Top 10 Tips for Classic Car Restoration

Classic car restoration is one of the most5. 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 ato the numbers you ran on step 1.
classic vehicle in all of its glory is nothing less than6. Decide the level of car restoration:
art.* Driver restoration: is often performed to get a
While this is a very exciting activity a car ownercar back to a fully functional and operational
must know how to properly evaluate thecondition, they often include part replacement and
condition of a car and then establish the level ofminor cosmetic adjustments.
restoration to be performed to such vehicle.* Street Show: this restoration level involves
There are 4 levels of classic car restoration, eachgetting a car into a fully working condition and
one should be applied individually depending on therepairing all major cosmetic problems (body work
kind of project, budget and purpose. These areis required). If judged by a professional it should
the top 10 tips for those classic car aficionadosfall 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 catalogby a professional, there restorations and labor
which would be relevant to the model you wantquality 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 therestoration 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 theshows or private collections and not to be driven.
trunk, the engine area, etc. This will help you seeObviously, the original car to be repaired must be
the kind of repairs needed to be done to thisin quite optimal condition to achieve this stage,
vehicle. If possible take it to a car shop where itotherwise a major investment is necessary.
could be lifted to take a good look at the7. Start the restoration process, if possible follow
condition from beneath. Here you will determine ifa 2 step procedure (part replacement and chassis
a the restoration process is worth the time andadjustments). 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 importantdone. If this is not possible then have your
to decide whether you have a 'solid' car which canmechanic send you periodical picture updates
be restored without replacing the entire frame,through email.
floor, axles, etc. It would amaze you how this8. 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 carrepairs needed, if sheet metal patches are
structure should be strong, as well as the floor; anecessary then remember to document the
little rust can be repaired but a completely rustyplaces where they are to be applied.
car which has the entire frame compromised will9. 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 aduring the second step to make sure everything
"friend who knows how to repair cars" or ais OK. Take it for a ride and see if it works
professional. It is often recommended not tocorrectly.
involve friends and family on such projects as the10. Remember to give proper maintenance to
time and money invested on this process mayyour newly restored classic using all the
cause some trouble if the right procedures arerecommended parts and products.
not followed. Cars restored by people other thanThe trick to getting newly restored cars to last
professionals tend to run well for a couple offor a long time lies within the last step, if the
years and in some cases start to breakdownvehicle is properly maintained, in time, it will
thereafter.become a valuable asset and a sure head turner.