1975 1.8 Driver Restoration, Driver quality restoration of a 1975 1.8 Options

[seanpaulmc]

There’s more there to cut out and replace than you think. Ask me how I know?

It’s rewarding though. Looks like a nice one to get back on the road.

You will definitely need to do door braces and fix those areas in the longs. I’ve done a lot of the same repairs on my project. I may even have some of the metal you’ll need. You’re in good hands with Fred looking over your shoulder. You may want to consider adding a stiffening kit to the longs for added piece of mind.

Take a look at my thread, you can find it with my name seanpaulmc, and you can see the same repair areas. I was trying to minimize how much I cut out, not always successful, but Fred is on a different level with his LE resurrection.

Have fun.

Best,
Sean

[didenpx]

Sean, I've referenced your thread a few times to get an idea what sorts of things to anticipate.

Can't wait to peel off those inner rockers and see what I'm dealing with! Probably looking at sometime in December. Maybe I can make an Advents calendar out of the rusty patches that I cut out.

Paul

[friethmiller]

@didenpx - yep gotya! Thanks for the additional pics! I'd always assume the P.O. did a sh*tty job until you can prove otherwise (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif). Look, you've got a good car here. It's going to be some work but its totally savable. I'd brace the doors and start on the passenger side longitudinal. Be prepared to cut the front of the rear fender out. It'll give you better access. Make sure you cut high enough to get to the hell hole area. My advice is to focus on just the longitudinal / jack point area, fix it up and then attack the hell hole. If needed, do the suspension consoles after that. Replace the lower fender and then move to the other side and repeat the process. It's all up to you and how you decide to go. That's the best part of YOUR restoration. Remember, don't get overwhelmed. As they say... “Eat the elephant one bite at a time”.

Having the car up and up at a 45 degree angle is where I like to have the car most of the time. If you want to know more about how to make a rotisserie let me know. I have built two in the last 6 years (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)