POLL: Pretty vs Functional

[SOCKEM]

I'm starting to build a one owner 72 Duster I bought from a little old lady. I'm thinking about building up the mechanicals first and worrying about how she looks later. I'm just wondering how many of you would do the same? This Duster has minimal rust but the old lady I got it from banged it up here and there in spots. (Anyone notice the duct tape remnants where she tried to keep the side body moulding on? )

 

[krazykuda]

Yes, speak softly and carry a big stick.... :violent1:


Function before beauty all the way.... :cheers:

 

[OldmanRick]

Welcome to FABO SOCKUM!

I'm going to vote mechanicals first.....assuming your going to be working at making what you have, a safe/good running car.

If your looking to do a hotrod, meaning engine/trans/rear swapping, although much more time would be involved, I'd do both at the same time.

Good luck on whatever you decide, and keep us posted on the progress. And, we do love pics....

 

[krazykuda]

I didn't notice that, Welcome to FABO.


We're just like family here....

 

[rmchrgr]

Not big on show poodles but don't like ratty rides either. Place for everything I guess. It's only original once.

My car is sort of 'worn' but not ratty. Original paint. Engine bay has plenty of oxidation spots, dings and dents in almost every panel, etc. I keep it clean but I don't spend a lot of time detailing it.

 

[QuintinMotorCompany]

If it is running and driving already, I say make it look good and then you can worry about more power.

 

[67Dart273]

Not big on show poodles but don't like ratty rides either.

My car is sort of 'worn' but not ratty. Original paint. Engine bay has plenty of oxidation spots, dings and dents in almost every panel, etc. I keep it clean but I don't spend a lot of time detailing it.

It's all about what you can afford. I wasn't even planning on painting mine, but the paint was really starting to blister, and had been re-colored TWICE.

At this stage in my life, my Dart could be the last car I drive.

 

[mischiefdart]

I am more into function than cosmetics. Certainly if you are planning big modifications, get them all worked out before paint.

 

[72bluNblu]

Since I actually use my car(s) as a daily driver, I went with function.

I bought my '74 Duster as a former little old lady car with a /6, auto on the column, 7.25 rear, the whole thing. But since its a California car, it was in spectacular shape except for some parking lot rash. The /6 went south, and now its a 340/4-speed, 8 3/4 car. Still looks like a little old lady car, but its a lot faster.

It does depend on your plan though. If you're looking to do a full resto, its better to get going on paint and bodywork as it takes forever. But if you have a decently solid car and want to drive it, sort out the mechanicals and go with it.

Post up some pictures of your new ride! Sounds like you may have a similar starting point as I did with my Duster. You can check out my build thread here...

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=198098

 

[memike]

I am with mischiefdart and 72bluNblu 8)
but I am sure we have seen that already by now :-D

 

[memike]

And after reading every one ells'es thoughts here we all agree 8)8)8)8)8)
Yes and welcome aboard :cheers:

 

[71DodgeDemon340]

Why not both:blob:

 

[PanGasket]

My rot bucket is essentially the last option. Fix what it needs and drive the snot out of it

 

[QuintinMotorCompany]

yep, like I said if its not running, get it running if it already is THEN focus on the cosmetics.

 

[famous bob]

My rot bucket is essentially the last option. Fix what it needs and drive the snot out of it

:wack:
do the mech. first, by all means! It`s really hard not to mess up stuff on a straight and painted car, if your going to redo the whole drivetrain - especially w/ a total drivetrain swap to a big block! ask me how I know ---bob

 

[qkcuda]

That's exactly what I did with the cuda. I fixed up the interior, and the complete drivetrain has been replaced.....some of it twice. The body still wears it's original paint, and plenty of dents courtesy of the original owner. I originally thought once I got it running well, body and paint would be next on my list. Now I have no desire to paint it.

 

[longarm]

Make it safe to drive as it is, add wheels and go have fun.
Then suspension, interior, body, drivetrain.
Just my suggestion for an order that keeps you motivated.
Got some pics?

 

[68383GTS]

Mechs. first.Any pictures of the car?

 

[66fs]

Brakes first, tires, suspension, rear, trans, engine, body, paint, interior.

 

[MattP]

If you do the mechanical first you won't scratch the new paint while you're wrenching on it.

 

[67 prostreet gt]

Screw the looks make it run like a raped ape

Posted via Topify using iPhone/iPad

 

[Darter6]

Chrome don't get you home.

 

[cannucky]

If your going to do both then I would suggest painting the engine bay and underside while the drive train is being rebuilt then you can go back to the body and interior later

 

[PanGasket]

:wack:
do the mech. first, by all means! It`s really hard not to mess up stuff on a straight and painted car, if your going to redo the whole drivetrain - especially w/ a total drivetrain swap to a big block! ask me how I know ---bob

when I first got it, it had a boatload of issues. now its down to a handful. its my avatar, not an A-body. I have been daily driving it for a year and a half now.:glasses7: what better way to enjoy the fruits of your labor than to drive it?

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

If your going to do both then I would suggest painting the engine bay and underside while the drive train is being rebuilt then you can go back to the body and interior later

This is what I would do. A freshly painted car with a rebuilt drive train that isn't properly done under the hood looks like crap.