Overhaulin'

Car Restoration Advise?

I am in the process of restoring a 1938 Buick. I would like some first hand advise from people who have restored a classic car. Tip, Techniques, etc. Also, please give me recommendations/ Negative comments about various places I may be dealing with in the restoration. Chromers, painters, etc.

Public Comments

1. go to the shop
2. First and foremost - this is from 30 years of car restoration - DO ONE THING AT A TIME!!!! WORST error most 1st timers make is completely dismantling a car, ripping out the interior, taking apart the engine, just doing everything all at once. You WILL get discouraged and you WILL lose interest that way. That being said, the 38 is on a frame - take the entire body off in one piece. Do the entire rear first. Front suspension. Engine & driveline. Paint the frame. You should not even be thinking about crome work or other $$$ things, now is the elbow grease time. Then do ONE BODY PANEL AT A TIME - The shows on TV are great - fun to watch. They are not anywhere close to the real world however, as they have 60 guys working on one car, and unlimited cash. You do not.
3. Purchase the latest Hemmings Motor News or Classic Cars magazines and check out the reference materials available. Also look for local meetings or swap meets and talk to people with similar cars. A class at the local community or vocational college in body work or whatever systems you are unfamiliar with might be a good idea too.
4. When you paint the car make sure that it is clean and free from rust and prime first.
5. I have a 38 Buick that I restored . Please email me and I can answer many of your questions. My name is Joe and I live in Hamilton Twp, NJ my email address is jvannozzi@aol.com My car is series 40, sedan ......... I am also interested in selling it.