| Classic car restoration is one of the most | | | | run some numbers and make sure they match or |
| rewarding activities a car enthusiast can perform. | | | | are close to the numbers you ran on step 1. 6. |
| Transforming a "seemingly old car" back into a | | | | Decide the level of car restoration: * Driver |
| classic vehicle in all of its glory is nothing less than | | | | restoration: is often performed to get a car back |
| art. While this is a very exciting activity a car | | | | to a fully functional and operational condition, they |
| owner must know how to properly evaluate the | | | | often include part replacement and minor |
| condition of a car and then establish the level of | | | | cosmetic adjustments. * Street Show: this |
| restoration to be performed to such vehicle. | | | | restoration level involves getting a car into a fully |
| There are 4 levels of classic car restoration, each | | | | working condition and repairing all major cosmetic |
| one should be applied individually depending on the | | | | problems (body work is required). If judged by a |
| kind of project, budget and purpose. These are | | | | professional it should fall within the 80-89 point |
| the top 10 tips for those classic car aficionados | | | | range. * Show Car: restoring a classic car back to |
| who want to reverse the effects of 'the sands of | | | | this form often requires professional work, if |
| time' on their vehicles: 1. Sit down, grab a piece of | | | | judged by a professional, there restorations and |
| paper, a parts catalog which would be relevant to | | | | labor quality will fall within the 90-95 point range. * |
| the model you want to restore and run some | | | | Concours: this is the highest level of car |
| numbers within your budget. Never deviate from | | | | restoration possible. All the work should be done |
| it, otherwise the results will be obvious. 2. Inspect | | | | by professionals, from part replacement to body |
| your car very carefully, top to bottom, inside and | | | | work. These type of cars are intended for auto |
| out; use strong flashlights to inspect the trunk, | | | | shows or private collections and not to be driven. |
| the engine area, etc. This will help you see the | | | | Obviously, the original car to be repaired must be |
| kind of repairs needed to be done to this vehicle. | | | | in quite optimal condition to achieve this stage, |
| If possible take it to a car shop where it could be | | | | otherwise a major investment is necessary. 7. |
| lifted to take a good look at the condition from | | | | Start the restoration process, if possible follow a |
| beneath. Here you will determine if a the | | | | 2 step procedure (part replacement and chassis |
| restoration process is worth the time and money. | | | | adjustments). Visit the car shop as often as |
| 3. After inspecting the vehicle, it is also important | | | | possible to make sure the right work is being |
| to decide whether you have a 'solid' car which can | | | | done. If this is not possible then have your |
| be restored without replacing the entire frame, | | | | mechanic send you periodical picture updates |
| floor, axles, etc. It would amaze you how this | | | | through email. 8. After the part replacement |
| step can save you major dollars (Euros, Yens, | | | | process is done, visit the shop again to re-inspect |
| etc.). By 'solid car' we are inferring that the car | | | | the chassis repairs needed, if sheet metal patches |
| structure should be strong, as well as the floor; a | | | | are necessary then remember to document the |
| little rust can be repaired but a completely rusty | | | | places where they are to be applied. 9. When all |
| car which has the entire frame compromised will | | | | major restorations are done run a close and |
| eventually crumble. 4. Decide whether you want | | | | detailed inspection just like it was done during the |
| to work with a "friend who knows how to repair | | | | second step to make sure everything is OK. Take |
| cars" or a professional. It is often recommended | | | | it for a ride and see if it works correctly. 10. |
| not to involve friends and family on such projects | | | | Remember to give proper maintenance to your |
| as the time and money invested on this process | | | | newly restored classic using all the recommended |
| may cause some trouble if the right procedures | | | | parts and products. The trick to getting newly |
| are not followed. Cars restored by people other | | | | restored cars to last for a long time lies within the |
| than professionals tend to run well for a couple of | | | | last step, if the vehicle is properly maintained, in |
| years and in some cases start to breakdown | | | | time, it will become a valuable asset and a sure |
| thereafter. 5. Have a car restoration professional | | | | head turner. |