Author Topic: What would you buy to rebuild? (Read 2517 times)

Artful · « **on:** August 21, 2010, 10:12:52 PM »

So I'm watching TV and they have a project they have totally rebuilt (total restoration) minor improvements (brakes, steering, suspension (air ride?)) but basically just kept most of it reasonably drivable - I liked it - better than the new plastic - aluminum foil sheet metal offerings I have looked at.

So my question to those of you who either have had a good one that got away and want it back or have seen something you always wanted to own...

What old vehicle would you pick to buy and spend the money on to make over as new without going car crazy hotrod modified?

What do you think would keep the money your putting into it, best but make a good daily driver?

What would you do to make a good fun rig that you would want to keep for say another ten years?

It should be able to haul 4 to 5 people and their luggage comfortably.

Anyone have any ideas?

saddlebum · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2010, 01:12:49 AM »

Ford Broncos are to my liking. I prefer the 1979 but I like them all. Not sure about parts availability now, especially the older ones but it can be done. The 351m is a great motor and easy to work on and upgrade. I restored a '79 F-150 4x4 and it wasn't that hard. I used it for everything for 18yrs before I started to rebuild it. It will probably last another 18yrs. The old stuff like transfer cases, axles and manual transmissions are bomb proof. Sheet metal and rust are the bigest problems. Just nuts and bolts, no computers. Older Ford Broncos and pickups are what I like. You might like Chevys. Blazers and Suburbans.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2010, 03:19:18 AM »

for a daily driver thats a tough question. Most of the newer cars are just more fuel effecient and reliable. Only thing that comes to mind is another grand national buick. Fast, fairly reliable and fuel effecient. Another neet project would be a 70s chev truck or blazer with a modern ls1 powerplant but good luck finding one without major cancer.

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2010, 07:36:18 AM »

If I was to choose a truck it would be one the big 3, mabe in My case a F150 and do a diesel 4 cylinder farm tractor engine conversion costs approx $11k and in the end have lots of torque and 40mpg Highway.
For a car mabe a Cadie or a older Oldsmobile.
I had a boss that commuted 128miles a day and drove a old 1978 Honda civic (yellow beercan) that ran round 60mpg.
My brother still drives a 1964 Chevy Biscane six cylinder 3 speed, car is darn neer bulletproof.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2010, 07:47:10 AM »

1997 Ford F-250 4WD double cab 6 foot bed with a diesel engine (7.3). 22mpg on the road . I put 189000 miles on it and a friend has it now with almost 400000 on it . So far 3 water pumps , a pully a couple belts and hoses replaced and 2 acc. sensors. It was easy on tires.

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2010, 03:22:34 PM »

I used to have a '66 mustang coupe. I did a lot of work on it over the winter and some lady totalled it four days out of the interior shop. If I ever got the itch to do another one, I'd probably redo that one.

skarke · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2010, 05:46:24 PM »

Cars and truck that have most parts available aftermarket. A bronco is classic, because, with enough money, one can be build from the ground up with aftermarket parts. Mustangs, Camaros, big 3 trucks, lots of stuff like that.

I like '60s vehicles. They are easy to work on, and pretty reliable if you go with modern electronics and ignition.

Artful · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2010, 09:44:42 PM »

Quote from: GRIMJIM on August 23, 2010, 03:22:34 PM

I used to have a '66 mustang coupe. I did a lot of work on it over the winter and some lady totalled it four days out of the interior shop. If I ever got the itch to do another one, I'd probably redo that one.

Man, that would be the pits - sorry to hear of your loss. I know of someone that kept trading up until he got his fixer up vette and had it totaled but no replacement insurance for it

flintlock · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2010, 12:58:46 AM »

Since you didn't mention gas mileage but did want it to haul 3-4 people and their luggage here is my choice...

The original luxury SUV...

I bought a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer back in 1983...I paid $16,500 for it and I loved that vehicle...I ran it until 1999 and put over 255,000 miles on it...They came with leather interior, power windows, air conditioning, a 360 V-8 engine and Select Trak which allowed you to go from 2wd to 4wd with the flip of a switch...

Back in the 70s and 80s when you went surf fishing on the Outer Banks of NC it was the vehicle of choice...These vehicles had the right combination of weight, length of wheel base and suspension to give a nice smooth off road ride...

One work of caution though...The fuel filter was located over the exhaust manifold...I changed
the rubber hoses on mine each year...It really should have been relocated as many ended up in the junk yard because of fires...

