WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION
It’s awesome to have pavement ripping power, but it’s also important that you can safely put the power to the ground and how the car handles on the road. Years ago a vehicle owner used to have few suspension choices which were either “motorboat” spongey or rock-hard. Today, performance suspensions can give you supercar handling and be smooth and comfortable at the same time. So how do you go about updating your suspension to support a high-performance high horsepower classic vehicle? When you are making an allowance for performance suspension upgrades, following are some items listed below are important considerations:
SWAY BARS
One of the quickest and simplest ways to get your car to settle down and really embrace the turns is by installing performance sway bars. The brilliance of sway bars is that they allow the vehicle to transfer weight and balance the tension from a wheel under heavy load more evenly across the width of a car while the vehicle is in motion. When there is movement or force in one wheel, it is transferred to the corresponding wheel for an even ride which helps tremendously. This also keeps the vehicle from feeling like a “boat in a storm” or “spongy” when making turns. More importantly, sway bars also assist the driver in controlling understeer and oversteer. Understeering occurs when your front wheels don’t have enough traction to take the car through the turn and oversteering is when your back wheels lose traction before your front wheels. The aforementioned can be changed for better performance by putting the appropriate stiffness on the sway bars. If you want your car to handle in turns, talk to England Motor Coach about installing sway bars to help you through the turns and improving the driving experience.
CAMBER TUNING
Camber is the angle at which the wheel and tire stand in relation to the road this may sound complex but it is not. Negative camber is typically ideal for performance driving as it keeps your tires upright and from turning outward when heavy cornering. The proper balance of positive and negative camber for your vehicle will also help in conjunction with sway bars with oversteering and understeering, improving the vehicle’s performance. The staff at England Motor Coach can work with you having your car preforming like never before.
SHOCKS & SPRINGS
Shocks and springs are a crucial portion of the vehicles foundation in regards to your suspension system, sport springs and shocks can help you boost your suspension system’s performance. Coil springs, are a popular type of spring for performance vehicles as they provide more travel within the suspension and make the effects of aggressive turning, braking, and accelerating less stressful to the driver and vehicle occupants.
WHAT IS A RESTOMOD
Modernizing classic cars and trucks has become more main stream, making restomods very in demand vehicles. For those who don’t know or have never heard of a restomod, a restomod is when the vehicle is an older model car that is modified with newer features. Restomods can range from simple creature comfort updates, such as air conditioning, power steering, power windows , power locks and even common safety features like seatbelts,(yes seatbelts were not standard on many classics) or much more involved updates, such as new engines, fuel injection , forced induction, overdrive transmissions, interior modifications, suspensions and braking systems. Restomod cars make great alternative for those who love the look and the sleek body lines of old classic cars but also enjoy the modern luxuries in today’s cars we have become accustom to.
The most often asked question is how much does it cost to create a restomod? The answer is that it depends on several factors including vehicle size, condition, the kinds of updates an owner wants and the quality of restomod the owner envisions. How clean of a classic car also has a huge determination on the cost, are you starting with a virgin car or one that has been molested before?
How to Choose the Perfect Classic for Your Needs
March 15, 2021
If you have never purchased a classic, muscle car or restomod before or you just want to do your due diligence before shelling out money for that dream car. Here are somethings to consider before you purchase that perfect vehicle.
Do your research
The first thing you should do is RESEARCH !!!! Always do your research before buying any vehicle, a classic or otherwise. There are some classics that are always going to be better purchase than others , certain models are and always will be timeless beauties. Check the market for values , you can look online at auctions , read listings of the car you have narrowed it down to and check online valuation tools. Most cars normally depreciate over time, but certain classics actually appreciate based on the options , conditions and demand. Of course, it’s always going to be a better idea to buy a classic vehicle that will appreciate over time, however buying the perfect classic car isn’t just about the money, it’s about the love of the car, the style of the car and the driving experience.
Be careful choosing a classic that is rare
Car collectors love having cars that no one else has, something about not seeing another one on the road that has an allure to it. Even though that is a wonderful feeling, you should always be careful purchasing a one-of-a-kind car. If you are considering a concept car , a car someone notable owned or a one off custom. These cars have a sexiness to them but with that beauty comes a difficult or near impossible task of finding parts if the need ever arises. Sometimes these cars can be appealing from an investment standpoint, but a very specific vehicle will have an extremely limited number of purchasers in the future.
