i just got a 67 camaro that is stripped down to a rolling chassis. i have never restored a car before but i am a mechanic so im not worried about putting the car together. i was just wondering if anyone has any tips on what to start with first or what is a good efficient order to do things. every day i change my mind on what i want to start with when the weather gets better....lol, again any tips are appreciated thanks

 

Welcome to the madness. Since you've never restored a car before, it might be a good idea to read up on it. Other people have already wrote the book, with more info than you'll be able to get here at one time. Not that we here aren't helpful, but you're in for a looooong ride that is going to consume you.
http://books.google.com/books?id=K1M...s_similarbooks

 

I agree with 69 welcome to the madness its a lot of fun restoring a car but its also a pain the rear and very time consuming but in the when you get drive it finished it was all worth it. from restoring my 68 i like getting the running gear and suspension all taken car of first before i begin to start bodywork and paint.

 

I am right there with you. We have had the 67 for about 10 years and decided it is time. I have read several articles and even bought a book, Camaro Restoration Guide. It seems there is not one single method or sequence of tasks. It all depends on your ability, desired end result, time, space and MONEY! We started with the chassis and have just completed a full nut & bolt restore of the front clip including upgrades like power disk brakes, power steering, and all subframe parts blasted and powder coated. It was fairly easy and provided a quick success smile. Engine rebuild and body work is next. Interior is phase II... along with several other things I have identified during the initial tear down. As others will tell you, the deeper you go, then more you find that needs TLC. My most recent learning experience is to shop around before buying the parts and make sure you know if you want repro or OEM quality... BIG difference. Good luck and keep us posted!! I need all the tips & tricks I can get.

 

thanks guys...im running out to get a couple restoration books tomorrow, and as soon as the weather here (NY) gets a little warmer im gonna jump in and go to town on it....thanks for the tips

 

welcome fellow newbie. Here's all you need to do: take it all apart, blast it, if replacing major sheet metal you may need to weld up a temporary inner support jig inside the body, prep metal, apply epoxy primer to body & sheet metal etc and or powder coat sub frame, put it all back together again, check fit of as much as you can; engine, headers, tranny, wheels w/ brakes installed, panels, hood, trunk, doors, windows, grill parts, trim etc (critical to quality of the finished product), shape cut weld all metal work to fit and finish rough body work, take it all apart again, finish fine body work and check fit if needed, prime & apply finial finish coat to body & panels etc, put it all back together again. done...easy peasy.

 

^ Gee, that is easy! What do you do after lunch then? Take it for a drive I guess.

 

note; the restoration process I outlined may take a lot longer than a day and you may find you'll need to work on your marriage after you've finished working on your car.

 

haha, well fortunately for me, my wife is a car lover as well so she will be out there working on it with me