PROJECT
WORKFLOW.
From the first purchase to the final registration plates. This is the step-by-step roadmap to a finished build.
The 7-Step Roadmap
01: Research Before Buying
Check history, WOVR status, and previous repairs. Avoid non-repairable ones.
02: Physical Inspection
Take photos, note every dent, and build your parts checklist before transaction.
03: The Reality Check
Estimate costs vs market value. Remember: multiple unfinished projects = financial ruin.
04: Verification
Check roadworthy history. Understand exactly what your local WOVR status requires.
05: Document Transfer
Ownership papers, receipts, and scheduling your first roadworthy inspection.
06: The Build Phase
Follow a structured plan. Document every lesson (and every broken bolt) as you go.
07: Registration & Review
Final certification, registration, and logging your project post-mortem lessons.
The Teardown
Strip to Understand
Carefully strip the vehicle down. This is your chance to learn everything about it. As I learned with the Mirage, stripping a car bare-bones is the best practical experience you can get through trial and error.
The Golden Photo Rule:
"Take 50+ photos than you think you need. Once the bolts, wiring loom, etc is out, you will NOT remember where that one sensor plugs in."
Diagnosis & Parts
Phase 01
The Audit
Identify broken vs ugly. Structural damage requires pro eyes; mechanical requires your patience.
Phase 02
Smart Sourcing
Wreckers for panels; New for safety (Brakes/Belts). Never skimp on the parts that stop the car.
Phase 03
Paper Trail
Keep every receipt. A clear history of all parts MUST be provided.
The
Reassembly
This is where most projects die. The excitement is gone, and you are left with a cold garage. Keep the momentum by hitting one small goal everyday.
- 1Clean every part before it goes back on.
- 2Torque every bolt to factory spec.
- 3Check grounds, most ghost issues are just bad electrical connections.