Make a list
When you decide to purchase a classic it’s always a good idea to create a list of your favorite classic makes , models, years and carefully consider their pros and cons. Some folks even create spreadsheets with costs, repair estimates, replacement parts needed, and value. If you find a classic that you just have to have, keep in mind of the costs associated with the restoration of the project before you can even put one mile of driving on the vehicle. I know most classic car enthusiast there is probably laundry list of classics you would love to have in your garage.
GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD: WAYS TO BALLOON YOUR RESTO COSTS
March 10, 2021
We have all made mistakes and we have all spent money that we know swirled down the drain faster than a than a speeding bullet . A restoration or restomod represents a huge investment and is all to easy to throw money away needlessly.
Do not choose the resto shop by price alone
For example on a 1,000-hour restoration there is a $10,000 difference between a $60-per-hour labor rate and a $70-per-hour rate and even larger gap if the shop rate is $90 an hour. That’s not a small figure by anyone’s standards, but it should not be the determining factor for selecting a shop. Do some research on the shop to make sure the shop does the caliber of work you want and that your car will not be pushed into a corner for years not being touched. If you pay a little more in labor rates but the shop can and will complete the vehicle how you want to see it , the satisfaction of a project done right is well worth the extra cost.
Start with a total rust bucket
Serious rust issues require serious labor, which means throwing cash at the repairs. You are better off spending a few thousand more for a better-condition project car , that will not sabotage your budget repairing years of rust damage. Even though a cleaner , more solid car will cost you more upfront you will save more in the long run not repairing rust. There is not argument that there is an undeniable emotional almost unspeakable connection with cars, but unless you are starting with your long last dream car that got away, that was just pulled from a farmer’s barn, be realistic about your project car’s needs ands your budget.
Change course midstream
This is number one problem with building cars …. talk to the shop and make a plan before you start any work. If you originally sent your car in for a simple respray, maybe freshen up the interior and replace the engine but later decide on the frame-off restoration, you will be able to feel the flames from your maxed out credit card through your wallet. The shop will most likely have to backtrack their work, or redo work that has been done often redoing much of it because of your indecisiveness. The labor hours will rack up faster than the plates at an all you can eat buffet, so make your plan , all your decisions up front and do not alter them drastically.
Why does bodywork and painting cost so much? Part 1
March 11, 2021
At a glance most “clean” cars but complete and seemingly solid cars do not need much. Sure, there might be some rust bubbles here and there and some minor dings that come on a sixty year old car even if it had spent more than half of its life off the road, in storage or was being driven. We see this more often then not for someone who has never had a muscle car restored before, the bodywork , paint and mechanical estimate can be jaw drooping.
It all comes down to one thing … labor hours. Most of the labor comes in the form of prep work, disassembly , labeling parts , locating parts, inventorying missing components; not t mention the work involved in the bodywork to straighten and repair the sheet metal, block sanding the body before painting, and color sanding it afterward to achieve a deep finish. The actual gun time painting requires the least amount of time in the project there are countless hours to get to that point of the project; and, unless you’re taking the car to a scuff and shoot paint shop that may or may not mask off the fender badges, it typically takes hundreds of hours to do correctly to even get to the painting portion of the project.
Let’s say for instance your vehicle is seemingly straight, a respray can involve dozens and even hundreds of hours in preparation; and with labor rates of seventy five dollars per hour, the tally adds up quickly. Even with a minimum of 40 hours of prep work on a car with no other bodywork needs totals $3,000.00 (at $75 per hour). The costs of painting, the paint materials, reassembly , follow-up color sanding and biffing , make it difficult for a good-quality paint job on an otherwise excellent body to cost eight thousand dollars typically, it’s more since the cars are rarely as nice as an owner thinks they are.
DISASSEMBLY
The vehicle typically has to be completely disassembled before any restoration or restomod work can begin. If the owner decides to have the shop complete this task it can take 12-20 hours on the average project. Certain models and more complex vehicles can balloon up to 40 hours for this step of the project. It can be less time on a frame-on respray, but it is still labor time in the project. I would recommend setting aside at least $2,000.00 for the job, if the owner can do this step himself or herself, the less manhours will be spent by the shop which would save the owner money. Some shops will allow the owner to complete this step but others will not due to the accountability of parts , just ask the shop what their stance is on this.
