What should I do??

[dan2286]

I have not been able to drive my Cutlass for around 3 or 4 years now and I really miss it. I just recently bought a rust free shell that needs no attention right now, just needs put together. I was thinking about slapping it together and get it drivable so I can drive it next summer for a little, then tearing it back down for a more in depth resto. Or, I could just get started on the resto now and probably not be able to drive the car for another few years.

I am about to be picking up a running Olds 350 next weekend that I will put in the car, and I already have a good trans so the drive train is taken care of. All I really need to worry about doing is getting the front clip on, get the engine wiring harness I need, install the dash, install the bumpers and lights, and get the seat and shifter brackets welded in, and install seats and shifter to get it at least safely drivable. After getting a summers worth of enjoyment of driving it, I would then tear it back down to do the in depth resto.

I know it is a big waste of time and a lot of extra work, but I really want to drive this car! I get sick of driving my slow little Volvo and I need to drive a big car with some actual power!

Sooo, what do you all think I should do?

 

[billyjack]

While a full resto is certainly admirable, my choice, if I had a "rust-free shell that needs no attention", would be to get it assembled and driveable. Once you get all the systems working and get it operational and roadworthy, you always have the option of pulling it apart later. JMO

Bill

 

[joe_padavano]

While a full resto is certainly admirable, my choice, if I had a "rust-free shell that needs no attention", would be to get it assembled and driveable. Once you get all the systems working and get it operational and roadworthy, you always have the option of pulling it apart later. JMO

Bill

X2.

I'm probably the poster child for projects where the MIGHTASWELLS prevented the project from being put back together for years.

 

[79GP6.6L]

Put it together and drive it!!!

I've been saying I'm going to paint my car for about 15 years now. Life keeps getting in the way, but that's ok. I'm glad I have kept it driveable so I can enjoy it, even if I am not able to do everything I would like to at the moment.

 

[IhaveNoPantsOn]

Just get it put together and drivable, and enjoy it. That's what it's for!

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I say get it running and drivable, but do it correctly. Don't just slap it together. Paying attention to the little details now will save you hassles later. this is ESPECIALLY true when it comes to water leaks. Don't let water get in by the tail lights, windows, etc, or you will have a lot of work ahead of you when you tear it back down.

BTW, my car has been apart since 1999, and I have regretted it for most of that time. I pulled it ALL apart, down to the glass, and it has cost me way too much time and effort to fix what I did.

 

[custom442]

Drive it! I haven't driven my cutlass for a few weeks but I still have it there if I get tired of my honda and want to terrorize the neighborhood and scare some new camaro drivers! It's more gratifying knowing it'll go down the road. You can always take it apart in the future.