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Post by don29163 on Jul 20, 2010 23:39:19 GMT -5
I just came in from working on the car, Actually I was worn out about an hour ago, It is miserable hot here in South Carolina even at night. I'm working on the doors(GT II) It took me about an hour to cut the hole for the door lock. I was thinking how nice it would have been to have pictures from a digital camera showing the door lock mechanism. I have the assembly book and the CD, but the drawings are crude at best.
Remember, this car has never been put together. I also wonder how many of these cars are hiding out somewhere that are still in boxes like mine was.
The owner just got to a point and gave up. And I wonder how many guys opened the hardware packages and got that all mixed up, Or skipped a few steps ahead. This car is a real challenge for me, and no doubt my last project car. I probably have more money in it than it will ever sell for, But I am really having a great time doing it.
How many of you guys have quit for the day, only to open a cold one and sit there and stare at your car for an hour thinking of the day you will drive it ? Let's hear your stories, They are part of the fun of this hobby and keep it alive.
Don
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Post by jspbtown on Jul 21, 2010 8:24:21 GMT -5
I have built 6 kits (Bradley GT, Bradley GTII, Kelmark, Sterling, Porsche Speedster & a Manta) and 3 dunebuggies over the years. I have completed most of them in under 1 year. My current project (Avenger) has taken over 3 years which is unheard of in my mind. Things change, priorities change, obligations arise...its all good. I have 2 more projects (Deserter dunbeuggy and an Aztec 7) sitting next to my shop and I am anxious to get working on the buggy.
My suggestion to keep the motivation is two fold:
1. Create a list of things to accomplish. Its great seeing things being crossed off. Its kinda like seeing the finish line when running a marathon. It raises the motivation.
and
2. Never work until frustrated. It makes you not want to go back to the project. Always stop working while your still enjoying it. That makes you want to go back.
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Post by big bob on Jul 21, 2010 9:21:34 GMT -5
jeff,
as always, good comments from lots of experience. i LOVE hearing from experience. i may not always agree, but experience speaks volumes...
good tips. i do create a list, then i'll get hung up on an item and lose interest. eventually i'll conquer that item and move on.
and, i do stare at the car after working on it and think about having a finished car, if that truly exists!
i'll add my tip, albeit with limited experience. and that is to continually move in the direction of getting the car driveable and on the road. IMHO, i see many people putting in the 700hp engine or the mega stereo, but have other more practical tasks that should be done. and eventually that car, just sits because the owner is out of money, time, or just lost interest.
i know for instance, it wouldnt make sense to get the car on the road, knowing you may need to pull the body for new pans, etc. But for many things, they can be accomplished after its licensed, insured, and inspected. i hope to soon be driving the car on a saturday, then maybe on sunday do a little tinkering.....
big bob
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Post by centralvalleygter on Jul 21, 2010 11:11:25 GMT -5
I've had three project cars - a BAHA bug built from scratch (started with only chassis, and main body-no engine, no fenders, no hood, no engine cover, etc.), Bradley GT (big stuff done before I got it, but I've done or redone lots) and VW microBus (ultimately a complete custom restoration-just about finished with mechanics and interior, haven't started exterior).
There are a couple of things that have helped me keep going.
1. Before you quit for the day, set yourself up for next phase so that you know exactly what you'll do at the start of the next session and get a sense of gratification quickly. Admittedly I have OCD tendencies (I lay out clothes & breakfast the night before, etc.), but this helps me get back into it, knowing exactly what to do and that I will quickly accomplish something. That motivates me to keep going, even if it is only to "set myself up" for the next session.
2. If you are at a phase that you do not particularly enjoy, try to find someone who is good at that activity see if they will meet with you to work at set times in trade for you helping them with something. It's sorta like going to the gym to workout, much easier to keep at it if you are meeting someone at a specific time and enjoy some fellowship during what otherwise might be drudgery. For me, this is usually my brother. We have complimentary skills and preferences (me - electrical, finesse fabricating; him - heavy duty wrenching, welding, etc.), so we work together on various aspects of each other's projects.
Warmest Regards,
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Post by urmonkey on Jul 21, 2010 14:04:27 GMT -5
this is my first kit car, but have had a 69 thunderbird a 77 mustang coupe an few other i worked on alot, by far this one kills me the most just because i know i have to remove the body to get to what i need done, and like you i have spent far more on this car than i will ever get out it, but the little i have drove it makes me crave getting it done, for all the cars i have ever driven i have had a few well over 400hp, this one is the funnest just because of the go car feel to it.
