Modifying Cars, Old and New

[Norm's Coupe]

Was just skimming through some of the post made in the thread started by "New Guy". Looked like he was getting the usual responses, pro and con to the modifications he wants to do, and that's fine. And, as usual people telling him to bag and label all parts removed as soon as removed, in addition to before pictures being taken. All good advise. But.............

There's one thing I've never seen anyone mention about modifying any car, new or old. That's making a list of each part used in the modification and what kind of car that part came from, and how it was installed. Now, to the builder, that's not a problem because he built it. But...........if you ever decide to sell that car, the new owner would have nothing to go by when it needed some repair. I would not consider buying a modified car at all for any price without that kind of information, and some others won't either because it could turn out to be a nightmare trying to figure out what someone else did otherwise.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Norm..every one of my cars has a donor part list of the year and model..it is necessary for future maintenance. When I sold my 1941 Dodge military model truck with the 440 and automatic, Porsche guages, late model column and swing pedals etc etc..the new owner got a build sheet and a wiring schematic...

The 41 Bigbutt has a extremely in depth build sheet and schematic and the 51 with the donor wiring it got is such as the factory wiring schematic is still valid with exception to 4 wires being splice to mount the accessory on the opposite side of the vehicle.

I urge anyone doing this to write it all down..if part numbers are available..write them..including donor rad hose and how to cut and trim to match your new application...else the ole mind will fool you as to what you THINK you may have used...

[Norm's Coupe]

Tim,

That's exactly what I was talking about. You are evidently doing it right by putting everything down on paper. But.........you see so many modified cars out there that don't have that info written down some place. Then when the new owner gets it and it needs repair, he's lost.

I just thought I'd mention that because I don't believe I've ever seen anyone mention that before.

[Plymouthy Adams]

that is right Norm and if you present a build sheet if and when you decide to move a project toward a new owner..it truly helps to sell the vehicle AS DOES picture of the project before and after showing how the damage was repaired..I was told by one guy when I sold the Porsche that I was asking a bit more than market..I showed him the step by step of all metal repair..he bought the car at my price and said he has piece of mind knowing the car is solid...so it is good advice to anyone here to document the repairs as you go..think most of us do..write a small blurb also if there is anything unique or unusual about the modification or repair..

[Paul Hoffmeyer]

Norm, you are exactly right on the idea of documenting what you put into a project. I am building a '45 Dodge pickup bucket (like a T-bucket) street rod with a '60 Dodge 318, '59 Dodge pu hydraulic clutch bell housing, '56 Dodge 4 speed tranny and '60 Dodge 2.93 rear end assembly. I'm keeping a spiral notebook with all my notes, wiring diagram, part numbers and what they are for as well as brand name, engineering sketches, etc. When I get it on the road, there will be a copy in the glove box or under the seat in book form. This is primarily for my benefit, as I don't intend to ever sell it, and my memory is not as good as it was 60 plus years ago.

Paul H

[dndrodshop]

This isn't a build sheet. I build an electronic parts book as best I can.

But this goes on my window of the car for shows. It answers the questions that my wife doesn't know when I'm wandering.

[greg g]

Ed you gonna share your new build over here??? Saw it over on the HAMB board lookes like an interesting project, what ever you call it.

[dndrodshop]

I'll start a new thread.