Over
the next couple months we'll be doing a series of articles outlining
a restoration project.
If you're restoring an older car, check back periodically for updated
articles.
Our
restoration vehicle is a 1981 Caprice Classic Landau 2dr. Coupe.
It's
hard to believe our car is over 20 years old already. It may seem
strange to our more mature readers, but, full-sized and mid-sized
cars of the 80's are becoming popular among restorers these days.
Their rear-wheel-drive format and large engines make great daily
drivers. Plus they're inexpensive to buy and repair. In it's day
our Caprice Landau was the sportiest full-sized Chevrolet you could
get. Only
about 6,500 were produced. With
it's clean lines we think it's sure to become a classic.
Like
many vehicles of it's era, our car has past it's prime when it comes
to the looks department. The paint is shot and we've uncovered damaging
rust in the roof that will require a lot of work to repair. But
otherwise our car is sound and we think worth repairing. With a
little work and a new paint job, this rig will make a smooth-looking
daily driver.
Like
other RepairNation.com articles, we'll attempt to explain all the
critical steps in great detail and provide helpful tips that the
pro's use. We'll try to use common tools that are within the means
of the average home hobbyist too. Bear in mind that the techniques
use here are the same basic paint and bodywork techniques that can
be used for repairing any vehicle old or new. Follow along as we
breathe new life into a old classic.
