[WarbirdPrincess]

Sorry, I haven't really been doing much work on her lately, Iv been having to do some overtime at work to get this one project done in time. So when I get done, I just want to go home. I would work on her more if we had a house and a garage but she is in a storage unit about 20 mins away form our apartment and the opposed direction form work. And I guessI I also just feel so overwhelmed and don't know where to start.

 

[WarbirdPrincess]

My only concern is that this car may be too much for me to do. I've been thinking hard about the amount of sheet metal work I need to do, and I'm not sure I have the skills or the tools to do it right. As it stands I will likely need to replace portions or all of the roof, portions or all of the quarter panels, as well as the floor and possibly portions of the bed/rear window area. The frame has some rust and looks like it might be bent as well. I AM going to rebuild a '72 el camino, but I'm not sure if this is the one I should start with! I know this car can be restored, but I don't know if I'm the one to do it. Based on ya'lls experience, do you think I should try to pursue this one, or would I be better off looking for a better starter and selling this one to someone who knows what to do with it? I can replace floors and do structural work, but its the more difficult quarter panels and the roof that worry me, this is my first restoration on my own, and I'm afraid I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Let me know what ya'll think, I could use some input from anyone who has been there before!

 

[rtatwk]

I think floors are harder to fit than quarters and such.

:beer:

 

[69 SS396]

It looks like you do have a really big project, but you can do anything you put your mind to.

Most of us have "been there, done that" dont get discouraged.

If in all reality you do want to start over with something needing a little less work there are others out there.

Heres one in Davenport. Doesnt look like its had a vinyl top so the roof rust shouldnt be an issue. I havent seen it or even talked to this person so dont know any more.

Its a 71 instead or a 72 but close enough. Davenport

http://lakeland.craigslist.org/cto/3173698840.html

Or this 72, looks to be an original vinyl top car but top not on now so you can inspect the roof better. Bartow

http://lakeland.craigslist.org/fod/3170115882.html

 

[mugzilla]

I like the camper on the Blue one ...

 

[mugzilla]

My only concern is that this car may be too much for me to do. I've been thinking hard about the amount of sheet metal work I need to do, and I'm not sure I have the skills or the tools to do it right. As it stands I will likely need to replace portions or all of the roof, portions or all of the quarter panels, as well as the floor and possibly portions of the bed/rear window area. The frame has some rust and looks like it might be bent as well. I AM going to rebuild a '72 el camino, but I'm not sure if this is the one I should start with! I know this car can be restored, but I don't know if I'm the one to do it. Based on ya'lls experience, do you think I should try to pursue this one, or would I be better off looking for a better starter and selling this one to someone who knows what to do with it? I can replace floors and do structural work, but its the more difficult quarter panels and the roof that worry me, this is my first restoration on my own, and I'm afraid I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Let me know what ya'll think, I could use some input from anyone who has been there before!

A good round number for your project would be 1000 hrs averaged out at $10/hr. $5000+ parts, paint etc.

We are spoiled here .

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/3237640000.html

 

[79ElCam]

You've got it torn down this far... how eager are you to learn? You could get yourself a welder and dive in head first. In the end, its obviously up to you. Cant wait to see the end result either way! :You_Rock:

 

[mino-ridertim]

I say just take it one step at a time, and don't look at the whole picture. That way you don't get overwhelmed. Good luck.

Tim

 

[woody31]

x2 on what minoridertim said just work on 1 area at a time, good luck:beer:

 

[number9]

Good luck Warbird! If it makes you feel any better, you are definitely the cutest member here :inlove: your husband is a lucky man!

 

[rushgator]

I think you can't go wrong either way. If you really want to restore this Elky, do what you can, learn along the way, and if there's something that's over your head, pay a pro to do it, and watch and learn so you can do it next time.

If you really want to just cut your losses and get something more solid as the basis of your project, now is definitely the time to do it, before you get too deep into it financially.

BTW, are you in Daytona Beach?

 

[69 SS396]

Good luck Warbird! If it makes you feel any better, you are definitely the cutest member here :inlove: your husband is a lucky man!

Hey, you just havent ever seen......

Never mind, this is a family sight.:dontknow:

Warbird, maybe having a second or third opinion would help with your decision on whether to go ahead with this one or start over.

 

[jpmdaddy]

Worst case scenario is this is a learning experience and you know what to look for if you do buy another car for the basis of your project - and it sounds like a great project with the B-17 theme.

Unfortunately, to me, it looks like you could spend literally THOUSANDS on sheet metal repairs, maybe less if you do it yourself.... but you still have a frame with rust holes - and how deep is some of the rot that you have uncovered?

Good luck whatever you decide to do :smileyb:

 

[69 SS396]

This ones down to 2700

http://lakeland.craigslist.org/cto/3269606317.html

 

[WarbirdPrincess]

Well thank you every one for the confidence boost

69ss396, we are seriously looking it that one.
We are thinking about putting mine up for $2,000 OBO.

 

[WarbirdPrincess]

So if anyone is looking for a parts car or another project?

 

[WarbirdPrincess]

Comes with TH350 tranny and 350 engine. I want to offer it to yall first.

 

[WarbirdPrincess]

BTW, are you in Daytona Beach?

Yes, I am in Daytona Beach.

 

[haulzazz]

Although I have done several 3rd Gen restorations, one of which had minor rust problems, I have never done one of the magnitude you are facing.

By way of encouragement, the #s matching SS 396 I did in the late 90s sat up on blocks for about 2 1/2 years while I did the undercarriage and engine compartment. My spare bedroom was lined with row after row of parts. To deal with the frustration & discouragement, I found the best thing was to structure the project in increments and try to finish one thing before moving on to something else. I would allot several hours each weekend, try to finish the task in the time alloted and then move on to the next scheduled task. Not being a professional mechanic or bodyman, I often did not finish as projected and when things were not going according to plan, I learned to just walk away and come back when I had regained my composure & adjusted my attitude. Although I did employ the "bigger hammer" approach a couple times, I found it was counterproductive & thats when I knew it was time for a break. I finally did finish the restoration after about 3 years but was forced to sell the finished product when I got laid off in 2004.

BTW, if you do decide the current project is too overwhelming & decide to sell it, I do have a 1972 SS 350 with build sheet up for sale. This one is not a trailer queen but it is completely restored and has no rust or leaks. One of the lessons I have learned over the span of 8 different 2nd/3rd Gen El Caminos is it is always cheaper in the long run to buy one restored. PM me if you are interested in a clean original restored 72.

 

[rushgator]

Yes, I am in Daytona Beach.

Cool..I lived there from birth up until 1995. Still go back once or twice a year.