Random Thoughts on Restoration
10-22-2009, 09:59 PM
#21
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 6
A couple more tips
Just came across this thread and it's got a boat load of great tips. Thanks! Adding a few more of my own.
- Add an inexpensive digital camera to your toolbox. I'd recommend one you can comfortably hold and use with one hand and has a built-in flash. Get a rubber or silicon 'skin' for it, as you will certainly drop it
. Take lots of pictures before, during and after you do any work on your project. The more the better - you can always delete unwanted ones later.
- Get or re-purpose an old PC and some easy to use software to organize your pictures and catalog your parts. I use one called Collector Car Companion. Not only will it help you stay organized, but it will add value to your car when you go to sell it. You'll be able to show the buyer all the great work you did on the car.
- Add an inexpensive digital camera to your toolbox. I'd recommend one you can comfortably hold and use with one hand and has a built-in flash. Get a rubber or silicon 'skin' for it, as you will certainly drop it
. Take lots of pictures before, during and after you do any work on your project. The more the better - you can always delete unwanted ones later.- Get or re-purpose an old PC and some easy to use software to organize your pictures and catalog your parts. I use one called Collector Car Companion. Not only will it help you stay organized, but it will add value to your car when you go to sell it. You'll be able to show the buyer all the great work you did on the car.
10-22-2009, 11:35 PM
#22
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington
Posts: 723
I might add, DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR WIFE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Get them involved with the project in one way or another. Even if it's just to take pictures for you or whatever. If they really aren't interested, put the car on hold for a night/day/weekend once in a while to spend it with them. Take it from a guy that has been married 5 times, if you want to stay in their good graces this is very important.
As the great philosopher Jeff Foxworthy says: "If she's unhappy long enough, you'll be unhappy with half your stuff." And nothing sucks more than to have to sell or, worse yet give to her, your pride and joy that you spent ALL that time on because of a divorce.
As the great philosopher Jeff Foxworthy says: "If she's unhappy long enough, you'll be unhappy with half your stuff." And nothing sucks more than to have to sell or, worse yet give to her, your pride and joy that you spent ALL that time on because of a divorce.
Last edited by hiboostwoody; 10-22-2009 at 11:41 PM.
10-22-2009, 11:36 PM
#23
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington
Posts: 723
protip:
Sometimes if the bolt wont break lose try tightening it slightly, often it will move the threads and rusted head enough that it will then come out much easier. If it has threads sticking out the other side of the fastener that are rusty, loosen, then tighten, then loosen, then tighten slowly working the bolt out without breaking it. The bottom bolts on the fenders are the worst, valence panels are next, and rear leaf spring bolts require some sort of cutting device. I prefer a sawzall.
PB blaster is the best penetrating oil I have found in 30+ years of working on junk.
Sometimes if the bolt wont break lose try tightening it slightly, often it will move the threads and rusted head enough that it will then come out much easier. If it has threads sticking out the other side of the fastener that are rusty, loosen, then tighten, then loosen, then tighten slowly working the bolt out without breaking it. The bottom bolts on the fenders are the worst, valence panels are next, and rear leaf spring bolts require some sort of cutting device. I prefer a sawzall.
PB blaster is the best penetrating oil I have found in 30+ years of working on junk.
10-22-2009, 11:42 PM
#24
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Sandy, Utah
Posts: 490
I might add, DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR WIFE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Get them involved with the project in one way or another. Even if it's just to take pictures for you or whatever. If they really aren't interested, put the car on hold for a night/day/weekend once in a while to spend it with them. Take it from a guy that has been married 5 times, if you want to stay in their good graces this is very important.
As the great philosopher Jeff Foxworthy says: "If she's unhappy long enough, you'll be unhappy with half your stuff."
As the great philosopher Jeff Foxworthy says: "If she's unhappy long enough, you'll be unhappy with half your stuff."
10-23-2009, 10:07 AM
#27
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: texas
Posts: 190
I enjoyed reading this thread. One thing I have found is when you get to a point where you just can't get whatever thing you are doing done... it really helps to take a break. Even a 30min break to watch a little tv, drink a soda, etc. will give you a fresh outlook. Instead of wasting hours not getting the project done, take a break and after the break you might just spot something you missed earlier.
10-23-2009, 12:57 PM
#28
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SFV, Calif.
Posts: 404
You may get lucky and get away with it, but if a spark (or anything flying) can get around the glasses, IT WILL! I got lucky and it went away without real damage, but will never skip the wrap-around safety glasses or face shield for a 1-second job again!
10-23-2009, 02:09 PM
#29
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 1,692
10-23-2009, 02:56 PM
#30
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Virginia
Posts: 367
I learned the eye protection lesson the hard way too. Many years ago I was ripping a 2X4 on a table saw and a chunk came off and hit me square in the eyeball. A couple days out of work, plus a trip to the eye doctor and about a week of not being able to see out of that eye (bruised/scraped cornea). Now I dont turn on a power tool without some eye protection.
