Josue
07-22-2012, 08:48 PM
Hey guys.....looking for some advice here. I'm torn on when the best time to build the sub-frame is during a restoration? Here's my situation.
Been working on my dad's '69 Firebird Convertible (link in sig), and it's been on a dolly we made for a few years now. Due to a new baby, a new, incredibly stressful career starting up (Air Traffic Control) and moving at some point during this all (not going to have a garage to work in), I won't be able to work on this project for a few years at least.
We have a 6 week old, but I won't be starting my new career until late fall if I'm lucky, so my dad wants me to make one last push to at least get this thing on it's wheels, so it's easier to tow around. And I'd like to as well, this dolly is a PITA! The sub-frame has nothing on it but the LCA's, and needs stripped down and coated/painted, along with the rest of the suspension. I just don't know if I should do all this now, so early in the restoration? I'd hate to paint it up all pretty, only to have it get trashed by months/years worth of body work and sitting around collecting dust. I mean, I'll be surprised if this project gets done in 5 years time. lol
On the other hand though, I don't want to be doing stuff twice. If I just assembled everything enough to get it rolling, I don't know how hard it would be to take all the bushings and whatnot back out once the time comes to clean/paint everything? Like I said, the LCA's were left in there, but I'd have to press in the new upper bushings and anything else needed.
Thanks in advance!
Been working on my dad's '69 Firebird Convertible (link in sig), and it's been on a dolly we made for a few years now. Due to a new baby, a new, incredibly stressful career starting up (Air Traffic Control) and moving at some point during this all (not going to have a garage to work in), I won't be able to work on this project for a few years at least.
We have a 6 week old, but I won't be starting my new career until late fall if I'm lucky, so my dad wants me to make one last push to at least get this thing on it's wheels, so it's easier to tow around. And I'd like to as well, this dolly is a PITA! The sub-frame has nothing on it but the LCA's, and needs stripped down and coated/painted, along with the rest of the suspension. I just don't know if I should do all this now, so early in the restoration? I'd hate to paint it up all pretty, only to have it get trashed by months/years worth of body work and sitting around collecting dust. I mean, I'll be surprised if this project gets done in 5 years time. lol
On the other hand though, I don't want to be doing stuff twice. If I just assembled everything enough to get it rolling, I don't know how hard it would be to take all the bushings and whatnot back out once the time comes to clean/paint everything? Like I said, the LCA's were left in there, but I'd have to press in the new upper bushings and anything else needed.
Thanks in advance!