Engine vs bodywork

whirlpool · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 5:11 pm Post subject: Engine vs bodywork

Novice advice needed please. (not sure if this is the right forum for this topic)

What is recommended, doing the bodywork or engine first?

Engine was in pieces and the car was stripped right down. I have a puzzle here that is going to require a lot of time to sort out.

Either way I have so much to learn. Confused

Thanks

coad · Samba Scapegoat Joined: September 12, 2002 Posts: 7552

Body first.

3 month body projects tend to turn into 6 month projects, then 9, then 12 and so on.

Why tie up money in an engine that's just going to sit there?

whirlpool · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 6:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks Coad

truth is I was sure that was going to be the answer and the whole body work stage is intimidating me.

* edit* scratch question below! I need to learn how to search - ha!
this more than answers my own question
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=161127&highlight=storing

Another novice question. (I did a search but after pg 9 of 121 and much digression I decided to ask Embarassed

)

what is the best way to store the engine items that will rust. I wanted to bag them in ziplock plastic bags with some oil but I am not sure what that could do to the parts in the longer 12+ month during the body work time. Also, what to do with the tin and larger parts like the fan housing etc.

again thanks

Russ Wolfe · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:36 am Post subject:

CRC, makes a Cosmoline protectant in an aerosol can.
"Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor" "Marine"
It is like a wax.
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whirlpool · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 8:04 am Post subject:

Thats great thanks Russ. I will look out for it.

As my path is now set for body work, I guess it is going to be a while before I get around to the engine.

PressureProjex · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:17 am Post subject:

Also its nice to get the hard, messy part done and over with. Once your finished with the body its mostly just assembly.

whirlpool · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:23 am Post subject:

"assembly" and money to buy the shiny bits Very Happy

I just found a rattle! called rust in my fuel tank Rolling Eyes

Mike Fisher · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 12:06 pm Post subject:

I would start on the engine/chassis in the garage. Put the body outside on sawhorses under a tarp or leave it on while you get it running/driving in the garage. Bodywork/paint comes Last in my Book. Wink

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sixty1ragtop · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 12:38 pm Post subject:

My .02 cents is to get any body work done that makes it unsafe to drive. Thats my plan. Floor pans and heat channels, then motor, then cosmetic body work. That way I can drive it safely while I tinker it back to its glory days.

whirlpool · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 1:20 pm Post subject:

I am lucky... it is a "toy" and not required to become a daily driver just yet. I plan on having it as a daily driver for my younger sons in a few years. I am also hoping I can generate enough interest, to pull them away from that ruddy playstation!

Cosmoline and then body work and I hope I can finish in time Laughing

djkeev · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 1:58 pm Post subject:

Depends, If the body isn't THAT bad, get the motor done, put it in and drive the sucker.

You'll soon find if you LOVE it or HATE it. If you hate it, sell it as is, job done.
If you LOVE it, now you are motivated to get it looking good so you won't be so discouraged by the repair work for you are too anxious to get back into the drivers seat.

So....

I vote to make it run and drive it first, make it pretty 2nd.

Dave
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Desertbusman · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 3:00 pm Post subject:

Only one way to do it. Pull the body off the pan. Then you have 2 projects. Get all the mechanicals done on a rolling pan. The very last step is putting the body back on once both are totally ready to go. It's by far the easiest way.

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whirlpool · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 9:17 pm Post subject:

kingd33 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 2:49 am Post subject:

I do the chassis first so I can sit the body on it if I need to for alignment purposes,engine is last.

Bezzer · Samba Member Joined: October 11, 2006 Posts: 288

I always do all mechanical first, make sure everything is in place and working. THEN I do the body work. Wink

I would rather drive a rat rod that runs than sit in a painted flower pot THAT WON'T WORK. Evil or Very Mad


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