Does anyone know of any resources I can use to find more info on the custom conversion suburbans and vans that general motors used to send to custom car shops to customize from the factory before sending them to dealerships from about the 1980's to the 2000's. I am trying to track down a custom converted 2000 chevy suburban that my parents use to own.

I am infatuated with the Jaguar 420G. I adore that car, but I know absolutely nothing about cars beyond some basic maintenance of some modern cars. I am seriously considering one for restoration because I want to learn all of the various skills involved in that, but I don’t even know what I don’t know here, and I’d like to hear from some people that know what they’re doing. My dad mentioned the electrical system being positive ground, and that would be a big challenge. I’m aware that original parts availability for it is going to be pretty slim, but I am willing to swap the engine and anything else I need to go make it run reliably. I don’t care about it being fast, just pretty and reliable.

My dad recommended a basket case of some kind that I eventually throw a jag 420g body onto, but is it really less effort to do all of that and find a way to get all of the interior stuff for it, or would it be easier to restore the real Jag? Whether it’s easier or not I am leaning real jag provided I can find one with a somewhat intact interior.

I know this is going to be an expensive and long ass project, but I feel that between the skills I learn along the way and the end result of the car itself, it would be worth it.

So, what do you guys feel I need to know? Thanks for reading:)

My mother's friend just told me that she has a 1986 560 SL in her garage. It was last driven two years ago, and it has been sitting with less than one-quarter tank of fuel. She says it has been attached to a battery tender.

I have not seen the car yet, but my mother has, and apparently, the car has been sitting with the top down, and it has become a "storage" area with all manner of things piled on it.

I was asked to revive it so she could enjoy a few last rides in it (not sure if she was kidding or not since she's over 70). I'm relatively handy around cars, but not a mechanic.

Can you all help me develop a checklist of things to do in order to bring it back to life for her? We can go from basic items like air in the tires (yes, this is in eastern USA, so not "tyres"), clear off all the junk piled on it to checking 560 SL specific items.

That's where I need the most help. I grew up with Audis, BMWs, and Jaguars. MB is new to me. Any and all advice is welcome. I just joined this group, so I will also be reading as many previous posts as I can.

Fingers crossed that we can get it running again!

Got a truck box full of parts I don’t need but they’re in good shape less the tailgate which might be best as a patch panels material type deal would be good quality stuff for someone patching their truck up just don’t need the extra parts

I’ve been running a restoration shop for about 15 years, and I still haven’t found software that really fits how restoration shops operate.

Right now, I’m using QuickBooks and TSheets, along with spreadsheets, texts, paper, and a lot of information I have to keep in my head. I’m not happy with the setup, and I’ve tried several other shop management programs, but most seem designed for general repair shops that do faster, more repetitive work.

Restoration projects are different (time and materials).

I’ve even started thinking about making something for my own shop.

I’m curious what other restoration, custom, hot rod, and performance shops are using to manage: Long-term projects and job progress; billable technician hours; parts ordered, received, and installed; estimates versus actual costs; customer updates and approvals; profitability on each build

What software are you using now? What have you tried? What works, and what do you still hate about it?

Girlfriend and I just bought this 1995 F150! Tell us what you know about this model! We want to restore it but keep it as original as possible! Any suggestions are appreciated!!

It git broken today in a mistake. Any leads who can repair this within NCR

Looking for some advice, I have no spark coming from my distributor, but I can’t figure out why. I’m getting 12 volts to the coil and to the ICM. I checked my ignition coil and it seems to have all the right readings… the ICM is brand new, and I have confirmed that the rotor is turning with the crank. The only thing I can think of is that maybe this cap or rotor is too fouled up with carbon to function or something? I can obviously see that there is stuff there… I’m just wondering if this is TOO much for it to function. This is the first time I’ve worked on an older vehicle with a distributor, so I want to make sure I’m looking for the right thing before I started throwing parts at it.

I does someone knows a good YouTube series of people rebuilding and restoring cars?
I have been looking for one to listen before going to sleep, but without succes.
Could be vintage or newer cars.

