Back Yard Restoration
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 321
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Back Yard Restoration
How many of you have tried this and succeeded? I dont have a shop or really acess to one. so I am trying to restore my truck in my back yard and fighting the elements.When paint time comes it will go to a shop and get that done but far as everything else its on dirt or in the grass. I got buddies who will help me lift the Cab and bed off when that time comes. But it just alomost seems impossible to do because I am always fighting to daylight and money of course.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 182
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From: Central,IL
My project started in the driveway, after blasting the frame and coating it I took the rest to my dads and finished it. I dont think my truck would look as good as it does if I did it all in my drive.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 261
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From: Columbus, Indiana
I have done every project outside because I have no garage space. I was able to park right outside of my garage giving me easy tool, air, and electric access, but it was still outside exposed to the elements.
I was able to secure some garage space for finishing my latest project. However, having no air, limited electric, and 1/8 mile from my tool supply makes it a much more difficult procedure that in the gravel.
It is possible, and very dueable if you have the tools and resources already.
I was able to secure some garage space for finishing my latest project. However, having no air, limited electric, and 1/8 mile from my tool supply makes it a much more difficult procedure that in the gravel.
It is possible, and very dueable if you have the tools and resources already.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,701
Likes: 6
I did one in my driveway. It isn't show quality, but really nice. If I had it to do over, I would not use spray paint for the body. The clearcoat was screwy. I fought daylight and money every step of the way. That is why it still isn't totally finished after 5 years. Not having a shop makes it take longer, but in the end it is worth it.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Utah
When your done, the finished product has more value to you. Only you know the commitment it took to do it.
Is it doable, I would not hesitate a heart beat. Every delay is that much longer you have to wait to finish your dream.
Is it doable, I would not hesitate a heart beat. Every delay is that much longer you have to wait to finish your dream.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: East Flat Rock NC
Yes this is very "doable"!
I've have did it that way for years, and I have turned some real nice
Hotrod Fords out, it's very hard, but worth every minute. If it was easy then
every body would be driving old hotrod fords!
Wally Wo.
I've have did it that way for years, and I have turned some real nice
Hotrod Fords out, it's very hard, but worth every minute. If it was easy then
every body would be driving old hotrod fords!
Wally Wo.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,628
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From: Northeast Nebraska
I worked on enough stuff in my parents driveway when I was younger. After college my number one goal was to get a place out in the country where I can have tons of stuff with no complaining neighbors and build me a shop. I ended up with a crappy house but a good shop. Im not married and I have no kids. My shop and toys have always come first. Its all about priorities.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
I've done a all of my cars and trucks this way. It was a struggle all the way but it was worth it. Never as good as the cars you see on shows like "Overhaulin" and "American Hot Rod". But my cars were always built with the intention of being driven.
I guess I'm a glutton for punishment, but I am starting another one. I can hardly wait to crawl around in the dirt under the truck and fight all the bugs that are attracted to my work light while I'm working at night......
Ahhhh... the good life!
I guess I'm a glutton for punishment, but I am starting another one. I can hardly wait to crawl around in the dirt under the truck and fight all the bugs that are attracted to my work light while I'm working at night......
Ahhhh... the good life!
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 0
I've done most of my work out in the elements too (99 percent).
I work on the sand and dirt. It dosen't get any worse than this. If it rains, I work in the mud, if it snows, I try to sweep as much out as I can, and work in the cold. One thing, when I get a knuckle buster in the cold, it numbs up fairly quick and it so cold it doesn't even get a chance to bleed. 
I found out that big sheets of card board and plywood help to keep things clean. Use smaller pieces of card board and plywood to keep your parts and tools clean. It helps also in loosing parts and tools in the sand.
I work on the sand and dirt. It dosen't get any worse than this. If it rains, I work in the mud, if it snows, I try to sweep as much out as I can, and work in the cold. One thing, when I get a knuckle buster in the cold, it numbs up fairly quick and it so cold it doesn't even get a chance to bleed. I found out that big sheets of card board and plywood help to keep things clean. Use smaller pieces of card board and plywood to keep your parts and tools clean. It helps also in loosing parts and tools in the sand.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Utah
I guess I should not complain so much about my tiny shop. I have more tools then will fit in it when I had my extended cab in it, but I can get my shortbed in and not push anything out.
Right now it is a disaster, with things piled all over my benches, and tools hanging on all the walls. Not a spot left to hang or place a thing. But, I do have a Heater and Air Cooler.
One foot note, I worked for years in the dirt. I used to keep a Fridge Box around just for laying on when I worked on them. Not only does it make it more comfortable, but sliding in and out is easier, and then when you do get a spill or mess, just fold it up and throw it away. Also dropping parts and tools is not such a bid deal. Not to mention the butt chewing it saves when you get oil on the driveway.
Right now it is a disaster, with things piled all over my benches, and tools hanging on all the walls. Not a spot left to hang or place a thing. But, I do have a Heater and Air Cooler.
One foot note, I worked for years in the dirt. I used to keep a Fridge Box around just for laying on when I worked on them. Not only does it make it more comfortable, but sliding in and out is easier, and then when you do get a spill or mess, just fold it up and throw it away. Also dropping parts and tools is not such a bid deal. Not to mention the butt chewing it saves when you get oil on the driveway.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by FordTrucksKickGM
I worked on enough stuff in my parents driveway when I was younger. After college my number one goal was to get a place out in the country where I can have tons of stuff with no complaining neighbors and build me a shop. I ended up with a crappy house but a good shop. Im not married and I have no kids. My shop and toys have always come first. Its all about priorities.
The project I'm doing right now is my 79 Bronco, not restoring to new, but I'm upgrading everything to bigger and better(money is the biggest thing right now), all the time in my parent's driveway.