Should I Build an “Unrestored Christine” or a “20 footer?” 1958 Plymouth Rustoration

[@RottenBuick]

Watching. Liking. Commenting. 💪

[@Bluegrassrust]

Much appreciated. Thank you

[@shaunphillips1164]

I just subscribed to his channel because of your build! Let's get them done boys!!

[@rickteegarden5763]

I was thinking of your build when I found this one. One of my best "builds" was a really beat down AH Sprite, with several years work I turned a 50 footer into a 10 footer, and it was more than good enough for me, almost too good.

[@wreckleskelly]

I'd like to see all three. Start with piecing it together to make it look like the junker Then soft restore to a 20 footer like a movie car. Then if you are inclined further restore bits n bobs to make it better over time. Very cool project, wish you the best!!

[@geraldscott4302]

The problem with that is you have to do the same thing over and over. Choose a goal, decide the easiest way to achieve that goal, then start building, doing everything only once.

[@richardhaywood4123]

I would build the car to a good structural state,bodywork it and paint it to a reasonable standard,use and make up all the trim you have, put a good motor in it and get it on the road. Patina only looks good when it's not faked so I wouldn't go down that route,doesn't have to be perfect at all but good enough to enjoy it.

[@704406bbl]

Like they say on Barrett Jackson. "Let your money buy you happiness." What can you afford? What is your skill set? I have 4 cars. Two roadrunners a 69 Polara 4 dr. sedan like the cops used to drive and a 1957 Savoy 2 door post car. I repair them, not restore them. Drive 'em like I stole 'em! Do what makes you happy. Your money, time and effort. We'll watch the videos and cheer you on. All the best to you brother.

[@Sumntha-f4n]

I would leave it rough apart fron a couple of panels that i would make perfedt, like its slowly repairing itself

[@bobbofly]

Absolutely & *fastidiously* go after *all* rust on the frame/underpinnings & thoroughly paint/protect & do the same for all the known rot-out areas from stem to stern, from the top on down. I wouldn't go full on concours resto, but do make her nice, maybe more of a 10 footer. Mainly protect that metal from the elements. You don't want the red creeper coming back to bite you in the 🍑 down the line. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Bluegrassrust]

@@bobbofly I plan on coating the whole frame in Por-15 or rust encapsulator

[@sadie376]

Just get it pieced together & rolling first, then running. As you go along, the project will show you which way to go. If you're into these cars, I presume you've seen the Trioxin Kustoms build?

[@Bluegrassrust]

Yes, he’s been a huge motivator to get started on mine

[@sadie376]

@@Bluegrassrust Cool. Good luck with the project. I'll be watching. ;-)

[@Bluegrassrust]

@@sadie376 thanks! I appreciate it!

[@DPaint-v5j]

Personally I'd just put it all together.. make it roll. Test it. Then take it back apart and add character.. good running gear is number one. No good if broke down all the time. Good luck. Great build. 👍👍✌️🇬🇧

[@Bluegrassrust]

Planning to do a disc brake conversion, I’ve got a 440 out of a motorhome I plan to run!

[@radar468]

Nothing wrong with a good 20 footer, if your driving your dream and can do it on a budget your winning!

[@solidsnakesimulation666]

You're*

[@jimcollier7869]

I would clean up and use the parts you have, spend the elbow grease instead of a bunch of money. It will have a lot more character than re chroming and restoring everything. Plus, you can fiddle with details later. Super cool car.

[@moesizlac2596]

Christine Driver - close but usable. Right color paint, lots of ok chrome or silver or w/e. Gold paint instead of gold anodized. Nothing so nice that it's worth stealing in mall parking. Then whatever engine and suspension you want /got. Get 'er done for fun. Nothin ratty, just totally usable. Could do a manual swap down the road, maybe a more modern engine for better mpgs so you can road trip it.... Key take away: something to use and have fun with. WWVGGD (What Would Vice Grip Garage Do?) Christine goin t' town rig... spray-bomb rebuild... nothin too precious... shiny things scare me

[@Bluegrassrust]

I the the “going to town rig” idea.

[@Firebird77clone]

Not worth stealing? Have you seen the prices Christine commands? She's a harsh mistress.

[@reijerlincoln]

Make it as nice as you can in terms of time, skill, effort and money. If you don't you'll find yourself redoing things later.

[@Bluegrassrust]

Good advice. Thanks!

[@chrislewis4830]

restore mate

[@geraldscott4302]

I would do an "almost" restoration. Don't make it a total rat car, but don't try to restore it to 100% perfect either. Don't worry about little things, like pitted chrome, or homemade joints in the trim. Pieces should fit together well, but not necessarily perfect. And the paint should be good. It is not hard or expensive to make the paint look new, even if you have to paint over imperfect surfaces. Make it look as straight, and as bright and shiny as possible within reason.

[@joezura3888]

Selling it to me

[@texastony74]

Only if you sell it to me! :)

[@solidsnakesimulation666]

What do you mean by 20 footer? And I would make it like the unrestored version by using a detailed vinyl wrap instead of paint, that way you can easily change it if you change your mind.

[@Bluegrassrust]

By “20 footer” I meant “looks really nice 20 feet away! 😂

[@solidsnakesimulation666]

Ah i see 😅​@@Bluegrassrust

[@SteveG-d2y]

Well, I guess it really depends on what you want and how deep are your pockets ? Like you said, parts for these cars are grossly expensive due to there scarcity, then add the Christine Movie aspect to it and the cost just skyrockets. I recently bought back my 58 Plymouth Fury last spring after 30 years never in my wildest dreams would I thought I would own it again but here I am...and although my car is a very complete driver, there are still some items that need replacement. Now add that I live in Canada and with 95% of the parts coming from the US, add the dollar exchange rate, shipping, brokerage fees, duty and of course the good old GST (Grap n Steal Tax) and you are literally paying an arm a leg and your blood for parts. Anyway, I guess if you live in the US you are certainly in a much better position than the rest of us who own these cars and don't.