I am in the process of doing my first restoration, and from what I've been reading, it sounds as if there are a few more out there in the same boat as I am. So... my question is this. For the vets out there, what were your greatest challenges, and triumphs doing your first restoration. Who has a good story to share? May be a little inspiration

 

My worst problem everything you do makes what you thought looks OK then look bad. Its a slippery slope once you start.

 

After watching you work I can understand that! My God the attention to detail that you invest. I would love to see that car in person when it is done. That isn't your first resto is it?

 

Yea its my first real resto. I have had lots of projects and cars over the years but this is the first one to really do something with. The rest have jut had mechanical parts replaced and motors built ect.

I have two modes slap it together make it work bare essentials or ultra **** perfectionist. I have a hard time finding a happy medium.

Guess which mode I am in right now

 

The hardest part for me is getting everything sandblasted, and coated before it flash rusts. I still haven't found a damn thing that will keep the flash rust away.
All the prep products and removers you have to rinse off with water, and then guess what? instant flash rust.

What a joke.
I'm just hoping for the best under all the paint, which really sucks.

 

Greatest challenges?
1 - Paying for it...
2 - Very limited space to do it in!

Triumphs?
Hmmm... Getting it all back together with no parts left over, and having it look or work the way I hoped.

 

I've been using the mars hyde first step on everything that I blast on my car with good results. I sand most of it back off before I hit it with self etching primer, but some stuff has sat fer better than 6 mos essentially untouched in the 1'st step. It's like 7 beans at farm and barn. I think you have them in the stinky onion, no? Any way I like the stuff for quick protection.

 

UH perfectionist..... I love it man keep it up.I'm watching what you're doing for ideas on mine. Mine isn't worth what you are putting into yours, but I'm going to try for a quality driver any way. We'll see how things turn out.