Save it or part it? Options

[Rockland914]

Well, after a few quick spring spins I decided to take a look at what I am dealing with. The thick bondo in the rear passenger long was a concern. After 30 minutes with a cutting disc I am at a stop. I knew the best case scenario would be outer long replacement, unfortunately it is not the case. I am ready to do all the work. I bought a fantastic Lincoln mig welder with a tank, stand, the whole nine yards. Over the past 6 months I re-arranged the garage, got two dedicated 30 amp circuits in, bought all the tools, for welding and metal work, monster compressor, air tools, I have parts for a nice dolley I designed. I have braces from another board member, manuals, read all the welding and metal fabrication books from our local library. Watched all the videos, read all the forum threads, memorized Restoration Design catalog.

It is an early numbers matching 1970 that starts, stops, drives. Interior is nice, targa top is mint, dashboard is perfect, lights work. Came with original manual, passenger foot rest, original spare with what looks like the original tire. Two coats of paint. Odometer shows 27k (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Pictures below, comments are welcome.

[Rockland914]

Thank you for all the encouragement. I slept on it and decided to continue with the project. Might go the "long route", not stripping it down to the frame. I will concentrate on making it structurally sound fixing both longitudinals, floors and the fire wall if necessary. The hell hole and engine shelf are surprisingly in good shape. The battery shelf is broken off but the rest looks OK. Not going for a show car, want to drive it and have fun. My 16 year old is starting to get interested in cars, he want to drive it, told him he has to help fixing it first.

Here are the next few steps, I appreciate feedback to the order.

1. Remove seats, carpet, speaker covers so that I can take a look at the floor.

2. Attach the "traveling door braces" that are kindly on loan from saigon71.

3. Build by dolley, I have all the parts, it will consist of 2x6 on the side, two of them bolted together on the long end, one to cap, has angle braces on the corners. I have 6 industrial steel casters with brakes to go under. Plan is to have 2x4 running horizontally across that I can reposition as the project dictates. Goal is to have the floor 24" off the ground. I will have 4 bolt through eye loops on th dolley so that I can strap the card down.

4. Hoping I can do the structural metal work engine in.

5. I have budgeted for parts from Restoration Design, I want to save time. For metal areas that you can't see and are easy to shape I plan on making patch panels myself whenever possible.

Thanks again for all the support and help.