BODY REPAIR
This is perhaps the most difficult thing to budget for because every vehicle’s need varies widely, but it’s safe to say almost every vehicle will have at least some sort of hidden rust or previous collision damage to deal with by the shop. With this in mind, it’s difficult to place a budget on the body work, but it can range from 20-30 hours on an essentially perfect body to over a 100 hours on a vehicle that has more rust holes than a colander. At a labor rate of $75 per hour, a mere 20 hours equals $1,500 while a more challenging project can have a 100 hours of body repair would be closer to $7500.00. Repair hours in the past have completely burned through an entire vehicles build budget before any other work can start. It is always better to start with a solid car , so that “deal” might not be so great on that classic if it seems like it will have tons of labor hours repairing rust and damage.
PANEL ALIGNMENT
After all the time is been spent on the repair work the shop will likely want to take the time to correct grand canyon of body gap tolerances built into so many of the vehicles assembled during the late ’60s and early ’70s. That means the shop has to adjusting the body panels to achieve more even gaps, the doors to the fender , the hood to the fender , trunk to the quarter panel , etc. Have you ever noticed on a classic how the gaps are all the same? Even and uniform over the entire car …. well that is a step that could add $2,000 or more to the budget depending on the time involved.
BLOCK SANDING
The smoother and straighter the body, the better the paint job will look, its a simple formula and it all comes down to block sanding. Cars can take hours upon hours upon hour upon hours of block sanding. With each round of block sanding the car could need to be primed several times to make the vehicle as flat as possible. Assuming a reasonable amount of block sanding lets say 100 hours that adds $7,500 to the budget (at $75/hour) and that’s not for a concours-level finish ,that is just for a straight body on most classics. Skipping out of this step or being a cheap ass will affect the quality of the paint job, and the overall finish of the vehicle so make sure the body is as straight as possible with in reason and your budget.
Color change is nice but
If you are not doing a frame-off/rotisserie-type/restomod restoration, think long and hard about changing the color of the car. Having the vehicles color changed properly involves more than simply painting the door jambs; it includes the engine compartment , the trunk area, the inside of the doors , the dash, etc. Choosing to stick with the original color, even if it’s not your not thrilled with it can save you thousands … if you do opt for a color change and the original color is not horrid try incorporating the factory color along with a new color for a two tone treatment.
When having a classic car restored, you have to typically choose among four kinds or levels. There are some instances where a hybrid version is needed but these will get you started having a discussion with the shop your working with.
Driver restoration – This is the most basic type of enhancement work done on classic cars and can be the most user friendly version. The mechanical condition of the car is evaluated and the drivetrain, brakes, major systems are repaired. If the body of the car has minor cosmetic issues they are fixed as well. This is a great option if you want to have a vehicle you can jump into and drive to run errands or just go for cruise.
Street show restoration – The mechanical condition of the car is evaluated and the drivetrain , brakes , major systems are repaired , the car is restored to working condition. The body has more extensive repairs completed and would have a complete paint job to make everything shine like new.
Show car restoration – This is where the car is typically torn completely down , and placed on a rotisserie for a full restoration so that the vehicle is back to the same condition it left the factory in. Everything on the vehicle is gone through , period correct parts are used , paint and body are completed sometimes taking thousands of man hours to complete. These vehicles typically aren’t driven much if at all on the roads.
Concourse restoration – This is the highest level and most expensive type of restoration of a vehicle. This is done on cars that are placed in private collections and exclusive classic auto shows , typically they are rare and valuable. The work needed to complete this type of restoration is EXTENSIVE and typically takes years to complete. These vehicles are period correct , and typically have only factory original parts. Most owners of this level of car do not drive the car, it is pushed into an enclosed transport when it travels and lives in a climate controlled environment.
To avoid spending more than you have to on restoring your old car and to be sure you will turn it into the vehicle you want, understand the different types and choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
Shipping a Classic car
Choose Enclosed Auto Transport For Your Vehicle
If you are shipping any type of classic car, you should not use an open-air car carrier these carriers can hold up to a dozen cars at once, and they do not provide any protection from the elements or road debris. They are MUCH cheaper to transport but the old say is true … “you get what you pay for” sped the extra money when shipping your car.