Bigeasy · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2010, 01:38:11 AM »

What ever you choose, look for a pre-emissions vehicle, preferably a Chevy. Something simple and easy to work on, with lots of parts available. The only modern concession I would look at would be electronic ignition. Keep everything else basic and simple. Fuel injection, for example, is nice, until it goes. Your carburetor acting up away from home, for example? Go to the nearest parts store and buy a Holley 1850 600cfm 4brl., and bolt it on, ready to go.

Larry

NYH1 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 25, 2010, 07:28:43 PM »

Mine would be muscle type cars. I'm currently rebuilding/restoring a '78 Camaro. I built a 385 stroker motor for it, had the 8.5" 10 bolt rear end completely rebuilt. I went with a Yukon Duragrip posi unit and 3.42 gears. The current TH350 is a little weak, I'm having a pretty stout TH350 built as I type this. The car needs body, interior work and I'm going to rebuild the entire suspension. Slowly but surely it'll get done.

My favorite muscle car is a '67 SS Chevelle. I'd like to find a Chevelle or Malibu and make my own SS out of it. I'd build a 500 plus inch big block with a 5 speed Tremec TKO and a 12 bolt rear end. I also like '70-'72 Monte Carlo's. I'd build the same 500 plus inch big block and 12 bolt rear end but I'd go with a 4L80E automatic overdrive transmission in it. A '70 split bumper Camaro with a small block 434 stroker, 5 speed Tremec TKO would be nice.

I like '69-'70 Mustangs too. Either a small block 408 stroker or a big block with a 5 speed Tremec TKO and a 9".

My favorite Mopar is a 71 Plymouth Road Runner (I love that body style). Either a small block 420 stroker or a 500 plus inch big block. Again, a 5 speed Tremec TKO with a 8 3/4" or a Dana 60. I also like '67 GTX's and '69 Dodge Super Bee's (my uncle has both, the GTX has a 440 and Super Bee has the ORIGINAL 440 six pac!).

I'm not really brand loyal. I just have way more experience with Chevy products then other brands. I like a lot of different cars though. Pontiac's, Buick's, Oldsmobile's, Dodge's ect. Never really got into AMC though, not knocking them, just didn't get into them.

shvlhead.45 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 26, 2010, 11:51:28 AM »

1988-1995 (1995 prefered) Chevy Short Step Bed pick up, V8 with manual tranny.

I'd replace the original engine with a GM 383 HT crate motor keeping the throttle body fuel injection due to it being basically bullet proof. Tremec 6 spd tranny to make the most of the high torque engine or add a Gear Vendors OD/UD unit to original 5 speed transmission. Disc brake kit for the rear end. Lowered 2" in the front, lowered 3" in the rear, cap on bed to make it a large trunk.

In this configuration it will knock off better than 20 mpg even here in the Texas Hill Country and pull a trailer if need be as well. A crew cab dually done about the same way would make a good truck as well.

blind ear · « **Reply #12 on:** August 27, 2010, 06:44:53 AM »

Shuvlhed:

where can i learn more about the Trans + OD/UD setups? Website, hotrod mags, 4wd mags. I once read a lot of that stuff but haven't in many many years. I would read the stuff because it was interesting but never put any of the stuff together.

eddie

Artful · « **Reply #13 on:** August 30, 2010, 05:57:08 AM »

Hmm, I'm starting to think older suburban type with upgraded drive train - any thoughts on what it would take?

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #14 on:** August 30, 2010, 05:59:54 AM »

EXCURSION from Ford with a 7.3 diesel set up

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #15 on:** August 30, 2010, 07:13:57 AM »

I have a 1992 Eddie Bauer Ford bronco in the drive way waiting for some $ and some time.
5.8 Liter engine.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #16 on:** August 30, 2010, 07:15:40 AM »

we have those engines in trucks with ouve 200000 miles on them . Biggest problem is coil packs after 175000 .

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #17 on:** August 30, 2010, 11:24:37 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on August 30, 2010, 07:15:40 AM

we have those engines in trucks with ouve 200000 miles on them . Biggest problem is coil packs after 175000 .

