I've recently aquired a 64 Eldorado and is a "driver". The body and frame are solid and rust free. It does need a complete cosmetic restoration. I'd like to drive it and restore it in stages, finances permitting. Where should I start? I appreciate the advice from those of you who have been there.
If it is truly rust-free, I would be inclined to just polish it up and enjoy it, making sure it is mechanically sound. I and many others would appreciate the originality with expected wear and tear that comes with a 45 year old car. That said, many a "rust-free" car have been found to be rust-filled. A quick repaint turns into a full body-off restoration. So, I stand by the "if it looks decent, drive it" ideology.
I've "been there and done that" and agree with Bill.
If it's a really nice "driver", use some TLC, lots of elbo grease and let it alone, if
you want a "driver quality" car. Go throughly through all the mechanicals (cooling
system, brakes, tires) and other safety related items to insure you have a good
vehicle to drive.
The trouble with a partial cosmetic restoration is that once you paint it, all of a sudden
the chrome will stand out as not "up to snuff" and you'll want to do that, then of course
the interior will not be OK either, so you'll want to do that, etc., etc.
Then, you'll wind up with something that will cost you quite a bit, but will never be as
good as a car that started out to be done as a full restoration.
Mike
Thanks Bill and Mike,
That is the approach I took with my other cars. I thought, being 1 of 1870 it would be a good investment. I will spend most of my time and money on safety and mechanics but the interior is so darn ugly. The last guy put some carpet in it that must have been left over from his basement reno circa 1970!