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