That is about where mine is now.
But thanks.
I have had a few Jeep strait 6 4.0L
One hit hit 275,000 when I traded it in.
the Other had 225,000 when I sold it. I miss that little 1989 Jeep 2 door Cherokee.
If I didn't have the Bronco I would want to get another Cherokee.

shvlhead.45 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2010, 06:52:26 PM »

Eddiegjr,

Here are a couple of links to start your research:

http://gearvendors.com/index.html

http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English/products/products.asp

My brother uses the Gear Vendors OD/UD unit in his '89 Chevy dually. Significant improvement in fuel mileage and saves the tranny shifting up and down out in the hills.

v/r
Shvlhead.45

blind ear · « **Reply #19 on:** August 31, 2010, 12:46:50 AM »

Shvlhead, thanks, eddie

hillbill · « **Reply #20 on:** September 07, 2010, 03:35:39 PM »

im thinkin a 79 chev 1/2 ton 4wd. 250 six and yeah i dont like the intergrel manifold and the rochester progressive 2 barrel.id keep rest of truck stock but go with the older head and maybe a 390 holley 4bbl or a weber full time 2 barrel.either with offy intakes.no way would it haul 4 to 5 people tho unless they sat in the camper shell.

lakota · « **Reply #21 on:** September 09, 2010, 05:56:46 PM »

I really like my 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ. I have been messing around with it for the past year. But if I could have anything to restore it would either be a Bronco and I cant decide what year I love the early 70's body but I also like the late 70's early 80's style. Or I have really grown to like the looks of the Full size Cherokee's from the early 80's

Artful · « **Reply #22 on:** September 11, 2010, 08:40:59 PM »

Well I'm starting to think Chevy Blazer 1976-1991 with 6.2 diesel and 700R4 auto trans maybe something similar to Military M1009 CUCV K5 Blazer but fancier inside.
Seems bullet proof and easy to get parts for.

squirrellluck · « **Reply #23 on:** September 14, 2010, 05:39:36 PM »

69 Intl travelall

Slowpoke Slim · « **Reply #24 on:** September 18, 2010, 07:23:43 AM »

I wouldn't wish a GM 6.2 diesel on my worst enemy. What a gutless pig of an engine. You will be pissed every time you have to pull a hill or try and pass someone. We had crew cab dually chevy's in the service. They would barely, and I mean barely keep up with the tractor trailer rigs in our convoys.

I would seriously consider a different power plant if I were you.

mrbigtexan · « **Reply #25 on:** November 03, 2010, 01:54:05 PM »

Quote from: Slowpoke Slim on September 18, 2010, 07:23:43 AM

I wouldn't wish a GM 6.2 diesel on my worst enemy. What a gutless pig of an engine. You will be pissed every time you have to pull a hill or try and pass someone. We had crew cab dually chevy's in the service. They would barely, and I mean barely keep up with the tractor trailer rigs in our convoys.

I would seriously consider a different power plant if I were you.

i'd agree, i had one in my '91 pickup and hated it. put a 350 in its place and love it.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #26 on:** November 03, 2010, 03:30:37 PM »

I would look until I found a '79 Bronco in near pristine condition. The engine bay would be fitted with either a 300 six or better yet a 4cyl Cummins. A C-6 trans and the diffs would be fitted with lockers and 3.73 gears, and rubber in the 33" range, with about 3" of total lift. The verticle surfaces would get a coating of Rhino liner from the door handles down, the rest would get a shot of appliance white paint, maybe from a rattle can.

For the hunting I really do... An Excursion or Suburban with a diesel pre 2005. Trailer towing pkg. and an enclosed trailer in the 10' category. Hunting means 5 guys, and the equipment for 8 days, 800 miles away. Highway comfort, towing capacity and fuel economy are of top priority. Vehicle isn't even allowed off the road surface so 4X4 is purely for weather on trip to and from.

A solid tow vehicle with good fuel economy will always be in style.

hillbill · « **Reply #27 on:** November 03, 2010, 03:44:19 PM »

im not a ford guy but id have to agree with the 79 bronco thing with the 300 six. i got a beater haf ton 79 with the 6. drag it out of the weeds every fall, hit the aftermarket weber carb with a dose of starting fluid and its ready to go agin for hunting season.the stock carb does suk tho.oh wait i did put a starter on it a few years ago.so its not maintenece free.

jnovotny · « **Reply #28 on:** November 25, 2010, 01:52:50 PM »

With a name like slowpoke slim I would think that the GM 6.2 would be right up your alley. Anyway they are bullet proof and will run when others won't but they are a little lacking in the top end. If a soldier can't tear em up than they got a place in my yard.

squirrellluck · « **Reply #29 on:** November 26, 2010, 04:10:57 AM »

Hillbill, go with the 292 with your 250 head. Talk about a pulling monster! If you can get traction it will drag it. And its darn near indestructible.