I have a '69 GTO that has not run for years. Is it better to start repairing the body or the mechanical side ?

Answer 1

Depends - if you're doing a complete restoration on the car, get the drivetrain out; remove the front brakes, suspension, and steering; remove the gas tank and rear suspension; strip out the interior; and start on the undercarriage, engine compartment, and any interior metal work.

Then get the engine and tranny done; get the front brakes, suspension, and steering back on; and reinstall the engine and tranny. Get the rear suspension back in and then start on the bodywork.

Lastly get the interior back in and you're done. ;-)

If you're just looking to get it back on the road, do the mechanical work first and do the bodywork when you can.

Answer 2

Sounds like you've got a keeper!! I'm building a 40 Dodge Sedan into a hot rod. (not restoring it) Anyway, I'm starting with the frame and engine first. That way you can make any changes you need to to the body if need be without damaging the paint or any other hard work you may put into the body. Good luck with your lady!!

Answer 3

Cogratulations ! Remove the engine and start working on whatever your budget can carry you from start to finish. Don't leave a great project like that half baked.
I would start from the frame up though, interior last. Get organized. This wil allow you plan it out and to shop for original OEM parts, if you want to go that route. Otherwise, the engine will be buit at the engine shop (blue print it), trans at the trans shop, body at the body shop, interior at the interior shop, get my drift? Spread out too thin. Again, unless your budget can handle it.

Answer 4

Do the mechanical work first - leave the body work for last. If you fix rust holes, bump dents, replace chrome, and put a nice paint job on it, and then scratch it with a belt buckle or drop a wrench on the fender while working on the motor, you'll kick yourself.

Answer 5

Depends upon what needs done to the body, but if you're talking bodywork and paint, I'd do the mechanics first so you're not banging up the fresh body. (Assuming you'll be pulling the engine or other big work).

Answer 6

Before doing anything you should have a complete written plan for everything you are going to do and check it with classic car experts or you risk turning a potential gem into ummmmm something less than a gem.....sounds like a fun project car...

Answer 7

definately get the mechanical fixed first. You'd be amazed at how easy it is to ding something up while your working on it.
So if something get's scratched or damaged, they can fix it when you get the body work done.

Answer 8

do all your mechanical work first if you do the body and paint first you are going to have grease and maybe put dents in it while you are doing motor work or exhaust work it wil be better to do mechanical first

Answer 9

i would start at the bottom and work up. body first. but then again, if you have the cash, jerk the engine and tranny, send them off and go to work on the body.