Author |
Message |
quintenebersole Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2012 Posts: 51 Location: Michigan
|
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 1:21 pm Post subject: Restoration time? |
|
|
Ok so my 74 bug has been taking me three years as of last month. i have mostly been working on the body to. Please keep in mind i got this for 700$ and i did not know what i was getting my self into. Here is what ive fixed so far
rebuilt the complete front part of the frame
rear quarter panels
door hinge pillar
patched lots of holes welding and with bondo
floor pans
heater channels
Fixed a huge dent on the drivers side door.
I have to redo the wheel wells because i didn't make them long enough the first time around. Then i can weld in the heater channels and move on to paint.
So my question is how long should a restoration of this take? How long has it took some of you guys to do your first big project? I am doing alot of my own customization so its definitely not stock, but still doing it the right way! ill give your more varibles to take into consideration when giving a answer. Im 17, only have about 100 every two weeks to spend on this project. about 95% of the work i do myself. _________________ Go BIG or Go HOME |
|
Back to top |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 16859 Location: sticksville, ct.
|
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 2:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
depending how bad the car is, a shade over a year is average. _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Mike Fisher Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2006 Posts: 17969 Location: Eugene, OR
|
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 2:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Never too soon to start stripping some paint with a wire wheel etc & using filler on the dents. Buy some longer sanding blocks, so the dents disappear better. Bodywork can take a long time to get perfect! _________________ https://imgur.com/user/FisherSquareback/posts
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold
Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey |
|
Back to top |
|
|
theKbStockpiler Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2012 Posts: 2316 Location: Rust Belt
|
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 5:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Use every type of safety equipment needed, glasses ear plugs ,mask ,jack stands ,ventilation ,common sense ,etcetera. Speed is the least important factor in your situation. When you have some spare time , try to do some quality work on your vdub. _________________ My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
andk5591 Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2005 Posts: 16757 Location: State College, PA
|
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 5:13 am Post subject: |
|
|
First of all - good for you! You are learning a lot about your car, developing skills and learning a lot about life (hard work, saving, budgetting, planning).
As far as build time there is no hard fast number. Theres a resto shop that I had used for some paint and body work on a previous project. The cars in his shop have birthday parties and many of them.... I have done a project that spanned 4 years and have built cars in a couple months.
It really gets down to how good and fast you are and how much time and money you have. Perfect example is the current project (radical custom). I have final body and paint that needs to happen in a couple months. If I did it, would probably take me a month or two spending 20+ hrs a week (at least). Farming this out to a pro and it will probably take him 1/4 the time and it will be a much better job.
The one thing were I see a lot of people get slowed down (me included) is not having your plan nailed down really well and then you end up going back and re-doing things. Take the time to think things through and do it right the first time. _________________ D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Thrasher22 Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2010 Posts: 858 Location: Calgary, Canada
|
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 8:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
Took me 3 years I had zero knowledge going in and most of the time I was on a very strict budget. Paint was my big expense, but you can get decent auto paint for MUCH cheaper in the states.
If you're just learning and on a budget, it takes a while to make head way. If I was to do it again, I bet I could do it in a year. _________________ 1975 Westfalia - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516701 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
quintenebersole Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2012 Posts: 51 Location: Michigan
|
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
thank you!
That is one thing especially that im excited for is that if anything goes wrong when im done I know the whole car inside and out. I just wish i did my research before buying this vdub, but lesson learned.
I am going to give it a try painting it myself if it doesent turn out exactly how i want it then i will eventually have it professionally done. It will be a fun time when im done.
My next project is a 49 chevy fleetline so I better get learn some of the ropes! _________________ Go BIG or Go HOME |
|
Back to top |
|
|
andk5591 Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2005 Posts: 16757 Location: State College, PA
|
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 5:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
What I like to do is push my skills to a new level on each project. Like I REALLY wanted to get a lot more involved with welding and fabrication and the current project was the perfect way to develope that. Try to do something similar.
And I gotta tell ya - theres a lot of decent paint jobs that come out of backyard garages. Had a neighbor quite a few years ago. Was a lineman for the electric company - not a car nut by any means. Well he ended up with the 71 Mustang that was his mothers. Was a good solid car - but needed paint. Well, Rod decided he was gonna shoot it himself. Borrowed a decent spray gun. Asked people how to do this and that. Did some practice on a few things. Prepped it and shot it. Car came out VERY well.
And the Fleetmaster sounds cool - Love that body style. _________________ D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
quintenebersole Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2012 Posts: 51 Location: Michigan
|
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 6:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
YES! That is what im hoping for. The main problem ive been having was bondo it takes me a couple times to get it smooth and perfect. I have got pretty good welding thats what im looking for in a career. A couple years back i got a nice 120 v welder and a argon tank. I also joined my neighboring schools welding class. However I have had some big troubles with the hammer and dolly, need a lot of practice. My vdub needed alot of welding so i had no choice but i love it! _________________ Go BIG or Go HOME |
|
Back to top |
|
|
andk5591 Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2005 Posts: 16757 Location: State College, PA
|
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 5:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
Slinging mud is an art - try to hook up with a small shop that you can look over someones shoulder - maybe in exchange for sweeping the floor or something.
