Hello Fellow Ferrari Enthusiasts... As per my username I have an old Dino 246 that I hope to restore (eventually). I was hoping for some advice in regards to it's restoration and what I should undertake first. The reasons being is that not only do I want to try and minimise expense (yes an oxymoron with a Ferrari) but more so I just don't want to have to go back and do anything twice. The main reason I require some advice is that my project is somewhat unique in that we started the resto years back.. and simply ran out of cash. This restoration will be essentially something that will need to be done over a 5-10 year period so that I can take out a loan, pay it off, then take out the next loan for the next step. Hence my request for advice on where to re-start! The current state of the car is the following: The engine/gearbox/rear diff are all on a stand at the mechanics and has kindly been stored there for 5 years now! The shell and rest of the parts are at my place. The suspension has all been completely restored. The body was completely stripped to bare metal and a reasonable proportion of bodywork was done before we ran out of money and put a stop to it, got it painted with primer and stored it. There are many body parts that need to be stripped back again, leaded, welded then obviously painted! All interior and dash etc need to be redone and obviously the engine needs a rebuild! So - based on the above where should I start again first. Do I finish the body completely first? do I finish the leading/filling of the body - and just have the engine bays and door jams, internal parts painted and then when the engine is complete and put into the car finish painting the rest of the outside of the car? Do I get the engine/trans/diff done first and try make my storage provider/mechanic happy? Or do I attack parts and peripherals chrome trim/interior first so they're done and stored, ready and waiting for when the bigger expenses (body and engine) are done. advice on steps very much appreciated cheers
If it were me I would do the complete paint and body first including all black trimming and finishing. Paint and body is the biggest challenge that most restorations face and with that time and money expense out of the way the rest of the job will seem easy. With a totally finished shell you can then bolt on sub assemblies as you finish them always working forward to completion. Personally I would do the engine last because you would not want seals and hoses to dry out over time without getting any use out of them.
Hello James, I´m happy to help if you have any questions regarding authenticity of your Dino. The Dino Compendium could be helpful for you too. Home Regards Matthias
appreciate the feedback Nuvolari it does seem a more general consensus.. body first. just wondered on the approach of not doing full exterior until engine etc has all been done (to avoid potential damage as people lean in and out of bay etc was an option for long period resto) Matthias (GermanDino) - my engine number is 0010608 - VIN/chasis details/paperwork are safely boxed with the rest of the cars parts at the moment so only reason I have engine number is that I have a photo of it! If you have easilly accessible info on the car I'd love to see it. If it is something that is hard to obtain, last thing I want to be is a burden so please don't go out of your way all the best James
My advice to you is to get the compendium. It is a wealth of information and will save you a great deal of time and frustration. It's also a great read! Matt
I would endorse the advice given by rob C, post 2. If you re worried about damaging work you have undertaken then don't do it, save your money then complete the job in one operation. You are not going to complete any quicker unless you win the lottery (or Oz equal) Good luck and let us see some photos of your progress. tony
Hi Tony - almost embarrassed to post this link but it'll give you an idea of how long the car has been in pieces!! some pics have been lost from the thread but I will post new stuff up when work starts again! Dino goes in for restoration - Alfa Romeo Bulletin Board & Forums
Your a better person than me, something of that magnitude would have scared the &*&^ out of me tony Nice work btw
