Can it be done??? - Lateral-g Forums

Rick D · #1 02-03-2010, 06:29 PM

Listen to Greg!! Can it be done sure, if you have everythig already and you don't need any custom parts. My old shop built a 69 chevelle in 16 days and scored 997 out of 1000 at Chevy Vett Fest. BUT the car was painted already, the frame and ALL suspension and drive train where in the frame. There where 2 of us working on the car in the day time and 1 at night. The last weeks push we worked a couple 20 hr days. So CAN it be done yes but I think it would be much better to take your time build it right the first time (it's much cheaper) and enjoy your self and the friends you have and the new ones you will make on your car building journey. Remember it's a hobby.

awr68 · #2 02-03-2010, 06:36 PM

If you don't start it will never be finished.
Deadlines are good as long as you are ok if you fail to make the show...however perhaps this is the push that gets the car built this year and you have time mid season or at the end of the season to enjoy it!

I say go for it and the worse thing that can happen is that it takes a little longer...in the end it will be the same killer car you have in your head right now!

Warpath Pontiac · #3 02-03-2010, 06:45 PM

I dont think its enough time to do it the right way. Get it done, sure, you could probably slap it together for one event. Then after you're done you will tear sections of the car back apart to fix the things that you didnt have the patience for or where you cut corners (after I painted my car and saw the light at the end of the tunnel, I was in a full on sprint to get my car back together). I ended up cutting corners and going back to fix them later. I wish I would've slowed down and been a little more patient, but that first "complete" drive was pretty sweet.

I would say take your time. Enjoy working on your car as a hobby, not a job.

redfire69 · #4 02-04-2010, 04:03 AM

Don't know if it can be done or not. But it always seems to take twice as long as you budget or allow, so try 30 hours a week. Good luck!

deuce_454 · #5 02-04-2010, 05:40 AM

with an endless supply of money and cheap expendable labour.. anything can be done.. youve seen overhaulin, it only takes 30 guys a week to finish a car if they work 20 hours a day... no wait thats 20*7*30=4200 hours... so you can do that in 210 weeks if you work 20 hours a week.. thats only 4 years

provided you have the same sills and work as fast ofcourse

now were you to buy a project where the metalwork was complete... it might be possible.. IF you can find somone who will do the paint turn-arround quick and it will be alot of bolting stuff togetherm no real time to get into finer details

**V8TV** · #6 02-04-2010, 08:30 AM

Hey Mark!

I think it's possible, but you know how hard it is to secure the 15 hours. And those 15 go by quickly.

For those who don't know Mark, he's a very talented body tech, and helped us out on the Royal Sport Camaro and a couple of the other V8TV project cars.

The trick is gettin' the time and workin' fast.

But just like SEMA, the deadline helps!

**GregWeld** · #7 02-04-2010, 08:45 AM

Well that's just CHEATING!! LOL

He FAILED to mention that he has tools -- that he has skills....

But (big but) a one man band trying to do a car = body off full on resto... part time.... My money is on... <buzzer> can't... It's just too much work.

Scotch · #8 02-04-2010, 08:54 AM

The body and paint are a big deal. That's what holds up most projects. But, you've got talent in this area and most of your OP was dedicated to it.

It's the stuff you can't do, or that you'll have to farm out, that'll end up pissing you off.

Engine? Trans? Rear axle? Suspension? Cage? Upholstery? Wiring?

Details will mess you up too. Goofy stuff like heater controls or something will inevitably bite you somewhere along the way.

I've had the best luck getting something on the road and improving it from there. Paint and body were never high on my list since I typically can't afford nice work and it won't make my car any faster. But, I have no tools/skills for body/paint work either. My cars are rarely pretty, but always pretty fast.

So, I say set the deadline out a bit to account for the stuff you can't do yourself. GG 2011 is not unreasonable, but if you think you can thrash on it and get it done by this year- more power to ya. Best of luck - and start a build thread so we can bust your chops about getting it done...