New Coupe

[Jonhatch]

What would you focus on first? I picked up a coupe and it needs body work, interior, potentially suspension and frame work, and some minor engine work.

[alexiskai]

I would start by creating some written documents. Divide the car into categories and then check everything in each category. Write down all the problems you find. Start figuring out whether you'll repair or replace for each problem – then write down what replacement parts you need or what repair tools you'll require. Eventually you'll have a good list of what'll be needed to restore the car. Then you can start putting the problems in order. Generally my preference is to focus on making it drivable first, but also think about which jobs will take less time/money if you do them early in the sequence.

[nkaminar]

Is this something that you plan on driving while you are working on it or doing a restoration? If a restoration, I would work on the chassis first, with the body off. Work on the body next, while still off the car. Then combine the two and then do the upholstery and finishing touches.

[Planojc]

Get it where you can drive it and play with it for a while.

[Bob Bidonde]

First and foremost, replace the fan if its a steel original or vintage replacement. Get the Coupe's running gear and especially the brakes in good running condition. Start with the brakes, king pins, springs, steering, wheels, tires & tubes. Also make sure that the windshield is safety glass and not plate glass.
Inspect the wiring, and if its old / dilapidated replace all of the harnesses. Rebuild the ignition starting with the distributor. Make sure all electrical components have good ground return paths back to the battery.
Change all of its fluids. Check the frame and running gear carefully for cracks. Especially look for cracks in the front cross-member and rear engine mounts.

[Jonhatch]

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Thank you everyone! These are all very helpful starts.

[700rpm]

Take lots of pictures. Don’t throw anything away. Keep it stock. "Go slowly for a more harmonious outcome." (Old Sioux saying.)

[ronn]

get it mechanically running well.


whatever you do- dont rip it to pieces..............

[katy]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

"Go slowly for a more harmonious outcome." (Old Sioux saying.)

"Go slow and get finished sooner." (old Mexican saying)

[Heimer308]

I'd start at the frame and suspension and work my way off that. If it needs upholstery, maybe save that for last.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by Heimer308

.... If it needs upholstery, maybe save that for last.

But order it now - the wait time is very long since there is only 1 supplier now.


Photos of how it is now would help. Is it an older restoration that needs a refresh or something that has sat under a tree for the last 40 years. How you proceed will depend a lot on your abilities. Taking something apart and not knowing how to get it back together can be very frustrating.

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by ronn

get it mechanically running well.


whatever you do- dont rip it to pieces..............

Many a collector car was dismantled, and is now a heap of junk rusting away, and parts get tossed. People get in over their head, and over their wallet.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by Gene F

Many a collector car was dismantled, and is now a heap of junk rusting away, and parts get tossed. People get in over their head, and over their wallet.

This is very good advice.

Enjoy.

[Fordestes]

I started from the front and I am working my way to the rear of the car , luckily I chose to check out the steering gear internals , what seemed to be a well adjusted and tight steering gear turned out to be a wreck waiting to happen, I decided to take a look inside and I seen where someone brazed up the teeth on the sector (done a great job) ,so I had it ex -rayed ,it showed what the tech called fissures, apparently when the braze was done it caused minute cracks to start which could have erupted into the tooth breaking and loss of steering. I just knew I had a recently built steering box, just thought I would pass this along so someone else may choose to exercise caution and possibly save a life. we cant always trust work performed by others .

[Ayers1]

order it now - the wait time is very long since there is only 1 supplier now.

Who is the supplier? I'm just starting in on a sedan. Thanks,

[Bob C]

Who is the supplier? I'm just starting in on a sedan. Thanks,[/QUOTE]


https://www.classtiqueupholstery.com/

[Synchro909]

My advice is "Don't work on more than say, four things at a time." That way, you will be able to keep track of what is happening and where they are. Once an item is done, put it aside and start another. You will plug away at it for what seems an eternity but come the day you start putting it all together, things will happen very quickly.
Do it right, do it once.

[Ayers1]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Who is the supplier? I'm just starting in on a sedan. Thanks,

https://www.classtiqueupholstery.com/[/QUOTE]



Thanks! The last kit I ordered was from Mac's less than a year before they were sold.