It seems to me, now that I've practically disassembled my Fairmont Squire again, that a restored DD needs a lot more vigilance, especially since I plan on keeping it, until I get another Fairmont from Mexico (the restorer's advantage of marrying a Mexican gal. ) My windshield installation leaked a bit and the carpet got wet. Since I had to pull it out to install the Capri console and shifter and dash and harness, and.. and.. and.. I got at the surface rust and dealt with it. I figured I'd post this thread because I noticed a lot of things that I left for later (1 year later) that I should have done. Lubricate the door hardware, vacuum out the leaves and twigs that plug the door drain holes, clean up and touch up the undercoating in the side panels and the underside of the floorpan, touch up the engine compartment, etc. Lots of detailing all over the car. I wondered if anyone had some tips and tricks.
Take you time do one section at a time till it's righjt and move on...floors, door jams, etc etc. Detailing and cleaning as you do ,not looking at the whole job but one piece or section at a time.
Truthfully, daily driving a restored car is much like a new one but a little harder. You have a like new car, and like a new car it will deteriorate from daily use even with the best of care. Unfortunately if you drive it you will have to reredo it eventually. My dad's t/a has a 19 year old restoration but it looks like new. It gets from 1-2k miles a year. It is driven anytime he wants, but it is not subject to rain intentionally, or snow and road salt. It also is meticulously cleaned. After a day of driving it comes home to an engine and under carriage detail and at least a towel down. About 1-2 hours of work. My dad's 60 Plymouth was improperly done, long story but it was a job that if it were treated as a typical daily it would have long since rotted to pieces, in maybe 6 months to a year. The paint and very shoddy body work has lasted 21 years. It is the same as the t/a. It is meticulously cared for. When you daily drive the car you will have a hell of a time maintaining at the level it's at long term. Not to say it's impossible, but you have a lot of work ahead of you.
Totally agree guys. They are more work, but after investing yourself (scraped knuckles and all), I figure its more than worth the extra effort, and you keep well informed of what might need more attention. I see the folks dropping $40,000 in a newer tupperware vehicle and another $300 every few months for warranty service over 6 years, and figure I'm way ahead of the game, with a 31 year old newbie. Besides, I know this car better than a Ford assemby line worker. I'll have to find some Detailing sites and post the links.