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Post by big bob on Jul 21, 2010 16:21:18 GMT -5
monkey,
for me, pulling the body was not a huge deal. i knew i had to do it. and i knew i could get more than one thing done while the body was off. i document on my site how i did it, others have their way of doing it.
again, little steps. one session, just remove all the perimeter carriage bolts. another session, remove all wiring, gas tank, steering, etc. that connects to the body. its really not that much. then slowly, maybe over days, coerce the body off using a winch, some friends, saw horses, etc. once its up over the chassis, now you can roll the chassis in and out as needed.
hope that helps, big bob
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Post by Tony O. on Jul 21, 2010 21:09:23 GMT -5
This is my first kit car (GTII).
I bought it a little over a year ago. The first owner, and I assume builder, registered it in NY in 1983. When I got the car it needed a lot of work to make it drivable. Complete new brake system: shoes, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, hoses, lines, backing plates. Front and rear wheel bearings. Wiring problems (probably the most frustrating). Butt sag brace to get the doors to almost fit.
There have been several times when I wish I had never bought it and was ready to haul it out to the road and place a FREE sign on it. But I gotta tell ya, when ever I drive the car in to work or to the grocery store, all the attention the car gets makes the time and effort worth it.
I am almost done building the new engine. It would have been done by now if I could have gotten good quality parts the first time around.
Tony O.
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Post by don29163 on Jul 21, 2010 23:21:20 GMT -5
If you have a website, please put a link to it in your post so it is just a click away. www.carnutguys.com |
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Post by big bob on Jul 22, 2010 19:52:22 GMT -5
another option for those who have web sites, you can include it in your preferences and a little "house" shows up in the left column near your name.
just click on that to link to it....
there's a few "houses" on here...
big bob
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Post by don29163 on Jul 22, 2010 22:43:47 GMT -5
I spent today fitting a door, slow tedious work. I think the top and the doors have changed shape over the years. I'm not sure this is even the original top. Anyway, I keep plugging along at it.
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Post by don29163 on Jul 24, 2010 20:35:21 GMT -5
These doors just do not fit, or something has changed shape. The bottom fits good, but the top is nowhere close. looks like the whole bottom part of the door needs to go toward the rear about half an inch. to do that, I would have to remove material from the inner door panel. I doubt that is acceptable. I don't want to ruin these doors.
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Post by centralvalleygter on Jul 24, 2010 21:27:20 GMT -5
It sounds like you may be dealing with the "infamous butt sag" that happens to the GTII. I understand it affects the door openings.
Do a search for "butt sag" and I think you'll come up with a thread or two on the symptoms and fixes. I think there have been some threads on this since we moved to this board.
Regards,
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Post by mrbigh on Jul 24, 2010 21:46:26 GMT -5
It sounds like you may be dealing with the "infamous butt sag" that happens to the GTII. I understand it affects the door openings. Do a search for "butt sag" and I think you'll come up with a thread or two on the symptoms and fixes. I think there have been some threads on this since we moved to this board. Regards, Wyn has a nice drawings of his approach to the "But Sag" GT-II illness. I'm most sure he will chime-up. |
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Post by pushnfords on Jul 24, 2010 22:39:17 GMT -5
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Post by don29163 on Jul 24, 2010 23:23:08 GMT -5
Ahh, excellent info, That sure describes my problem. Now I have an idea how to go about correcting it.
Thanks, Guys !!
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Post by don29163 on Jul 26, 2010 22:25:15 GMT -5
Another hot day here, heat index of 116.
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Post by leonardabell on Jul 26, 2010 22:46:54 GMT -5
It would have been a good day to "melt" the butt sag back in shape.
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Post by don29163 on Jul 31, 2010 20:44:55 GMT -5
I have the back end jacked up, just to see if some of that sag will come out. Also ordered a new camera.
I took a break from fitting the doors before I made a mess of them.
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Post by mack8743 on Aug 9, 2010 21:24:03 GMT -5
So on the average how long and how hard is it to put 1 together my brother and i just bought 1 still in the boxes heck the roof is still wraped in it protective material picking up all the boxed parts tomorrow and the pan,motor and tub sat. can,t wait to get in the garage and start lol or resale if it looks to complacated
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Post by don29163 on Aug 19, 2010 11:27:48 GMT -5
Mack, I am a mechanic, Not a fabricator. To me, this is a very time consuming and labor intensive project.
I don't know what you paid for your kit, I paid 1800.00 for mine, I have another grand in restoring the chasis, And no telling how many hours in it already.