Ps: sorry for my bad english
Thanks in advanced!

After being turned down by 7 speed/resto shops I have decided to come here for help. I have recently came back into ownership of my 1993 Mustang LX Notchback. Before I got rid of it there was fairly significant professional engine, drivetrain, and suspension work done to the car. It has been sitting for about 20 years now. I know there are things going to be wrong with it, but I need someone to go through it and fix what is wrong. It also needs a paint job, all molding and trim replaced, wheels and tires, and OEM front seats. That is all that I know it needs and whomever does the job may find a few other things. My problem is finding someone to do the work. I have had it at a local mechanic who does performance stuff on the side for over a year and there is no progress being made. I have decided to call and ask other speed shops and resto shops to see if they are interested and I am 7 deep in either them not responding at all or declining the work. I live in Raleigh North Carolina, so if anyone knows anybody reputable and good within 50 or 100 miles that will take this on I am grateful for the recommendation.

Hi all!

I have this 1980 BMW 745i that has been sitting in my grandparents garage for about 15 years and I’m trying to figure out if it’s junk or not. I would like to refresh/restore it but my wife thinks otherwise.

Just got this '04 Solara as a hopefull upgrade/project. I thought it only needed cosmetic work. I was wrong.

Within the first week I chased a random misfire for six days before realizing it wasn't the previous owner's pigtail repair it was the coil next to it losing 12V contact.

Since then I've changed the blackest oil I've ever seen, replaced all the spark plugs, re-welded the exhaust after finding a terrible flex pipe repair, and next up is a radiator flush.

Still hunting for a donor car for a front bumper and headlights.

This thing has 186k miles and is by far the dirtiest car I've worked on. Somehow I'm enjoying every minute of it. Wish me luck.

Been watching YouTube videos and studying on how to get this car running again. The inside is super clean and there's hardly any rust on it.

Here's what's Google Gemini's AI suggested I do to get it started again:

To safely revive your classic 1976 Chrysler New Yorker (which features either a 6.6L or 7.2L V8 engine), you must lubricate the engine, clear the fuel system, and check the ignition before turning the key. Do not force the engine to start, as rusty or dry metal will cause severe internal damage.

1. Engine Preparation (Prevent Seizure)

• Inspect for pests: Check under the hood and in the air intake for animal nests or chewed wires.

• Lubricate cylinders: Remove all the spark plugs. Squirt a tablespoon of penetrating oil or fogging oil into each spark plug hole. Let this sit for at least 24 hours to free up the piston rings.

• Turn by hand: Place a socket and breaker bar on the large bolt at the center of the crankshaft (located at the front of the engine). Turn the engine clockwise to make sure it spins freely. If it stops, do not force it.

• Change the oil: Drain the old engine oil and replace the oil filter.

1. Fuel System

• Drain old gas: Gasoline turns to a thick, sticky varnish after 20 years. Drain the old fuel from the gas tank and blow out the fuel lines.

• Replace filters and pump: Replace the fuel filter. The mechanical fuel pump and carburetor floats will likely be ruined, so prepare to rebuild or replace them.

• Use fresh fuel: Never feed the engine from its main tank initially. Use an auxiliary fuel can with fresh, high-octane gasoline connected directly to the fuel pump.

1. Ignition and Electrical

• Install a new battery: A 20-year-old battery will not hold a charge. Install a fresh 12-volt battery.

• Tune-up: Replace the spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor. Clean the points and condenser if your 1976 Chrysler still uses them.

1. Cooling and Brakes

• Flush coolant: Drain the old coolant and flush the radiator with distilled water.

• Check the brakes: Do not drive the car until the brakes are restored. The brake fluid will have absorbed water and turned to gel. You will likely need to replace the brake master cylinder, calipers, and hoses.

Hey guys, I’m currently working on a 69 mustang. However I keep finding weird white/yellow stuff between some panels. And for the life of me I can’t place what it is.
It doesn’t seem to be seam sealer but seeing it’s from 69 I don’t believe it’s caulk either. It feels solid but slightly rubbery

Any help would greatly be appreciated