How to Properly Restore an Old Classic Vehicle

 

 

 

@salon prive concours UK;

 

Classic cars have that charm that their modern equivalents simply don’t have. Nowadays it is all about the future, about realizing our dream of flying cars, even if our vehicles are still on the ground. They are aerodynamic, efficient, and sleek.

That is why they can never compete with the beauty of a classic car. They weren’t built for efficiency, and while they will guzzle gas like it’s no one’s business they are uniquely stunning. Sexy, even. With their shape, with their color, right down to the old-school white encased steering wheels.

You simply cannot buy them like that anymore, which is why you will need to restore one.

PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE; @pebblebeachconcours.net/

Find that Perfect Classic Vehicle

Unless you are restoring a vehicle that has been in your family for decades you will have the freedom to be choosy. There are a lot of old classic vehicles out there that are just dying to be restored and brought back onto the road. Choosing the right one now will help cut costs throughout the entire project, especially if you don’t have the know-how, garage space, or tools to handle an extensive restoration project on your own.

A good vehicle to buy as a novice, for example, is one that ideally just needs some cosmetic work done and some fine tuning in the engine. If it needs extensive mechanical work, or new parts like doors or windows, the costs are going to go up astronomically.

You can find the right vehicle by going with a professional to evaluate the car, or alternatively to send the vehicle to an evaluator when you think you have a good option. This way you can know what needs to be done before you commit.

Create a To-Do List

Knowing what needs to be done and getting that done are two different things. Generally speaking the steps you will want to take go in this order:

  1. Assess the damage
  2. Fix the body of the car
  3. Remove all rust manually
  4. Polish and restore the chrome pieces
  5. Note and fix damage upholstery
  6. Clean, fix, or replace items on the dash
  7. Clean and repair the engine and drivetrain
  8. Replace worn down belts and wires
  9. Change the tires
  10. Install an efficient exhaust pipe.

There might be fewer steps, or more, depending on the condition of your vehicle.

@mille miglia; @1000miglia.it

DIY or Hire a Pro

Some things can be done on your own, others will need professionals for the job. For example, if you want to restore that beautiful, glossy cherry red color of your classic vehicle then you won’t want to use the options in your garage. Instead, you’ll want to invest in a ceramic coating from Set Auto Care to do the job right.

An easy tip to follow is: if you feel out of your depth, get it done by a professional. Even if you do know what you are doing having someone else check over it, especially if it is something as important as the engine or transmission, is the safe thing to do.