I have been kicking the idea of an EB frame off restoration around for a number of years and finally decided to move forward. I picked up a 74 off of a member here over the weekend and I am excited to get started. A little overwhelmed once I got it home and the realization of the undertaking set in but that is also kind of feeding the excitement. I know I am going to make some mistakes, get stuck, and have planned for budget overages along the way.
So in preparation for the undertaking I am trying to plan ahead as much as possible as I have limited work space...half of a big 2 car garage (2 car with a storage area behind it...technically considered a 3 car). Initially, I am just getting my garage space organized and cleaned up so I can best use the space I have before starting tear down. Also looking into renting a storage unit down the street to use as a staging/storage area for parts as I work through different phases of the build, and will also keep from pissing my very understanding wife off. My plan is to do as much of it myself as possible, and sub out if need be, or where it makes sense. Will do as much of the body prep as possible but ultimately with have a shop "check my work" and finish. So here are my initial questions mainly related to logistics...im sure many more to follow:
Tear down - I don't have a lift and can brace the body up and remove it with a few friends but due to space and wife constraints it cant sit in the garage for more than a few days while I strip the frame and get it blasted/coated. Was going to park it on a cart and put it in storage until I need it but open to ideas.
Bodywork - The flip side of that is I would really like to get the body blasted/stripped to see what I am working with underneath as that will drastically drive budget/timeline. It has been painted since original and looks to be in decent shape but I really want to get an idea of what is really hiding underneath. My fear is I strip it down and realize ordering an all new tub might be a feasible option and then I am stuck waiting. Is it worth paying to have it blasted and epoxy primed knowing it might sit in storage for a bit, or just start on it with the wire wheel/sanding to get an idea and have it blasted later?
Just thinking out loud and would appreciate any input.
So in preparation for the undertaking I am trying to plan ahead as much as possible as I have limited work space...half of a big 2 car garage (2 car with a storage area behind it...technically considered a 3 car). Initially, I am just getting my garage space organized and cleaned up so I can best use the space I have before starting tear down. Also looking into renting a storage unit down the street to use as a staging/storage area for parts as I work through different phases of the build, and will also keep from pissing my very understanding wife off. My plan is to do as much of it myself as possible, and sub out if need be, or where it makes sense. Will do as much of the body prep as possible but ultimately with have a shop "check my work" and finish. So here are my initial questions mainly related to logistics...im sure many more to follow:
Tear down - I don't have a lift and can brace the body up and remove it with a few friends but due to space and wife constraints it cant sit in the garage for more than a few days while I strip the frame and get it blasted/coated. Was going to park it on a cart and put it in storage until I need it but open to ideas.
Bodywork - The flip side of that is I would really like to get the body blasted/stripped to see what I am working with underneath as that will drastically drive budget/timeline. It has been painted since original and looks to be in decent shape but I really want to get an idea of what is really hiding underneath. My fear is I strip it down and realize ordering an all new tub might be a feasible option and then I am stuck waiting. Is it worth paying to have it blasted and epoxy primed knowing it might sit in storage for a bit, or just start on it with the wire wheel/sanding to get an idea and have it blasted later?
Just thinking out loud and would appreciate any input.
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