For many people, owning a classic car is a source of great pride. It also can be a great financial opportunity.
In one year, classic car sales at auctions topped $1.3 billion. Nearly 20,000 vintage cars are sold each year. The demand for vintage cars is driven by the growing rarity of aluminum-body cars.
Unfortunately, many vintage cars are aging in a garage and collecting rust. If you own an unattended vintage car, now is the perfect time to bring it back to life.
Read on to learn more about classic car restoration. Whether you want to turn a profit or maintain a treasured vehicle from the past, explore these 10 tips for restoring your vintage car.
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1. Thorough Inspection Is the First Step to Car Restoration
Before you jump in and start repairing components, a little preparation is required. Get your pad and pen ready and start inspecting all of the major vehicle components.
Start with the body of the vehicle and work your way under the hood. Make sure to place an emphasis on critical components like the engine and the transmission.
If the car has been unattended for a long time, there are likely both mechanical and cosmetic issues to address. Carefully document all of the observed issues and indicate the severity of each problem.
Some people do not feel comfortable performing a comprehensive inspection or prefer an independent look. If this is the case, consider hiring a professional to inspect your vintage car.
2. Frame Replacement
One of the most important determinations of the inspection phase is whether the frame needs to be replaced. Aging vehicles are susceptible to major rust, which can leave the vehicle’s structural integrity in question.
If the vehicle’s frame or floor is compromised, it needs replacement. The axle is another area that needs to be checked for structural integrity. The replacement of any of these items is a major cost driver for your project.
3. Determine Whether Professional Help Is Needed
After the inspection is complete, you need to determine who is performing the repair work. You may be capable of repairing some items on the list, while a professional is warranted for other areas.
It is important that any repair work is performed to a high-quality standard. If the intent of your car restoration is selling the vehicle, prospective buyers will be seeking the best workmanship. At the same time, high-quality repairs are critical for safety reasons if you plan on driving the car.
There are professionals that specialize in classic car restoration. Check out this website, for example, of a company that performs this type of work.
4. Acquiring the Tools to Perform the Car Restoration
Before you decide a DIY project is best, make sure to take a tool inventory. Make sure that you have the right tools to perform a car restoration.
In all likelihood, you need a complete set of sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers. Tools like sheet metal scissors and wire brushes are a must for a classic car restoration.
The vehicle’s electrical system likely needs work, meaning a voltmeter and other electrical tools are required. Depending on the scope of work, you may need tools like a blowtorch or a grinder.
5. Facilities Are Ready to Perform the Work
Where do you plan on performing the restoration work? Is there adequate space in your garage?
These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself. Space is just consideration because you may need access to industrial equipment.
For example, if extensive engine work is required, a crane and engine stand are needed. These are not items that are commonly lying around the garage.
In addition, a floor jack may not be sufficient for the work to be done. Instead, an industrial car lift may be necessary.
6. Develop a Budget
Classic car restoration may not come cheap. Rare vehicles often contain rare parts that are expensive to acquire.
Remember the thorough inspection you performed. Now is the time to assign a price tag to all of the issues that you identified. This step may take a lot of online research and a trip to a few auto parts stores. You also need to consider labor costs if a professional is doing the work.
After computing the total restoration cost, you need to bounce it off your personal budget. Depending on the condition of the car, you may not have enough money to fix everything at once.
This is where the severity assessments from your inspection come in handy. Use your budget to address the most pressing issues and save other problems for a later date.
7. Body and Paintwork
Aging vintage cars are certain to require some level of body and paintwork. Be prepared to rebuild body panels and hammer out dents.
In order to complete this step, some general knowledge of welding and metalwork practices is required. Additionally, classic cars typically have a faded look and need a complete and thorough paint job.
8. Electrical Components
For starters, a vehicle that is collecting rust and not being used needs a new battery. This is one of the first physical maintenance tasks that you should perform.
In addition, all of the wiring in the vehicle needs to be checked. Wiring degrades over time and this has a ripple effect on all of the electrical systems within the vehicle.
9. Replace Vehicle Fluids
Idle fluid is never a good thing for a car. These are minor maintenance tasks that most car enthusiasts can perform.
Prepare to replace the oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid in the vehicle. Get a copy of the vehicle’s repair manual to make sure you are using the correct products.
10. Take Your Time and Enjoy the Process
Depending on the extent of rework, car restoration is a timely process. You tackled this project in the first place because you are a car enthusiast.
Don’t forget that love of cars when you begin the restoration journey. Enjoy the process and take great pride in the work you are performing.
Wrapping It Up
Car restoration is an extensive process with many steps. Preparation is key to deciding whether to tackle a restoration project.
Make sure you have a budget in place and professional help when required. If you need help with a car restoration project, visit our website to ask a live technician now.
