Hey, guys.

I recently picked up a '91 V6 3.1 with a bunch of mods. For the most part, the rebuilt Chevy crate and tranny are in fantastic shape. The body needs a ton of work. I have limited experience with auto mechanics (and zero experience with body work) so I'm feeling my way around as I begin to restore her to near-factory condition. I'm an older guy just getting into the hobby.

Can anyone offer advice on pitfalls to avoid when starting out?

Thanks!

 

If you are doing it "just for fun" then there is nothing wrong with working on a V6 car to learn. If you are hoping to ever get any return (good chance you will still lose money) on your project, then find a V8 car in as good a shape as possible. I think spending alot of money on a V6 car and hoping to get it back would be the first big pitfall when starting out.

Good luck with your project.

Leonard

 

Ok, I read your blog, and your one heck of a writer. Sounds like your trying to be one heck of a mechanic too?

From what you stated on your blog, the motor is fine, and if your happy with the 3.1 underhood, then I'd leave it be for now. The nice thing about the interior and alot of the exterior is that if you know how to swing a wrench, you can simply replace about 80% of what is wrong with little complications. That seat belt, many body panels, doors, etc, are all bolt on parts. I'd say patrol the boards and your junkyards and look to pull off and and replace what is bad.

 

Thanks. And my grandmother always told me to try and be the best at what you do.

I haven't caught up to the present time on my blog yet. Those events are actually a week old. I have already replaced the driver's side door, fender, seat belts and a few interior parts, as well. I'm learning! My only problem right now is the oil leak and I'm fairly certain it's either the pan gasket or distributor o-ring.

 

so are u gonna stick with the v6 or step up to a v8? what are you looking for performance wise? street strip? or just a good looking cruiser? if u swap to a 300hp v8 ud have a hella fun car...just my 2 cents, but state what you want the car to do and we are more then happy to give u advice on how to get there...

 

I will definitely agree that you are a very descriptive and creative writer. I could read that blog for hours.

Unfortunately, I just can't agree with calling a 3.1L car a "hot rod". My advice is to pull that thing out and drop in something with some *****. If you plan on investing any money, this is the best investment I can think of. I used to have a 3.1L Lumina, and it had little get-up-and-go, but it's just not the same as a V8.

I saw you mentioned a rattle in your driver's door on your list of problems. Well, welcome to the world of 3rd Gen F-Body owners!

Hey, if you don't want to swap out the V6, it's your car and you can do with it what you want. You still have a fun list of projects there.

 

I think I'd be happy keeping the V6 and restoring it to near-factory condition. After that (and if I live through it), I can graduate and move up to a V8.

 

Also get friendly with a paint shop. There are only a lucky few whose factory paint is still in great condition. And if you live where rust is a problem, go buy stock in the company that makes POR 15, cause you'll be buying lots of it.

 

Welcome to the world of Third Gens! I can guarantee you that your experience will be filled with joy and excitement, but at the same time you will encounter a great deal of frustration. Working on third gens is one surefire way to increase your capacity for patience and tolerance!
I agree with what people in this thread are saying about the V8 - once you get to a certain point with your car, like I did, you will want more power. I have had my 92 firebird (3.1) for over a year now, and it is completely restored at this point - drivetrain, interior, exterior, everything. She is pretty but slooow. So, a couple of weeks ago I went out and purchased an 86 z28, and I will be putting a carbed 350 in that during a full build-up. Working on cars is fun but highly addictive. The last thing I needed as a full-time college student was another money pit, but here I am, with a great summer project. I wish you a lot of luck with your project. Keep us updated with progress and lots of pictures. This site is an amazing resource for all things for our cars.
Chris
(P.S. your oil leak is probably a result of the distributor gasket or the intake manifold gaskets. When mine failed, my car dripped over a quart a day until I replaced them.)

 

I read your blog too. Quite fun but now I have to give you a ribbing. I was born in 1968 and am not yet 40 (soon!). How can you be born in '69 and be 40?



Now back to the car, I have to say that I feel like mine has been good to me all things considered. Before this car, I had a '94 Cutlass Supreme with that 3.1 liter engine. I really liked that motor! If treated well, it will do you right but NEVER be a hot rod. The weight of the F is simply too much for it.

If you are like me, you could probably care less about being the fastest in the quarter mile. No. It's about taking pride in something that is not seen often in excellent shape. I can't tell you how many times this forum has talked me off the ledge and helped out. We're kin here. At this point the relationship with my car is one dedicated to keeping my head above water with it trying to keep in in excellent shape. I want it to remain a fine example of a third gen F as long as I can.

This is not easy.

 

Keep us updated with any progress. Good luck!

 

I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

Great blog...I write for a major daily newspaper and you are as good as some of us.

Welcome to the adictive world of thirdgens. don't worry about your wife. Mine was the same way when I bought my first thirdgen. Now that I have two fixed up beauties I can't keep her out of them. I try explaining they are for show hoping she will drive her car but no good. Your wife will soon do the same one that beast turns into a beauty. That's how women are.

Sounds like you will be soon find the joy in repairing a window motor - in my opinion the hardest to remove and replace item on a thirdgen. You will also soon want to put in a V8 so starting doing your homework. The V6 will get great gas mileage but no real power and that will eventually bore you.

Good luck and revisit here often so we can see your progress.