Restoration 1976 Fairmont XC

[plaidsaar]

Hi, I have a 1976 Fairmont coupe factory 302 that is in need of restoration.
It is a rolling chassis with the panels behind rear wheels and into the rear end rusted out. Plus, numerous other areas that need attention.
Would really appreciate if anyone can recommend any panel beaters or restoration shops that do a good job and would be willing to undertake such a project.
Doner car for running gear etc. is an unmolested 1978 Fairmont GXL factory 302.
Would like to get the body done and have all of the parts from the GXL refurbished and fitted to the coupe.
I live in central QLD and realise the car would need to be transported possibly interstate to get the job done.
Thanks

[buggerlugs]

Have you got a budget in mind ? The front right hand guard can be used as a repair section over the left rear guard and vice versa. The panel under the rear windscreen are always buggered. What I thought it would cost to restore my coupe ended being well over double but at least you have a donor car............

[jaydee]

Personally I wouldn't be sending it inter state.
I'd be wanting to keep an eye on it and check updates of work.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by plaidsaar

Hi, I have a 1976 Fairmont coupe factory 302 that is in need of restoration.
It is a rolling chassis with the panels behind rear wheels and into the rear end rusted out. Plus, numerous other areas that need attention.
Would really appreciate if anyone can recommend any panel beaters or restoration shops that do a good job and would be willing to undertake such a project.
Doner car for running gear etc. is an unmolested 1978 Fairmont GXL factory 302.
Would like to get the body done and have all of the parts from the GXL refurbished and fitted to the coupe.
I live in central QLD and realise the car would need to be transported possibly interstate to get the job done.
Thanks

Have you considered doing it yourself, learning to do the repairs as you go along? By far this would be the best way as it would then be done to your satisfaction. There are several here who have or are doing their restorations themselves, there is no better feeling of satisfaction during and at the end after doing it yourself. Having others do the work for you, at cost too, you are not in control of the work being done, and the costs would be substantial for the amount of work that is needed for these cars.

Perhaps there is someone near you who may be able to help you with advice on techniques and equipment to get, also show you how when required. I dont think local TAFE's have night classes anymore for that sort of thing, I attended Batman automotive college hereduring the 1980's for over a year learning the craft for my then resto which was invaluable, I even took panels and parts there to work on with experienced craftsmen to help, but that place doesnt exist anymore.

Have a look at a couple of threads in the project section (see links below) to get a feel for whats required and hopefully get some inspiration. Doing it yourself you remain in charge of your project, thus avoiding the disappointments and stress when let down by those who you were recommended to and therefore trusted. However you do need self discipline to keep the project moving as otherwise obviously it sits there waiting for you. To me its the only way, which became evident even before attending those classes.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11434889

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11410412

[jaydee]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Have you considered doing it yourself, learning to do the repairs as you go along? By far this would be the best way as it would then be done to your satisfaction. There are several here who have or are doing their restorations themselves, there is no better feeling of satisfaction during and at the end after doing it yourself. Having others do the work for you, at cost too, you are not in control of the work being done, and the costs would be substantial for the amount of work that is needed for these cars.

Perhaps there is someone near you who may be able to help you with advice on techniques and equipment to get, also show you how when required. I dont think local TAFE's have night classes anymore for that sort of thing, I attended Batman automotive college hereduring the 1980's for over a year learning the craft for my then resto which was invaluable, I even took panels and parts there to work on with experienced craftsmen to help, but that place doesnt exist anymore.

Have a look at a couple of threads in the project section (see links below) to get a feel for whats required and hopefully get some inspiration. Doing it yourself you remain in charge of your project, thus avoiding the disappointments and stress when let down by those who you were recommended to and therefore trusted. However you do need self discipline to keep the project moving as otherwise obviously it sits there waiting for you. To me its the only way, which became evident even before attending those classes.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11434889

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11410412

Looks like this guy was a one only poster. Disappeared into the Ethernet, no responses.

[Gavin Thomas]

Originally Posted by plaidsaar

Hi, I have a 1976 Fairmont coupe factory 302 that is in need of restoration.......

Doner car for running gear etc. is an unmolested 1978 Fairmont GXL factory 302.
Would like to get the body done and have all of the parts from the GXL refurbished and fitted to the coupe.
Thanks

************************************************** ***********

Yeah it seems old mate has disappeared as another 1 post wonder.....
........but worse than that is it would seem another pretty cool factory spec classic Ford will disappear as well.....

I mean it's very good to hear of another Coupe coming back to life, but to tell you the truth i'm not sure if it sits well with me for that to happen at the expense of another cool old "lesser" Ford, such as an XC Fairmont GXL V8 - maybe for me to be ok with that would be any donor Ford would have to be to the point of rusted out far beyond economical repair value.....IE a good XC GXL in that spec, depending on options, colour etc could be worth up to $80K in todays market ?......And even if one such car took $100K to "fully" restore, i think it's still worthwhile.

I mean if you "over spend" on restore, as many do, the market always come back. As we all know, these classic's more often go up than down.....ie, in 10 years a $80K Classic V8 Ford in todays "value" probably worth that $100K + spent earlier.

Anyway just my opinion on this.....i still shudder to think of all the "old" Ford / Holden / Valiants got "taken away" forever back in my wrecking yard days in the late 80's early 90's !
( Especially didn't "feel right" for the XA/B/C Hardtops even way back then ).

Probably many different mixed opinions on the topic of "Donor cars" i suppose !

Cheers.