I cannot emphasize that enough. Before taking out the first screw only to end up screwing yourself deep into the project learn every thing about your car, how it was designed and engineered. Find articles and visit forums of similar upgrades to gain insight as to the issues that you may or will encounter. I once had a 1970 Torino with a C4 trans. ‘Put in a C6’ someone advised. I got a C6. Didn’t anticipate having to change out the driveshaft as the latter trans is longer then the other. While you won’t know everything, as no one really does, the more you know early on the less surprises to be had.
3: Take your time with studying. If your car is drivable, enjoy it as it is.
4: Formulate a plan. This will include what you intend to do with each system, choice of parts manufactures, services, vendors, the amount of time and budget. This too including a buffer for incidentals. Try to get all the components that you need, or as much as possible, before starting. There will be times when surprises come about during the project. This cannot be avoided. By putting in the research and planning ahead of time most of these issues will be more minor than not.
5: Once you begin stick with that plan and do not change it for ANY reason. Say you buy one component and find something else that is said to be better. You get that instead. Is it compatible with everything else? After all, you want all the systems to work in harmony. One or a few changes can cause a domino effect that can sink your project like the Titanic. Also, do not let friends, family or acquaintances influence you otherwise. It is your time, money and personal investment. While they may mean well the ‘execution’ stage is not the time for outside influence.
These are just a few things that might help your project go much easier.
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