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Opinions on Next Step - Body Work or Floor Pans

6

67TXStang

Member
I wanted to get some opinions on the next step in my restoration project.

To get you up to speed, I started by stripping everything from the firewall forward to bare metal. The entire brake system is new except for the pedal. The entire steering system is new except for the box (need to pull it out and have someone rebuild it). I then rebuilt the transmission (3spd toploader) and installed a new clutch. Finally, I rebuilt the rear axle (3.25 gears and TruTrac differential) and completed the rear brakes.

My car needs new floor pans, lower rear quarters, a new trunk lid, and some rust fixed in the bottom of one of the doors. My original plan was to replace the floor pans next and then strip/paint the rear undercarriage before considering body work and paint. I hate stipping the undercarriage so I've started considering the bodywork next and save the floor pans and rear undercarriage for later. I kind of want to do the body and paint work next as everytime I finish a project the car looks the same as the day I purchased it 2.5 years ago.

What is your opinion?
 
do your sheetmetal replacement first, then bodywork & paint. it would be a shame to mess up your nice new paintwork when installing the pans at a later date. it will all come together soon enough.

patience, grashopper....
 
While replacing floor plans and such, I'd remove the brake lines to the rear just in case you make an oopsie while cutting or welding.
 
Yes, as frustrating as it is.... finish all your metal work before the car is primed/painted. It's likely that you'll regret it otherwise. There's no problem with doing your quarter panels and saving the floorpans for last, but cutting/grinding/welding around a freshly painted car is not a wise idea.

No one ever said this was going to be easy...
 
Yep, just like everyone said. I have a guy that will rebuild your steering box. If I remember to look it up at the shop tomorrow I'll post his info for you.

Doug
 
Thanks for the advice. I'll continue with my original plan and save the bodywork and paint until the end.

If you know someone who could rebuild my steering box that would be great. I planned to have Stanger rebuild mine but I believe it takes him a few months to get it done based on posts I've seen on VMF.
 
I use Texas Steer in Fort Worth to rebuild mine. They always come back fast and I've never had any problems. I've always thought they were cheap. Their website is steeringreman.net and phone is 817-222-1828.

Doug
 
I've been putting off my paint till the last.

Way too easy to drop a wrench and things of that nature and put a nice chip in the new paint.
 
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