Helpful tips for new owners and other Newbies

ford38v8

ford38v8

Well-known member
Many of us have tips to share, sometimes an answer to a question that has been previously answered incorrectly, but we don't want to argue or offend. I hope this thread can offer tips that can be shared without going down a rathole of conflicting advice. I see this as general rule of thumb advice, and I'm sure there must be lots of thumbs here!

General rule #1: Always choose a good original part over a newly manufactured part: ford built tough, and they always fit.

Next?
 
Be careful buying a car from the Midwest snow country...always inspect or get pictures of its undercarriage...
 
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If you are new to old car restoration do not dissassemble the vehicle into a pile of parts in labled baggies etc. Instead, enjoy it as is for a while so you can figure out what direction you are headed. This does not apply to those well versed in the hobby/trade who build cars for Dearborn award and the like.
 
Take "before", "during" and "after" photos of whatever repairs you do along with a written account of what you did, when you did it and where you got your parts. This documentation provides good history for current and future owners.
 
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If you are new to the hobby buy some books on the car you purchase. Get books on the repair of the car and books on the history of the car and parts books on the car. Also join internet forums on the make of the car.
 
Do your homework! Don't expect someone else to answer your questions when there are other sources that you can learn from. They won't be there by your side when needed.
And it isn't always a Google answer that is best answer.
 
GB SISSON said:
If you are new to old car restoration do not dissassemble the vehicle into a pile of parts in labled baggies etc. Instead, enjoy it as is for a while so you can figure out what direction you are headed..
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This is great advice. I fell down this rabbit hole.
Terry
 
When you buy a 95% complete basket case, be aware that the 5% that is missing will cost you as much as the 95% you already paid for.
 
Buy every available piece of paper for the year car you have, be they reprints or originals. At a minimum, the chassis and body catalogs, service bulletins, and owners manual. The books of the Early Ford V8 Club are also highly informative if you are interested in originality.
 
GB SISSON said:
If you are new to old car restoration do not dissassemble the vehicle into a pile of parts in labled baggies etc. Instead, enjoy it as is for a while so you can figure out what direction you are headed. This does not apply to those well versed in the hobby/trade who build cars for Dearborn award and the like.
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Excellent advice
 
When comparing two cars, it is wise to pay a little more for a car with decent or better paint and solid metal.

Once you get into patching bodies and painting them, most newbies have no idea the cost involved in painting a car; even if using semi-decent paint.

You'll be miles ahead (if decently/nicely painted cars are your thing).
 
ford38v8 said:
When you buy a 95% complete basket case, be aware that the 5% that is missing will cost you as much as the 95% you already paid for.
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and the first 80% of the work will take 20% of your time while the last 20% of the work will take 80% of the time.
 
Before taking on a project, make a worst case cost and time estimate.

Now double the cost and triple the time requirement.

If you are lucky, the new numbers will be half of the actuals.
 
Be as honest and realistic about your abilities, finances and your evaluation of your self. THEN re-evaluate your honesty with yourself and readjust your goals and selection of your project accordingly. 80% of the time, its not as good as you tell yourself. 80% of the time, its not as good as it looks!!!!


Lots of sage advice here start with in order
#1 DavidG/TJ/Nelbo1 are all sort of the same.
#2 1942Deluxe/TimAyers 2nd post
#3 GBSISSON
#4 Marko39/FortyNiner.


IMO
 
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Never buy any car with a cloud on the title. Always eyeball the serial number or vin number against the paper title, no exceptions. Internet or Craigslist titles are worthless.
 
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