Gathering Parts Steps

[pats71]

What I'm looking for is advice. What steps do you guys use to start gathering parts? Do you start with gathering parts for the suspension, engine, or interior?

The one thing I learned from my father's restoration on his 67' Dart GTS was not to build the engine too soon. His 440 sat on the stand for several years if I remember right before it was in the car and ready for break-in. Does that amount of time cause any issues as far as parts weakening or gathering internal dust/contaminants?

All I've gathered so far is new seat covers, correct carpet, headliner, and a complete reprint of the 1971 chassis and body manual.

Any help and advice is appreciated.

[SureGrip]

I have been collecting cars and parts for the last 11 years.

There was no real rhyme or reason behind it, but just picked up whatever I could find and thought would be usable. Mainly because I had no idea when I would be able to have the resources to actually start my project.

In a logical process, it can become confusing. You have to know a few things first; do you have a dedicated place to work on the car all at once? Will the car have to be moved sometime before the end of the project? What is your budget and timeline?

I say this because if you don't have a dedicated place to work on the car, you may need to keep the car mobile or somewhat weather-tight if the garage or wherever you're working on it, needs to be freed up for something. Also keep in mind of how much storage space you'll have for all the parts. If you're limited on space, you may need to really stick to a schedule and just buy the parts you need at that time.

If you have a big enough shop where you can completely dismantle the car and work on it at leisure, it opens all your options. In an ideal world, you'd want the body to be completed, then re-assembled around that using your new parts.

Keeping this in mind, if you have the budget, you can simply open the Internet browser and wallet and start shopping for all the body parts you'll need. From there, start thinking about little things like side markers, door hardware, glass, brake and fuel lines. Personally, I'd then move onto the suspension, which will be all the obvious parts like springs, torsion bars, bushings, joints...and keep in mind, ask yourself "Do I need new rotors, new steering box, torsion bars, spring shackles? Is my torsion bar support in good shape? Is there any cracks in my K-frame, are any of the control arms bent?"

Once you have the rolling shell together, then plan on working on the rest of the drivetrain. As you pointed out, it's best not to send your engine out right away and then plan on installing it 3 years later.

The interior parts and trim would be some of the last to worry about.

It also helps to know what parts you plan on buying from suppliers, and which ones will need to be sourced from ebay or swap meets. This is because of the obvious lead-time difference between the two sources. Thoroughly look over your project and make a list of what parts you need to be new and what ones you plan on refurbishing (either your own old parts or used ones picked up along the way) so you can keep track of which items will require extra time to be cleaned up, repaired and re-finished.

Biggest thing is to keep a flow-chart or schedule of how you want or need to complete the project so you know what parts you'll need next.

I'm sure there is much I'm over-looking and that others here can fill in my voids, but it should give you a basic idea of how it can be done.

[pats71]

My father and I are putting the finishing touches on our 1500 sq. ft. (50 x 30 x 14) garage. He already said that the roadrunner is going in there and will be stripped down. So a work place is not a problem at all.

The main issue is I'm almost 21 and halfway through college. So funds are the only restraint but I have a good job and decent funds. With the aspect of a future career as an officer in either Air Force or Navy, this project may turn into a possibly 10 year project. I have no particular deadline, just want to do it right and give a car that has survived this long without being touched the restoration it deserves.

The bird is still outside as we are finishing peg-boards and work benches in the shop. The main thing I need to find, that won't cost me an arm and a leg, is a rotisserie but they're all so expensive.

I've got tons of catalogs and know what I need. The only big item is a passenger side quarter panel. It was hit in front of the rear tire and someone caked a lot of filler to fix it. According to the second owner, it was taken on a mechanic's lean in 1977 which ultimately parked it all this time with barely 100k miles.

[gcoupe72]

Great comments from suregrip. I agree completely with what was said.

Price all the obvious stuff you need, that way if you stumble across a "deal" on something you'll be ready to buy,

assuming the funds are there. Also, check the return policy of the vendors you choose, if parts are purchased too early they may not be returnable.
Engines can sit for a while, assuming good assembly lube is used, and all ports are sealed off. If an engine has to sit, I'd back off the rocker shaft bolts so the valve springs wont take a set, or weaken, by sitting compressed for too long. And you must pre-oil it carefully. Also see above about return policy, I'd be surprised if an engine builder or machine shop would stand behind their work after several years. Discuss this beforehand, get it in writing! They could still go out of business before you fire it up!
There are many ways to restore a car, the right way is what works for you.

[moparmike]

You will never ever stop gathering parts Just like the rest of us Anytime you see something that is in good shape for one of these cars grab it before one of us gets it

Anyway it looks like your going to do it right based on how you are preparing for it...anyone who is prepared and has the patience to do a 7-10 year resto has already got the right "PARTS" inside himself

Good luck with the resto its great to see someone your age with Roadrunner FEVER

Although I have a 72 SSP I also have a 71 GTX and like you I am not going to rush the resto of it.