I would say if you are good at measuring and making things fit that don't fit and have unlimited time to work on it you should be ok.
The other thing is, I doubt I will break even when I decide to sell it.
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Post by mack8743 on Aug 19, 2010 13:52:36 GMT -5
Yep know what your saying ,we paid a pinch more than that but figured if its to much for us we can part it or use most of it for my beatle and his buggy lmao was kinda overwhelming when we took every thing out to see what was there and what wasn,t . Don
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Post by mrbigh on Aug 19, 2010 13:54:17 GMT -5
The other thing is, I doubt I will break even when I decide to sell it. That will never happen, this is a work of love for the thing an a LOT of patience!!! |
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Post by don29163 on Aug 19, 2010 23:19:12 GMT -5
I finally got one of the doors fitted. I'll start on the other one tomorrow.
I have A/C in my garage now, that will allow me to spend more time out there.
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Post by don29163 on Aug 20, 2010 22:26:58 GMT -5
I have the other door fitted now. Those doors were warped really bad and just did not want to fit.
I looked at Skip's pictures and thought...if he can do all that I can sure fit 2 doors, lol
So, I work awhile and cuss awhile. I just hope the engine don't seize up while I'm doing the body. Wish I would have saved the pan for last. And sometimes I wish I had left the whole project alone! But, if I hadn't bought it I would have never met the great bunch of guys on this site.
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Post by don29163 on Aug 22, 2010 20:45:11 GMT -5
I need to see a picture of an assembled Door latch GT II. The instructions are just not clear to me.
Thanks to anyone who will help.
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Post by don29163 on Sept 15, 2010 21:49:35 GMT -5
I decided this car needs to move on it's own power, So I installed the steering column and wired it. It will crank over fine and I am sure it will run. Next step is to install the gas tank and fire it up.
I still need a factory VDO headlight switch, mine was broken when I got the kit. Anyone have one they would sell ? this is a GT II with VDO gauge package.
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Post by thehag71 on Sept 16, 2010 1:38:19 GMT -5
Ahhh... The wonderful world of "projects". Just ask my fiance', but when she needs me for something on the "honey do" list she can find me close by (about 10 feet away, in the garage) so not too bad. Usually. Current list of projects: 1971 triumph tr6c trophy motorcycle(staying totally stock), 1974 harley ironhead sportster motorcycle (mostly stock, but with lots of performance mods done to engine), 1974 bradley gt (Just want to get it on the road to start), 1988 wildcat jetski (weird design, it has a twin hull like a catamaran), 1990 toyota 4wd pickup(it needs the motor rebuilt), bicycle (Modifications so far: stretched frame 12" between seat and neck, dropped seat 4", stretched rear frame behind seat 6", raked front end to approximately 41 degrees and extended it about 14".) All of my projects still need a ton of work to finish, but they do keep my (mad scientist/ sociopath/ genius/ packrat/ hoarder/ tinkerer) mentalities at bay. Mostly. I find that I can't make a list of everything that needs to be done to my projects to get them finished, as lists that long overwhelm me and then I can't get anything done at all. Besides, we all know that projects are never done they are just in various stages of completion. My solution is that I make lists of smaller component systems like wiring, brakes, suspension, chassis, etc., and then concentrate on the smaller lists one at a time until they are done. Most people that I know will have more money invested in their projects than they are worth, but who can put a price on having a great time? Not me. Usually I do just sit for a while with a cold one or 3 after I have completed whatever amount of work that I accomplished on whichever project that is occupying my brain that day and think of the day when I get to ride or drive it. Just don't give up on it, and keep plugging away at it no matter how frustrating it becomes because there is nothing better than looking at a completed project and realizing that what is sitting in front of you is why you got the project in the first place.
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Post by toy4everyseason on Sept 16, 2010 6:01:54 GMT -5
My projects are/were as follows: 1969 Baja Bug that I built out of a box of parts. 1979 Bradley GTII that I am building for my favorite nephew named.... Bradley and my most recent project; 1968 Kawasaki B8A motorcycle. I found for me the best way to make progress is to pick one thing to do for the day and don't stop till it is done. My fiance has this fridge magnets that she likes to use to spell out cute phrases, one night she was complaining that I brought another Bradley home for parts so I rearranged them to "projects are never done"... not a peep about it since.
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Post by jspbtown on Sept 16, 2010 9:01:44 GMT -5
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Post by don29163 on Sept 16, 2010 13:47:30 GMT -5
That is a wild looking project ! I hope you will start a thread and post pictures of your progress. I would be at the pond fishing and the car would wait, lol
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