What to do *first*

[cudabeforeIdie]

I would probably say the first step is to figure out what your budget is for tackling an upcoming restoration then take that number & double it as that is probably going to be a more realistic dollar (or Euro) figure once the restoration gets underway.  If you do plan on sticking with a set number, then it is going to involve a lot of self-learning lessons in all the various fields associated with vehicles (mechanics, electronics, & body repair) & probably a longer amount of time than what you originally anticipated because you get to factor in that whole "learning curve" thing.

As for which area to begin with once you've secured a car to undergo a restoration, it's all up to what the builder wishes to do with it.  If you're perfectly fine with driving around something that looks rough around the edges, but runs well, then I would say you would want to get the mechanics in check first then begin tackling the body work & paint as time & budget allows.

On the other hand, if you want it done right the first time around & don't want to have to be pulling stuff back off later when you do a complete paint job, then you will probably want to get the body work & paint out of the way first.  The disadvantage to going this route is that the car will most likely end up being off the road longer than you had wanted/anticipated it to be, but once it does hit the streets it'll have a nice new paint job to complement the smooth running engine.

I chose the second option (do it once, do it right), but as you can see it's still off the road awaiting more time & money than I have available at the moment (student loans really suck once they go into their repayment phase).  Fortunately, I was able to pull enough extra money together over a summer to purchase a fun, drivable car to feed my urge for something that looks nice, runs well & is quick until I can get back to working on the Chally.

I'm with you and option #2, its how I live my life to be honest. Thanks!
Laurie!

[cudabeforeIdie]

Laurie, Take this for what you paid for it....

Restoring an antique car is NOT for the faint of heart. WAY too many people get into it with the best of intentions only to be seeling out in a year or two. Sorry if this offends, but you sound like your of the younger generation..You know the one..Where everything must be instant gratification?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but There is only one way to get instant gratification in the antique car hobby. Have ass loads of money, be like all the rest at the local car shows and just write a check for a done car..When asked about the work involved you can try to explain as to how hard your actually worked on cleaning the wheels and filling it up with fuel...

OR..............

You can become one of the few that buy a car, a little rough around the edges, missing a few parts, but with a dream and nothing more than sheer determination, you build your car your way. There are many on here that claim they simply cannot do bodywork/engine work/etc...
I don't buy this..there's NOTHING one cannot do if put in a situation where one HAS to do it. there are those that simply don't WANT to do it and therefore, have to pay someone else to do it..Then, comes the HUGE money Hemorrhage that was mentioned.

So, the first thing I'd say you need to do is have a long talk with yourself and find out if you have the "Stones" to pull off a restoration, or are you just dreaming...Like I said, there are WAY TOO MANY that get into this thinking they are gonna be driving one of the musclecars they just saw on TV or in that new music video in just 1 or 2 short years. once they find out this sh*t usually takes anywhere from 3-7 years to build, they lose momentum and give up....One more thing, make sure your girlfriend,boyfriend,life partner, whatever, don't give you no sh*t over the restoration.

Hi Cooter!
I just love your attitude! Great post!
I'm in my early 50's and ex-military, ambitious but not delusional, heterosexual and single, and egotistical with a humble tone. I'm looking forward to this project, my car, my way. My only time line is to be finished before I'm 65, at that point with only Social Security for income I'll barely be able to feed my dogs. So I've got 10+ years to complete The Dream! All your points are excellent, sounds like some real experience talking?
Laurie! 

[cudabeforeIdie]

Cuda Before I Die-
The Chrysler Manuals are: Chassis and Body Vol I, and Chasis and Body Vol II.
They are sold together as a set.  Found the set at Amazon for $82
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Plymouth-Chrysler-Repair-Manual-Reprint/dp/B00435J9IW/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305804888&sr=1-7
I uploaded the picture of the cover.  Nothing blingey, but I use my copies all the time.

Hope that helps,
Ron

Thank you! I've saved that info, can't wait to need it! Thanks again.
Laurie!

[cudabeforeIdie]

Yes, there are all aluminum Indy / Mopar Performance Crate motors that have blowers or carbs they have no emmission stuff some of them are pretty big in the cubes$$$$$ over 20,000 bucks. You could get a 71 /6 car for about $7 to $15,000 swap out the K-frame or get shumacher motor mounts and mount a Mopar performance small block with a 6-pack and be pumping out 435hp for under 6000$bucks, then go to brewers or passion performance and get the 4-speed kit to row on the pistol grip under $3000. Who knows you may want a reverse valve body 727 with a B/M shifter kit. I think the Ronnie sox way is funner.

Excellent, I thought for sure a crate motor was going to be all 'green'.... thanks!