My Rover Restoration
A Few Thoughts First
The strange thing about restoring a car is you never really finish. As you reach each phase of percieved completeness, previously unseen flaws reveal themselves against the facade of newness. Knowing where you are going with a restoration, what your goals are, and when you have attained them is essential. No restored car is original. Originality comes from being untouched except by routine maintenance. It is important to remember that a restored car can only attain the status of "like new" and is authentic, not original.For myself, I saw my Rover as a functional, utilitarian work vehicle. This is her purpose as well as her character. I did not want to restore her to her infancy, that is, the appearance of being brand new. Rather, I wanted to restore her to her prime, when she was well broken in, and used every day as a reliable brawny workhorse.
There are three things you need before attempting any frame off restoration. First you need space. Enough space for three cars, because as you take your car apart, you must store the components. This space must be out of the weather. The entire restoration will take months, sometimes years, and bad weather can ruin an unprotected work in progress.
You need time. If you are devoted to another pursuit, a restoration can fail due to lack of time. Finally, you need patience. A stuck nut and bolt, or holes that will not align can bring progress to a screeching halt. If you apply a hammer instead of patience, well that's when the extra money as well as time comes in. Work using the rule of threes. The project will take 3 times as much space, 3 times as much time, and possibly 3 times as much money as you first estimate.
Next
[ Electrical Considerations ] [ Bulkhead Removal ] [ Car Wash! ]
[ Engine Painting, Bulkhead Prep ] [ Rotten Frame ] [ Clearing The Shop ]
[ The Galvanized Frame ] [ Running Wires & Brake Lines ] [ I Drive It Again! ]
[ Finishing Up ] [ Rover Home ]
