Old Car Projects
Article by Mark Trotta
Here is an overview of my old car projects from the last 30 years:
**********************
My first old car restoration was a small-block, 4-speed 1970 Chevelle. I purchased this car in 1991, before prices started rising out of the hands of the average enthusiast.
Years owned: 1991-1996
Related Articles:
1970 Chevelle Restoration
1970 Chevelle Bodywork and Paint
Best Heads For Gen-1 SBC
**********************
My 2nd full restoration was a 1970 Chevy El Camino.
It had rust spots on nearly every exterior panel (New York vehicle) and required major sheet metal repair.
Years owned: 1987-2000
The Camino was my 'work-horse' and daily driver for 13 years. Unfortunately, I have very few pictures of it.
**********************
In 1993, I had the opportunity to buy a weathered, battered, and neglected 1965 GTO convertible.
Before purchasing, I had the VIN documented by PHS Services. It was an original 4-speed Tripower car.
Years owned: 1993-2005
Related Articles:
1965 GTO Restoration
389 Pontiac Engine Build
GTO Tripower Rebuild
**********************
Although I only owned it for three years, this 1979 Fiat Spider provided the most fun per dollar out of all my old car projects.
Years owned: 2010-2013
Related Articles:
1979 Fiat Spider Restoration
Classic Fiat Spider Maintenance
Fiat Spider Brakes
Replace Timing Belt on 2.0L Fiat Spider
Fiat Spider History 1979-1985
Restore a Car On a Budget
**********************
Although not as valuable nor as fast as a C2 or early C3, early eighties Corvettes are fun to drive and affordable, and if you restore one to factory stock, it will increase in value.
Read: 1982 Corvette Restoration
Years owned: 2002-2014
Related Articles:
Restore An Old Corvette
Corvette Crossfire Maintenance and Diagnosis
1982 Corvette Fuel System
C3 Corvette Exhaust
Corvette P/S Hose Replacement
Tilt-Telescope Steering Column Repair
**********************
Although I've owned and restored several British motorcycles, this was the only British car that I owned. Turns out it was no harder or easier than any other car.
Years owned: 2008-2010
Related Articles:
1968 Jaguar XKE Restoration
Zenith-Stromberg Carb Rebuild
What Are Whitworth Tools?
I regret that I didn't drive this beautiful XKE more than I did. But it was just too valuable. Besides, my feet were too big to operate the pedals with any sort of grace.
**********************
1966 Corvette Project
Read: 1966 Corvette Restoration
Years owned: 2012-2016
Related Articles:
327 Chevy Build
Rebuild Corvette Calipers
Lip Seal vs O-Ring Calipers
Removing Riveted Brake Rotors
**********************
Go Kart
Several years ago, I took a break from my old car projects and restored an old go kart.
Vintage Go-Kart Build
Crankshaft, connecting rod, valve seats, cylinder bore, piston and rings are covered in Tecumseh Flathead Engine - Part One
Sheet metal restoration and gas tank repair are covered in Tecumseh Flathead Engine - Part Two
Ignition, carburetor, and engine start-up are covered in Tecumseh Flathead Engine - Part Three
**********************