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Post by 82redta on Oct 4, 2008 9:46:08 GMT -8
If this is a stupid question, I apologize, but I am new to the restoration game. Is there a rule of thumb about what to do first on a project car, the interior or the body? There will be no major engine/drive train work done in the near future.
I am restoring an 82 TA LU5, red and black with 55K miles. The body is in reasonable shape with maybe 10 areas of rust, the largest is the size of a tennis ball. The interior is charcoal with PMD seats and everything is still there and is original except for the console pad that was replaced. The seats are very faded and the driver's side has massive tearing etc. in the area where my left thigh is.
My main question is, what to concentrate on first, interior or body. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Geary
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Post by Dens71TA on Oct 4, 2008 16:21:08 GMT -8
Generally, you want to do the body first. You don't want to have to take out the interior twice. Its pretty easy to damage the headliner, seats, and interior plastics not to mention you don't want paint overspray on them.
I just bought the twin to your car last week. Its red with dark charcoal interior, T-Tops. and CrossFire. Unfortunately on mine the LU5 is long gone and there is a blown up 350/carb in its place. Whoever had the car completely hacked up the LU5 engine and computer wiring harness so I'm not sure what to do about that. Hopefully I can find something in the salvage yards but the last CrossFire car I saw in a yard was about 10 years ago.
BTW, I'm over in Sun Prairie so I'm in the neighborhood.
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Post by Agent13 on Oct 4, 2008 21:11:44 GMT -8
Generally, you want to do the body first. You don't want to have to take out the interior twice Agreed. You will want to remove the interior and weatherstripping along with other trim if you want a really nice job. I would say drivetrain first but since you car is not in need of drivetrain work then move onto the body.  |
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Post by wildjeff on Oct 6, 2008 6:44:25 GMT -8
I just bought that combo (Red/Charcaol/LU5/t-tops) too, about 3 months ago, funny. I have 63K miles and it’s in pretty good shape.
I’d actually start with making a list of the parts you think you need, then buy as much as you can before you even start the work. Then double what you think you’re going to spend.
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Post by 82redta on Oct 8, 2008 12:57:44 GMT -8
Thanks everybody for the good suggestions. Looks like I'll take out the interior, get the body work done, then put the interior back in. I'm a little nervous about such a long time elapsing between taking the interior out and putting it back in. Lots of notes, lots of photos.
Thanks,
Geary
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Post by Dens71TA on Oct 10, 2008 9:56:31 GMT -8
I would start stockpiling parks. GM has been discontinuing parts like crazy lately. I just went down to the dealer to get some things for my new '82 T/A and GM has discontinued the power window switches and all but one of the rear disc parking brake cables! All this stuff was available a couple years ago.
FYI, most of the torx screws on the Lear Jet coc-kpit styled interior peices are fake. If in doubt, use a magnet to make sure it is a screw. I was working inside the doors on my car last night and noticed some clown stripped out all the fake torx screws on the door handle bezels. Just another part to find ...
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