Choosing to restore a classic car is a big commitment and can be a very expensive process. While classic car enthusiasts are typically very passionate about their vehicles, some may not quite understand everything that goes on during the journey of restoring a vehicle. As such, today we aim to provide a little more information on the subject. Whether you’re planning on doing some do it yourself repairs , or perhaps you are choosing to partner with a dedicated restoration shop, hopefully this will assist you to ensure your car receives all the service it needs to reach its full potential.
Set A Clear Goal for Your Project
Before you begin the restoration/resto mod/cruiser project, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve during your journey.
1. For instance, do you want to add new features to your classic car so that you can use it as a daily driver? Modern Driveline ? Air Conditioning?
2. Or are you more interested in creating a strict, factory-stock specific restoration? Period correct parts ?
3. What you want from your classic car can assist you in making decisions before you start your project
4. Taking time out now to answer these questions will make it easier for your to make important decisions during the restoration process and allow you to save wasted time , expense and head aches during your project.
5. Set a realistic budget for your project , beak down the costs on a sheet of paper. Below are some of the items you will encounter during your build
- Full mechanical restoration of stock systems.
- Complete system upgrades.
- Stock mechanical system upgrades (i.e. suspension and brake systems).
- Engine swaps (such as rebuilds or crate engine installations).
- Fuel system restorations (includes fuel tank cleaning or relining).
- Tune-ups and engine calibration.
- Transmission rebuilds and upgrades.
- Electrical system restoration or troubleshooting.
- Complete A/C system installation.
- Air ride system installation.
- Vehicle disassembly.
- Part inspection and storage.
- Remove the vehicle’s paint and old body work manually or with media blaster.
- Vehicle etched and primed to protect bare steel.
- Rust is repaired and dents are removed from the body.
- Floors are repaired or replaced as needed.
- The vehicle is primed and then finished.
- All panels are test fitted and adjusted.
- Seat restoration or recover.
- Custom seat covers.
- Headliner replacement.
- Center console restoration or replacement.
- Custom consoles.
- Sound system installation (optional).
- Trunk compartment finish.
- Interior painting or dying.
- Carpet replacement.
- Dash restoration.
- Convertible top replacement.
- Convertible top rear window replacement.
- Convertible top frame restoration.
- Etch, prime, and seal vehicle after stripping.
- High build primer after body work.
- Block and sand the entire vehicle.
- Paint and clear vehicle includes all jambs, under hood, and under deck lid.
- Sand and buff.
- Undercoat vehicle.