My younger brother was a master at it years ago. Had all kinds of tricks and could do the most amazing work. BUT its one of those things that take a lot of practice. Tr _________________ D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Air-Cooled Head Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2002 Posts: 4070 Location: Chicago Suburbs
|
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 1:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
andk5591 wrote: |
Slinging mud is an art - BUT its one of those things that take a lot of practice. Tr |
It's art & science, and maybe a little magic too. To be an Artist, Scientist, or Magician, it takes a lot of practice. You're trying to become all 3, so it's gonna take A LOT of Practice.
I've salvaged (& bought) hoods, doors, fenders just so I could practice welding, bodywork, mudding, sanding, painting, etc. _________________ Everything known to man has been written.
Readers are Leaders! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bobnotch Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003 Posts: 22407 Location: Kimball, Mi
|
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 5:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
andk5591 wrote: |
Slinging mud is an art - try to hook up with a small shop that you can look over someones shoulder - maybe in exchange for sweeping the floor or something. |
Yes, it is an art. I got my education from my old neighbor, as he was a master. I'd buy a case of beer, and spend hours watching and asking questions. Then, I'd do some of it myself. Took years to get where I could throw it like he did, but it was practice, practice, practice. Now, I have people asking me, since he's no longer around.
As someone who's starting out, you might want to look into leading (with leadfree lead from Eastwood). It might actually be easier for you to work with. Just a thought.
Oh, and as far as to how long it takes, or should take to do a resto, only the guy who is actually working on it can know. I've restored bugs in 3 months, Notchbacks in 6 months, and a T-34 Karmann Ghia in 2.5 years. It really depends on how much TIME you can devote to the project. _________________ Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote: |
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
Tram wrote: |
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
marklaken Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2004 Posts: 2416 Location: fort collins, CO
|
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 10:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
Good job - sounds like you have completed a lot of the heavy lifting. Three years for part time limited budget work is right on track.
There is a lot of rework when you are learning and the learning curve is very steep. Don't let that stop you from moving forward. Consider this car as practice. Don't worry about getting everything perfect, your first project is going to have some rough spots. With practice, you will learn some tricks, acquire some tools, and be ready for that next project with a lot more confidence and know-how. _________________ Wish List:
1967 Wesfalia SO-42 Parts Needed: Kitchenette, Cot Poles
'65 rear left beetle fender
15" Bus Wheels in fair condition
Mark Laken
Fort Collins, CO |
|
Back to top |
|
|
quintenebersole Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2012 Posts: 51 Location: Michigan
|
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 11:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks! Ive alreadly learned that my first car is practice. Its not to bad from what some people who have done it before have told me. It'll be fun when im done. BRAAAAP. I will also look into the leading i know eastwood is a very good brand. _________________ Go BIG or Go HOME |
|
Back to top |
|
|
toddgsanford Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2003 Posts: 442
|
Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2015 8:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Some really good advice here from some seasoned people I will give you mine
Working on vw since 1987
Have restored completely 5 cars start to finish each progressing with quality and budget.
Average is 3 years longest was 5
Years advice is break it Into portions
Body
Brakes
Electrical
Engine
Mechanical other
Interior
Reassembly
Some areas are more time intensive than money intensive
Ie
electrical time intensive
Body time and money
Interior money and time and highly skilled
Engine money
Make a whiteboard list and work through the list.
When your broke focus on the stuff that's time intensive
Seek help from fellow enthusiasts if your good at one area trade that work for something on some one else's project.
I have traded electrical work for upholstery work
My son and I put his car together in about three and a half years my time mostly my money but he learned allot.
The absolute most important thing in restoration is to follow a plan and finish one thing before moving on to the next major part or at least have things at a stopping point. I have bought a bunch of cars that were taken apart because they were going to be restored and parts got lost as well as interest and I paid very little for the car. Don't let your project overwhelm you and lose interest. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
raygreenwood Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2008 Posts: 21510 Location: Oklahoma City
|
Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2015 10:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
May not help you....because I'm working on something different. Mine has been a 13 year projext. Actual amount of time for serious work.....about 7 years. Its a VW 412. There are virtually no parts available to buy. Its been about 60% fabricayion and 40% research and design into what to fabricate. It may be back on the road this year.
It depends on what it is and what you are doing to it. Ray |
|
Back to top |
|
|
panicman Samba Member
Joined: December 18, 2011 Posts: 2290 Location: Canby, OR
|
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 10:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
Like Todd said, stage the work out so it doesn't become a never ending story, allowing you to focus efficiently on one job at a time, then move on. I made body maps for when I was doing the body work on my car, breaking the car up into zones. I would check off each zone when I thought I was done, and move to the next numbered zone. Before I did this, I was just haphazardly jumping from one part to another, and felt like I was making no progress.
A year + in, and you'll start to feel like it will never be done.
I would also use an image to keep me going. Car projects that lose focus always wind up being a storage space for junk; old clothes, books, boxes, maybe bags of empty cans and bottles... When I would take a break for whatever reason, and NOT have a strong desire to get back out and continue, I would imagine my bug stacked with all that crap like a million other stalled projects, and that would scare me back into action.
Hey... It worked for me! _________________ Plate of shrimp |
|
Back to top |
|
|
miller0358 Samba Member
Joined: November 07, 2007 Posts: 1200 Location: northford,ct
|
Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 5:31 pm Post subject: restore |
|
|
Both cars I restored (73 standard, 71 super ) took me a little over 3yrs each. Both full body off restorations. Took my time and did everything right the first time. Good Luck. Jeff |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|