Car restoration isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be impossible, either. As long as you properly plan your inspections, replacements and repairs, it can be an engaging and worthwhile endeavor. Here are just six tips for taking some of the stress out of your classic car restoration.
1. Decide on the Car Type
Unless you have a beautiful 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra waiting for you in your grandfather’s garage, you’ll want to browse classics cars for sale to figure out which will be your next project. Look at things like parts availability, resell value and projected restoration price.
2. Set the Scale of the Project
Once you’ve decided what to restore, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get it done. For example, do you want it to be a fully-functioning vehicle that you can drive around town, or are you just restoring it for display at car shows? The former will take much more work than the latter.
3. Collect Your Parts
Try to find as many parts as you can before you actually pop the hood and start working on your classic car. This will prevent you from getting elbow-deep in the engine and realizing that you still need a particular piece that will take two weeks to ship from Germany.
4. Evaluate Your Vehicle
Take a flashlight over every inch of your intended. How’s the frame? Where do you need to put new steel body parts? Does the interior require replacements, or can you just clean it? Make sure you thoroughly inspect your car before sinking significant amounts of time, money and effort into it.
5. Watch Out for Rust
Rust is the worst enemy of classic car restoration. It builds up everywhere, and if it consumes the car’s chassis, you’re looking at thousands of dollars in repairs. Keep a watchful eye on your vehicle for rust and rust damage.
6. Ask the Experts
If you’re having trouble with your restoration project, it’s okay to take a few questions to a professional mechanic. Even if you want to do all the manor labor yourself, their expertise can prove invaluable if you’re stuck, lost or just worried about something under the hood.
These are just six tips for restoring a classic car. Remember, while the process can be time-consuming, the gleam of a fully-restored 1961 Jaguar will be worth it.
