Hello all--

Based upon the wise counsel of those of you who answered my recent/
first post, about restoration plans for our (new-to-us) '78, we're probably
going to try and tackle the brakes and suspension as one of our initial
projects. So now I'm going to ask for additional advice:

We live in an apartment complex, so we have no garage to work in, only a
covered carport area; and we can't really keep the car up on jackstands
for an extended time, due to the rules here. So I'm trying to develop the
best plan that will allow us to complete the redo of the brakes and
suspension, without keeping the car up off the ground for more than a
few days at a time.

What would be very helpful is your input on the 'workflow'--a sort of
'here's what to do first, then second, then third' suggestion. For example,
is it smarter/more efficient to tackle the suspension replacement (rear
spring, bushings, sway bar, shocks etc.) first, followed by the brakes? If
so, what's the best sequence--for example, replace the rear spring and
bushings first, then work 'outwards' towards the shocks? My goal is to try
to complete individual projects as efficiently as possible, given the
constraints we're under.

I have the time to work on the car, but due to finances we won't be able
to do all this work in one continuous period. And I do have to factor in
the need to avoid having the car up on jackstands for an extended time.
Also, I'm only average in terms of mechanical skills, so I probably won't
be able to accomplish what some of you would be able to, at least not in
the same time frame (if at all!)

Apologies for the sweeping nature of this question (and also if it would
belong better in another section of the forum)--but I figured the smartest
move I could make at the outset would be to tap into the collective
wisdom of this very helpful group...

Mechanicals before cosmetics - Chrome dont get ya home!

Look at it logically you'll have

Brakes

Steering

Suspension

Motor

Trans

Rear

None of these are 1 weekend jobs for a total resto...  Theres a resto book out there for guidance.  Its just basic info, but good luck.. 

 

My question to you would be "Do you have a friend or family member with a garage close by?" If you do, ask about using it for a little while. If you get started on this and it starts raining for a few days, that means your car will be up on jack stands that much longer. I would do the whole rear suspension first. It doesn't matter if you work from the inside out or outside in because it accomplishes one thing, the end result. It is alot easier to work on the rear suspension as a whole rather than little pieces at a time. Then I would work on the brakes one wheel at a time. 75BrownC338845.6054050926

The "borrowed" garage mentioned above would be the best to pursue as EVERYTHING takes longer than anticipated.  That said, depending on how mush rust you run into taking things apart the rear suspension rebuild could be tackled in a long weekend.

Same with the brakes.  Do an axle at a time - one wheel at a time (so you have the other side to look at as a reference).  And be prepared to do a little cursing as you're putting the parking brakes back together...!!!

Saving the rear suspension for last would give you the opportunity to soak down all the nuts-n-bolts that hold things together back there with a good penetrating oil every time the car is off the ground to hopefully make the take-a-part easier. 

And while you have the rear spring out pull the cover off of the differential to do a visual check on the inards, replace the gasket, and refill with new posi-fluid.

I don't know where you're located, but if you're anywhere near me in Michigan I offer the use of one of my pole barns for as long as you need it.  Just PM me and we can work something out!  Who knows, you might teach ME something by just watching, or helping as necessary.

You may want to consider renting a storage area to put the car in while doing the work.  Nothing is just a weekend or short term.