Restoration Project Plan

[greydog]

It seems like the key is to fully understand the scope of the project. For example, we bought our '69 with a "professionally rebuilt engine". I noticed a lot of sealant used in the water fill and on the water pump. When I removed the radiator cap from the fill, I noticed that one of the bolts was loose and when I put a wrench on it discovered that it was stripped. I pulled the fill and found that both bolt holes had been badly helicoiled, in both cases, the holes were drilled too large for the helicoil to hold.
I also noticed a lot of sealant around the water pump. When that was removed, I again discovered an improperly installed helicoil, this time with the end of the broken installation tool still in the bottom of the hole. I'm repairing that issue. I had a similar issue with the intake/exhaust where, again, the thread repair hole was oversizes so the helicoil simply pulled out.
My point is that it would be difficult to account for these surprises in advance so unlike a new project (like building a Cobra kit car) writing a scope on a repair/rebuild will be difficult.
I'll be interested to see how you allow for the unexpected.
Dan

[Gregs672000]

Still think this is a great idea. At the very least it provides a baseline from which to work and to plan what and when. When I did my frame-off years ago I planned the whole thing out on a big huge piece of poster board and put it on my wall. With it I could see the whole thing and how even small projects overlapped, etc. Ya, I didn't know that each bolt would snap off and require re-tapping etc. but that is part of the deal restoring an old car. Thanks to that plan I was able to see what I could work on, what required other things to be done first or second or third, what could be done when I hit a road block on another section (waiting money, parts, expertise, etc.)... it really helps the project move forward. As a therapist I have used this experience countless times working with kids and adults on problem solving. I've said many times that the restoration of my Roadster was as important as my Masters degree in counseling when it comes to evaluating, planning and overcoming problems (yet another reason why I will never sell my car!). In fact, I once had a dream of using car restoration/modification as an adjuct (metaphor for problem solving) in teen therapy/life coaching... but I could never could get the funding... too bad. Now I just see them in the ER after they have screwed up their lives...

[dbrick]

I understand that you can't make a dead on estimate, but for planning purposes a good guess is better than just tearing it apart and running out of funding. If your rough estimate comes up to $8000.00, and you have $5000.00, then it may be time for a new plan or a different car. I always forget that not everyone does their own work, by choice or by skill level, so labor cost is a big factor.

[ole peder]

Hi

It is always possible to set up a plan, but the difficult task is to define the scope since the scope is an unknown factor.

When tearing a car apart more and more issues arises, not all of them needs attention, but since one already has disassembled the car one could as well change parts. If you don't you will regret later.......

Even if a good plan is made and a good budget is set up, there will be overruns. I have resently done a complete frame off restoration, not myself but had a workshop to do it.

Lessons learned?? Double your budget, if you cant afford that you shouldn't start the project.

But on the other hand, who would start a project based on that???.

[Linda]

Would be nice to see a plan based on parts costs alone since labor, both professional and amateur, varies so much.
I, for instance, work for about a 1.00/hr LOL

Linda

[TacomaBoy]

Hell, I'll work for Bacardi Grand Mellon on Fresca. Linda were both cheap. But point being that when your enjoying yourself then all is good. Man, drove to work today with top down and home with it up. Wish summer would come in WA state.

[69Datsun2000jmr]

I am a project manager by trade (PMP) and I have a 69 1600 matching numbers in excellent running condition. I rolled it out of a barn 3 years ago and its been running strong. So I'm ready to get a decent paint job on this runner and it raises many questions about the scope of what I should do. So, my approach is to develop a full project plan of everything that could be done, associate estimated costs and then make a final decision on scope. My thought is that I could publish the project plan for everyone to use as a resource and tie it to the parts wiki and other threads. So now I have two projects instead of one! But I think it would serve me and the community well.

I recall seeing a similar planning effort, perhaps not as grand in scope and I would appreciate any pointers toward prior work done on this topic.

I view the project plan as a decision tree with each branch adding scope and cost. Ultimately, I would plan to hope for the best and plan for the worst. There are known unknowns and unknown unknowns (the toughest) to build in.

So, I'm looking to start a dialog with whoever has any thoughts on this... both the planning and project itself.

I would chunk the major scope decisions (branches) as follows:
#1. Exterior only (not removing motor and transmission)
#2. Inside and Outside (removing internals and doing necessary work)
#3. Frame off (the full monty)

I hope to do a full WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) for each and I'm hoping for some input and suggestions. And then estimate each with clear assumptions.

There is so much I don't know but hope to learn through this process, but I know that there are some reasonable work packages/assumptions associated with the high level scopes mentioned above. Assumptions associated with above include:

#1. Paint, body, chrome
#2. above plus brake lines, mounts, and maybe some seals
#3. above plus ???

Thanks in advance,
Nathan

Hi, Did you create your restoration project plan? I am just getting into my '69 2000 roadster and would love a head start! Mine was in the garage for 20 years. Unfortunately, the last 5 she's been under a car cover in the driveway. I've gon through all these posts and they just seem to stop short of a plan.
-Jim