68 Firebird Project - Where do I start?

[chadf]

Hey everybody. I just made an account for this website, as I just bought a 68 Firebird to restore this past weekend. I've never restored a car before, but it's a hobby I've wanted to pick up for a while now. So now I just have to figure out where to start. I thought I would post some pics on here and see what you knowledgeable folks can tell me about where I should start and where to go from there?







What I have noted so far is that the engine runs, so I thought my first step would be to remove the rust from this car. It looks like that means replacing most of if not all of the body panels and sand blasting and coating the frame. I figure once that is done I'd work on the engine, then replace all of the glass, then the interior, then finally paint it. Is this a logical way to do it?

Any help or insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[chadf]

more pictures

[chadf]

more pictures

[poncho1961]

OK, first thing you do is cover up that chevy orange engine with some real Pontiac blue

From there, if it runs and drives, are you planning on driving it while working on it. The body work could be completed a little at a time while you still enjoy the use of the car. Unless you are really super motivated, ripping a car apart to do work and making it undriveable in the process causes a loss of interest if the project takes to long. I'd start on the body, do the interior next, upgrade any brakes etc that need attention, then do whatever engine work you're thinking about.

[Scruffy]

I'm with Ponch, keep it a driver while your workin on it. looks like a great project

[79bluebird]

looks like a solid start.

[gallup]

I like what you have to work with, way ahead of me! I also agree with ponch, unless super motivated, don't just tear it all apart. Do what you can and take her for a spin to enjoy the car when you like. That in itself is a bit motivating to keep a person going on it. I like one of your first pictures with the diff colors of paint and primer showing through. Rings a bell around here. I see potential and like the look/shape of the car. My wife on the other hand things my is ugly looking like that. What does she know, her front end was redone on the cheap an she has fisheye! At least my paint is old and supposed to look that way.
Good luck and I wish you lots of fun on your 1st gen bird

Mike

[TIN INDIAN]

cool ride. unless you have 20 grand sitting in the bank, do it a little at a time. dont take it apart until it is neccessary. at some point, it will be. my 67 i have done myself. i took it completely apart and even removed the subframe. it is a major undertaking, and you have to have people around to give you their knowledge. 22 thousand and four years later, i have a descent ride. i spent money i did not have. if you keep it together you can enjoy it as you go.

[Bruce71HOTA]

Hi
Good start Take yout time and enjoy your self .Do it your way not your freinds way dont get in a rush and make it your 2nd job or you will lern to hate the car
have fun and if you need anything just send me a note iv been into it for 33 years..
Bruce