What order to refurb things?
Discussion
I have a 96 Chim 400HC with 82K on the clock. I have owned the car for 3 years and she runs really well with no obvious issues. Dom @ Power said on recent service that he thought the cam was fine even though it seems as though it is probably the original! The Chassis is - apparently - in good nick as well with no outrigger issues. But the question is this - over the next few years I want to start refreshing/improving the overall condition, but in what order?. The interior is original but rather faded carpets and seats could look nicer. loads of stone chips on front end and quite a few little scratches etc elsewhere - although looks great from a distance after a wash and polish! So, if I am going to do one job a year ( wallet will not stretch to any more than that), what would the advice be regarding the order of the following:- "refresh" ( Dom's words but not sure what that entails) engine & new cam / body off and chassis refurb ( + new shocks etc at same time) / new carpets & interior re-trim ( oh and hood probably could look better as well!)/ full body re-spray? Would be lovely to do that lot all in one go but it's not financially possible!
Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Richard
Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Richard
Paint
Upholstery
Engine
Other bits like bushes may jump the queue as time goes on.
There is nothing much you can do with the chassis. The bits that rust badly are out of reach so there is little point spending time and effort on the cosmetic bits you can get at. Wait until the outriggers go then refurb the whole underside.
Steve
Upholstery
Engine
Other bits like bushes may jump the queue as time goes on.
There is nothing much you can do with the chassis. The bits that rust badly are out of reach so there is little point spending time and effort on the cosmetic bits you can get at. Wait until the outriggers go then refurb the whole underside.
Steve
Up to what you want to do first, but I would be wary of doing the respray and interior until you are sure the engine and chassis are going to last a good number of years.
By the way, a damper change is eight bolts, whether done with a chassis refurb or on a separate visit.
If it was mine and I had three grand a year to spend, and given what Dom has said about the engine:
I would get the chassis inspected by a chassis expert in case it is really urgent, but plan to do a body off refurb this winter, which will give you 10-15 years more life in the chassis
Then engine refresh - 3 grand will buy you a new cam, and some other improvements, and your new dampers and a full set up.
Then the cosmetics the final year - you will get both the respray and the interior if you search around for good prices I think (I know the respray cost, but the interior depends on just how much you want to do)
By the way, a damper change is eight bolts, whether done with a chassis refurb or on a separate visit.
If it was mine and I had three grand a year to spend, and given what Dom has said about the engine:
I would get the chassis inspected by a chassis expert in case it is really urgent, but plan to do a body off refurb this winter, which will give you 10-15 years more life in the chassis
Then engine refresh - 3 grand will buy you a new cam, and some other improvements, and your new dampers and a full set up.
Then the cosmetics the final year - you will get both the respray and the interior if you search around for good prices I think (I know the respray cost, but the interior depends on just how much you want to do)
My 2p worth. Be careful that what you spend actually adds to the value of the car. If you do a chassis refurb then document it with photos and invoices.
Once you know the chassis is good then everything else can be done when you like and there is a certain peace of mind knowing the metal bits are in one piece.
I would be very surprised if an 82k mile car has no corrosion on the outriggers and the only way to tell is a body lift.
IMHO.
Once you know the chassis is good then everything else can be done when you like and there is a certain peace of mind knowing the metal bits are in one piece.
I would be very surprised if an 82k mile car has no corrosion on the outriggers and the only way to tell is a body lift.
IMHO.
Edited by leerdam23 on Sunday 29th September 15:33
Many thanks guys and lot's of good comments. The car is a keeper so not too worried about "adding value" ( not too sure that ever really happens!) - intention is to keep her until my knees/back are so knackered that I have to hand the keys over to my sons! Think I might go interior (new carpets + Furniture Clinic stuff refurb on seats), then engine, then chassis then paint last of all. But if I win the lottery I will do the lot!
CHIMV8 said:
No real order just do what you think will personally make it better..
I always think she has got to look the part first...
No good having the dogs b
ks engine and BHP if she looks tired or un cared for,end of the day the sound and looks are key>>
Yeah but you're a superficial bugger... I always think she has got to look the part first...
No good having the dogs b
ks engine and BHP if she looks tired or un cared for,end of the day the sound and looks are key>>
I'm tempted to brush-paint mine matt black just to wind you up. :P
I'd always say oily bits first so that *YOU* know it's cared for ... what's on the surface is just makeup.
Phil
the best money I spent was in fiting a full canems ECU replacement for the Lucas set up. The shunting has gone as has the mountain of surplus wiring in the passenger footwell. The fuel consumption looks to be significantly better (still measuring against previous 21 mpg average) the car runs happily on 95 Octane-- and pick up is smoother -- if the car is a keeper this will make it that much more easy to live with. Downside-- it is expensive and it will add little or nothing to the value I believe and you have to keep the original ignition system in case you get a buyer who demands originality. It also is a bit more serious to adjust as it is fully programmable and I am a mechanical muppet
Bassfiend229hp said:
CHIMV8 said:
No real order just do what you think will personally make it better..
I always think she has got to look the part first...
No good having the dogs bks engine and BHP if she looks tired or un cared for,end of the day the sound and looks are key>>
Yeah but you're a superficial bugger... I always think she has got to look the part first...
No good having the dogs b
ks engine and BHP if she looks tired or un cared for,end of the day the sound and looks are key>>I'm tempted to brush-paint mine matt black just to wind you up. :P
I'd always say oily bits first so that *YOU* know it's cared for ... what's on the surface is just makeup.
Phil
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