How to Restore a Classic Car For car enthusiasts and collectors alike, restoring a decrepit old automobile is something both cathartic and beautiful. Those who have worked with any sort of machinery from yesteryear or on once drivable cars can truly appreciate how a non-functional vehicle can transform into something chic and wonderful, accompanied by whispers from the past. But how does one go about this process? How are we to commence such a daunting task if we are but mechanical novices and automobile neophytes? The answer is simpler than you might think.
Getting Started First things first. You must establish three things before you undertake a full restoration of a vehicle. You must have enough time, enough money, and enough ambition. In fact, the time and money issues are really not as imperative as your level of motivation.
Selecting your Wagon After you have decided you can handle such a leviathan task, you must first select a car. Select a vehicle that fits your personality and perhaps a model that you are moderately knowledgeable about. Then you must start finding and buying parts. Do not let this step in the process discourage you no matter how limited your car expertise might be. The internet supplies us with endless resources and options for procuring the right parts for the right vehicles. You don’t have to be an antique car-part savant, you simply need to know how to navigate your web browser, and if you are reading this we are off to a good start.
Seek Advice Another important tip is to seek out advice and direction from others that share your passion. The good thing about passionate people is they are usually apt to share their knowledge with any and every person who cares to listen. And if you are a beginner there are certainly myriad people out there, online who know more than you. Take advantage of this.
You must however be cautious online. Before ordering expensive items from unknown dealers, make sure to check your local vehicle salvage centers. There you will likely be able to find the occasional gem at a discounted price.
Budget, Budget We mustn’t forget the importance of the almighty budget. Of course the amount you are willing to spend on your project will vary from person to person. You just want to make sure and devise a plan and stick to it. Restoring a car can become a money pit if you are not careful and fastidious in your planning. If you are looking to save some pennies the best advice is to do everything yourself. Don’t fret when you screw up or have to backtrack a little bit. Enjoy the time you have working with your hands transforming something that was once discarded and bereft of use into something swanky and functional. Once you finally get your baby restored and on the asphalt, don’t forget to insure it. Cruise on over to Western Pacific Auto Insurance in Henderson for the coverage your baby deserves. Photo Credit: Chris_J, Beverley Goodwin