I agree with making it safe ...then reliable. I also agree with a "rolling restoration". I have done a frame-off on mine and have been at it hard for well over a year and a half and still am nowhere near driving it.
Go through the brakes first thing. If you have drums up front you may want to look at an upgrade to discs. Suspension inspection and replacement of shocks, if needed, are a good idea. Steering components should be inspected. If in doubt, take it to a tire store, you can be sure any little thing they can find wrong to get you to pay them to replace will be found! Just get them to show you rather than taking their word. Verify the tires are in good shape....and there's some tread left on the rear ;)
Major tune up, with oil change, new plugs, points or points eliminator, new wires, cap and rotor. New fuel filter(s), check rubber fuel lines for cracks.
It's not going to be cheap, but it's a lot cheaper than a hospital stay or even a tow from several miles out. I'd rather pay the parts guy than the parts guy AND the tow truck driver:) And it's a whole lot more fun to be driving a Chevelle you know is safe and reliable ;)
Steve
----- Original Message -----Sent: 8/15/2005 8:53:28 AMSubject: [Chevelle-list] newbieThis is my first time posting on this board. Iam new at this. I just bought a "70" chevelle malibu two weeks ago and i cant wait to get started restoring it. but first i have to finish my garrage. I just got the foundation finished iam going 24' x 28' . I think i'll start with the suspension first. any ideas will be greatly appriciated. thanks.
