85 Cutlass re-build

[thomascharvas]

i purchased a 1985 Cutlass and i want to re-build it but i dont know where to start.
first off it has hydrolics which i dont plan on using. I'd like to put a new engine in it, new exhaust, new body and interrior. what should be my priority from first to last?

 

[bigtmoney]

Get the engine/transmission workin properly first. Is there much rust in it, if so you have to decide if it's worth repairing which can be tedious and expensive. Next how is the paint on the car?


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[gwhiz]

first is the frame and suspension componets heavily modified from the hydraulics? that could be very expensive to get back to normal suspension. then figure out a budget and write down what you want to do .then decide is it a driving project or can i totally strip it down. most importantly dont get overwhelmed it takes time and you want to enjoy it not despise working on it or dumping money into it. looks are good but rather have a good running car than a nice paint job that just sits in the garage.

 

[thomascharvas]

Get the engine/transmission workin properly first. Is there much rust in it, if so you have to decide if it's worth repairing which can be tedious and expensive. Next how is the paint on the car?


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There isnt any rust. it does need.... or should i say i want new paint

 

[thomascharvas]

first is the frame and suspension componets heavily modified from the hydraulics? that could be very expensive to get back to normal suspension. then figure out a budget and write down what you want to do .then decide is it a driving project or can i totally strip it down. most importantly dont get overwhelmed it takes time and you want to enjoy it not despise working on it or dumping money into it. looks are good but rather have a good running car than a nice paint job that just sits in the garage.

Im not sure if the frame has been modified. the guy i got it from said the frame was welded ( not sure what that means) but he said the frame was not cracked or anything like that. but you think i should start with the suspention? i dont need to drive it so i can strip it down.

 

[gwhiz]

now this is just my opinion,i would take total inventory of the car top to bottom. what is good,what is bad.then rank it in order of importance.if you are not doing a frame off restore i would try to get car running and driving safely. then i would do paint then interior last. but all depends on level of detail. you would want to paint before your fresh motor goes in so your not trashing a new motor with dust and overspray etc. remember there are differnt ways of doing things that lead to same results. just setyour goals and plan ahead.

 

[pencero]

I would think hydraulics presented a nice ride quality for the time being unless they are not functioning in which case they would be horrible obviously. You will have to post some pics of the car if you want better tips though. narrow your question down!

It sounds like you may have a car that does need to be 'frame-off' by the way. If thats the case you seriously hesitate and evaluate whether or not to go thru w/ something like that. A lot of guys have suddenly had their car in the 'for sale' section here after over spending on it. Don't be like those guys, figure out if the car can really be saved for under $10,000 and if it cant just beat the ever loving sh*t out of it (enjoy it) then save the usable parts and buy a different one to restore the next time you have money! That is what I observed as being a more successful formula of guys who still have their G on this forum

 

[BMR Suspension]

Welcome to the site thomas..... sounds like a pretty big project, but the main thing to do first is come up with a budget & timeline. Then determine if you can do it all within those limitations.

Finding a rolling chassis on Craigslist would be a huge find for you at this point.......