The Ugly Duckling

jwt73 · jwt73's Garage

Hello all,
I am not good at these posts, but I bought this car about 2 weeks ago, and I definitely will be needing some expert advice, and a lot of patience. The car was so wrong in so many ways (to my untrained eye), but I am going to make her right, because that is the just thing to do, after it has been "ruined" in so many ways. I believe it to be a good candidate to keep on the road, and I would appreciate any suggestions, as things to avoid or things to keep in mind or upgrades etc.... or just opinions.
I am going to do a restoration, that will involve professionally addressing all the rust issues (not too bad), and professionally having the engine gone through to be sure, as I have not performed a Compression/leakdown yet (I know that is a no no but oh well just call it stupidity and love for this car). I will also be redoing the mechanicals to make sure it rides and stops as well as it can. I will also be cosmetically addressing the interior issues, (new carpet, seats addressed, radio removed/replaced, appropriate steering wheel.) I likely will have the transmission gone through at this time, as the engine will be out. I will be replacing all the plastic lens on the car, to make it period correct. I will be getting rid of the RS bumper and the rear duck tail, so that it can go back to what it should be like. I am sure I am forgetting things, but that is what I can remember, and I wanted to get pics uploaded, so you guys can follow along and advise. I sure love reading build threads so hopefully this makes some of you smile. This car is a gorgeous 8010 -H car, which will look great.
Thanks again for reading and thanks in advance to the many awesome members that will be helping me throughout this process.
Jonathan
PS here are some photos and I will try to get an online photo account, so I can link more photos.....

allaircooled · allaircooled's Garage

It's amazing to see some of the "repairs" people have made on these cars in the past. I'm currently trying to make everything right on my car as well. Good luck and have fun.

jwt73 · jwt73's Garage

Just some more pics to give more idea of condition, which though repaired questionably, can be made right, and will be.
Thanks again guys.
Jonathan

tdw28210 · tdw28210's Garage

Nice grab...good luck with the resto effort.

douglas bray · 12-08-2014, 04:47 PM

Nothing ugly about it. She looks awesome. Great starting point.

Tremelune · 12-08-2014, 06:35 PM

Lovely duckling. My advice to you is to go slowly. Get the corrosion and drive train sorted, then drive the car. See what needs attention most, fix it, drive the car...so on and so forth. Try and save the major stuff for winter, when you're less likely to want to drive it.

Drive it.

jwt73 · jwt73's Garage

Hello all,
Have not taken any new pics but will soon and post. Ripped most of the car's insides apart, and have been sourcing some parts around. Wow it does get expensive but these cars are like a drug, you can't stop when you get going. Love the old stuff, because it has character and is hand built (the way the new ones wish they were).
If anyone has any leads on a front bumper, seals for the targa model, luggage anchors (for rear targa shelf), or any sport seats for this car.....please PM me or email me.
Jonathan