Line In the Sand Poll

[Norm's Coupe]

Based on a couple of threads regarding this thought I'd start a Poll.

1) Did you/or are you planning a frame off full blown restoration?

2) Are you just making the car look good and building a safe driver?

[Normspeed]

I'm lucky, no serious structural rust problems, and the body mounts and inner rockers are rock solid. I would hate to tie up all those possible driving hours, doing a frame-off. But a nice frame-off is a beautiful thing to see.

[1947PLEVY]

Just making it safe and sound. Replacing what needs to be..

John

[Joe Flanagan]

I lifted the body off the frame far enough to replace the body mounts. Everything on the car has either been cleaned, rebuilt, or replaced.

So, I don't know what you'd call that. A fixtoration, I guess. I don't dare use the R word.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Norm..as I have done a many and in the process of a few more both situation above apply plus a few not mentioned...sure others fit this catagory also..

[Young Ed]

I voted for just making a safe driver only because I can't afford the full frame off job.

[Don Coatney]

Who was it who started this line in the sand stuff:rolleyes:

[desoto1939]

The body and undercarriage and frame were not rusted so I decided to do a body on resto and also because of the money and time. Ther cost to do a frameoff did not warrent the return or lack of return of my money so made a safe and reliable driver with a godd presentation. I have had this car for 22 years.

If this had been a haynes bodied coupe then I would have done a frame off since there were only 365 made inthe Desoto line and a total of 1000 over all between dodge/Chry and Desoto.

Rich Hartung

39 Desoto

[Norm's Coupe]

Tim,

I know you and others may have done both in the past. But.........you can vote once. So...........guess those who have done both should vote the way they did most of the cars they've done. If equal amount of cars are done, then toss a coin and vote that way.

[RobertKB]

I have done both. A full body off frame restoration on the '38 Chrysler and a make it presentable driver on the '48 Dodge. I also have an original '53 Plymouth including paint. If I was to do another one, it would be the presentable driver type restoration.

[BobT-47P15]

I've just done things to make mine a presentable driver and keep the costs

as reasonable as possible.

[dparksie]

First one, but for now what it takes to get her on the road with the kids fro nice LONG road trip.

[albolton]

I own a 1947 Desoto club coupe, My dad gave me that car when I was just a kid, literally no more than 5 years old, the car has been sitting in a shed now for 40 years, every time I look at it because of sentimental reasons I would love to spend a ton of money and restore it, But then I look on ebay and see one for $10,000 In my opinion in less you have some ultra rare model , leave the body where it belongs, Unfortunatley...or fortunatley for us, these cars are not Duesenburgs, it doesnt take long with the body sitting in pieces in the corner, and a half built chassis taking up the rest of your garage, for you to have spent way more money than you could have bought a really good one for, not to mention the wasted time, I have had a few old mopars, and still own a Model A ford as well, For my money, give me a driver any day..

[james curl]

I bought mine to drive and enjoy not showing. I get bored real fast after I have seen the cars at the car show. I cannot imagine sitting for eight hours in a lawn chair behind my rear bumper of my car at a car show.

[TodFitch]

Who was it who started this line in the sand stuff:rolleyes:

Must be somebody with a sand blaster...

I removed the body from the frame with the intention of having a perfect car when I got done. But with the quality of my workmanship it turned out to be a driver anyway. . .

[Jim Yergin]

I bought my '41 in 1988 looking like this and naively expected to only have to sand, varnish and paint.

Discovered the wooden joints were totally rotten and ended up taking it down to the frame.

A mere 20 years later I had it back on the road.

Jim Yergin

[jimainnj]

I bought a solid car, cleaned the entire car(underside and engine) detailed and replaced all parts the where bad or looked bad,had it repainted. drove it, showed it. Now unfortunately I have too sell. If I was younger I could handle 3 cars and all repairs in the house.

[50 Deluxe]

I purchased a “Hobby” car, it had to run and be mechanically sound. I found a 50 Plymouth that was complete; I had to buy a canvas garage to store it and a small tool box. I am a disabled Vet and old (67) so I don’t want to get into anything too hard. My car has been a dream, I put new tires on it and rebuild the brakes, cleaned up the engine compartment, rebuilt the carburetor, replaced, with my daughters help, the headliner, seats, side panels. I took it to a shop to have it lubricated and shocks replaced. Each time I take for a spin I go a little farther, I went to a couple car shows only to be told I should make it a hot rod rather than keeping it original. It needs a paint job, and a lot small problems that I plan on attacking when I feel like it. It runs fine and the Grand kids love it.

[40phil41]

I am actually in between the stated objectives. Yes, I took the body off frame of my 1940 Dodge. I needed to replace the body to frame bushings and the frame needed weld repair. However, I did not do a 'full blown' AACA style restoration. I would call it a 'resurrection' to get it safely on the road. There are always on-going improvements.

Phil

[T120]

..Nice 2 door you have there.Great to have the kids take an interest.Old,(67)? -it's just a

number

[Frank Elder]

..Nice 2 door you have there.Great to have the kids take an interest.Old,(67)? -it's just a

number

Inside each old man is young kid wondering what the !@#%%%%%#@ happened!

[RobertKB]

Inside each old man is young kid wondering what the !@#%%%%%#@ happened!

Ain't that the truth! I am only 60 which at one time seemed ancient but now seems quite young. Frankie, I love your adage and will use it regularly from now on!

[jimainnj]

Inside each old man is young kid wondering what the !@#%%%%%#@ happened!

Only 60 & 67 If I was only that I'd still be able to shoot 80 in golf, I'm 75 and still shoot 90, good luck to all the 60 year olds. Don"t think about age do your best to stay healthy.

[Plymouthy Adams]

and then we go to the back 9...

[james curl]

Tim,Tim,Tim, now that was cruel,180 for 18 holes.