How to Restore a 1952 Chevy Two Door
- 1). Purchase handbooks, guides and magazines detailing the restoration process of classic Chevrolet vehicles. Join a Chevrolet enthusiast group in your city to find others who can offer advice or even help. The more information you can acquire, the easier it will be to successfully restore your classic Chevrolet two door.
- 2). Organize a clean work space that can accommodate your Chevrolet once it is disassembled. You will need additional space for extra lighting, equipment and labeled storage containers. Keep your work area organized. Secure a tarp to the floor to manage larger parts. Place small pieces within labeled containers.
- 3). Raise your Chevrolet with a jack, then secure with multiple jack stands beneath the car's frame. Unbolt and remove the bumpers, hood, trunk lid, front grill and the two doors. Disassemble the headlights, taillights, wheels and axles. If excessive rust is present and is making removal difficult, use grease and a large rubber mallet for assistance in removal.
- 4). Disconnect the engine, transmission, radiator and all of its components, then use a hoist to remove these parts from the body of your Chevrolet. Lay all major parts onto your tarp. Store screws, nut and bolts in the labelled containers.
- 5). Disassemble your Chevrolet's interior. Disassemble the parts and components of the console, then dismantle any interior trim. Pull up and discard the carpeting. Take out the seats. Use a Chevrolet specific re-upholstery kit to restore the seats and any interior paneling. Unbolt and remove the fenders.
- 6). Survey all components that you have removed. Then clean and restore each piece separately. Replace all damaged parts, especially metal components that are showing signs of rust. Obtain replacement parts through Chevrolet dealers, restoration merchants and automotive catalogs.
- 7). Survey for any damage along the main body, frame, trunk lid, hood, fenders, doors, grill and floorboards. Make sure that the main body of the your Chevrolet vehicle is straight and smooth. Use a portable welder to repair any scratches, holes, erosion or rusted areas. Put on protective gear prior to welding, then solder small pieces of metal onto these damaged sections.
- 8). Use a power sander to sand the exterior of your Chevrolet until smooth, then attach and rebolt the fenders. Ensure that the Chevrolet's panels are aligned, then apply a thick coat of primer to the main body. Once the primer has completely dried, paint the exterior of your Chevy vehicle in a factory color.
- 9). Restore all power components, including the engine, radiator, alternator, transmission and carburetor. Check the driveshaft, starter, axles and brake systems. Replace components as necessary. Use your hoist to place these parts back into your Chevrolet, then install them. Work slowly in order to prevent damaging these delicate pieces.
- 10
Survey and examine all electrical components, and replace any damaged wiring. Attach the headlights, taillights, brake systems and the bumpers. Install the curved windshield, mirrors and any windows. Use a re-chroming kit to re-chrome any trim along the exterior. Secure new wheels to the wheel assemblies, then remove the jack stands. Lower your Chevrolet to the ground. - 11
Install the Chevrolet's interior by first installing fresh carpeting and the re-upholstered seats. Maintain your Chevrolet's authenticity by using factory color schemes and materials. Attach the door handles, the console and all controls. If every interior component is operational, test drive your Chevrolet two door sedan in order to make sure that it runs properly.
Source...