Yes it is more expensive to choose an enclosed auto transport provider but the cost is well worth protecting your classic. The enclosed transport will proctect your car from debris on the road , weather and well people.
Detail & Photograph The Interior & Exterior Before Shipping
This is can be one of the most important things you can do when shipping a classic car around the corner or across the globe.
Your first step should be to completely clean and detail both the exterior and the interior. This will ensure that dirt, grime and road debris don’t obscure any existing scratches or damage. You as the seller need to make sure you document its condition before you ship it incase there are any issues once the vehicle arrives to its new owner or shop. Once you have completely cleaned and detailed your car, take detailed photos of the entire vehicle, including the interior, exterior, the engine compartment, the wheel wells, undercarriage, and anywhere else that damage could happen during the vehicles journey.
This is an extremely important step because if there is damage during the cars trip , you will need to be able to prove that the damages not a pre-existing issue prior to transport. If you have taken the extra steps to take extensive photos and even video documentation of your car’s condition, you can easily prove that the damage occurred after the vehicle left you. This will assist you in getting compensation from the shipping company in the rare event that there is an issue while transporting your car.
Ensure Your Driver Uses Nylon Straps & Wheel Nets, Not Chains
This is a subject that is mostly personal preference … nylon car straps, wheel nets and other non-marring straps are strong enough to hold your car in place during shipping. There is no need to use metal chains , metal chain binders – furthermore, these can damage the chassis or body of your car during shipping, and scrape the wonderful finish off of what ever they were wrapped around. Look for a car shipping company that uses nylon straps, other non-marring straps , wheel nets, and applies them properly to prevent damage to your vehicle. I personally prefer this method of securing the vehicle , but I have in the past have had multiple cars delivered by transport companies who use chains , that being said the driver used protective covers on all the |touch” points to ensure that nothing was damaged.
Take A Look At Your Copy Of The Shipping Contract
It is always a GREAT practice to take a look at your shipment contract and review it before you sign it and commit to the service. When review the contract, make sure you look for things like guaranteed delivery dates, hidden fees and clauses for vehicle storage fees or inoperable vehicles, and other “fine print” that can lead to an unpleasant shipping experience.
Check the contract to make sure that the shipper has the proper insurance coverage to transport your vehicle, there are way to many shippers that have the most basic coverage that can simply not cover the items they carry if there is a catastrophic incident especially if you are shipping an expensive vehicle.
Remove All Personal Items From The Vehicle Before Shipping
It is a good idea to remove all personal items and valuables from your vehicle before shipping it , including things in the glove box or trunk you may hove forgotten where even there. Check the trunk for heavy items like tools that could bang around during transport and cause damage. Ensure the spare tire and jack are secured to the vehicle as well.
Modern Upgrades to Make Your Classic Car Reliable
If you are aiming to make your classic car a reliable driver, here are some upgrades to consider that will make it more practical to take your prized classic to the mall , grocery store and coffee.
Electronic Ignition
There’s a good chance that your classic car has a points ignition system, which is designed to switch the coil on/off at the right times. However, over the years the contact points deteriorate, springs become brittle and corroded. This leads to all kinds of starting , drivability and performance problems. There are several manufactures that offer complete ignition upgrades that can drastically enhance the drivability of your classic for the better. The costs are based on the vehicle and the engine combination but is an affordable change that will give your vehicle the performance of a late model car.
Air Conditioning
Several companies offer retrofit kits for almost every classic car produced that can be added to a vehicle that did not have air conditioning. Or if your vehicle was offered with air conditioning , it can be upgraded to modern standards which is more efficient. That is unless you want to shed a few pounds from sweating while you drive in the summer, upgrading your classic car with modern air conditioning is a good idea. Driving in the summer should be a great experience.
Disc Brakes
Another safe bet is that your classic car has drum brakes (either in the rear, or both the front and rear). The nice thing about drum brakes is that they provide plenty of surface to enhance stopping power. You can see this in action in some old movies: like when a large vehicle traveling at a fast speed comes to a rapid halt. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that drum brakes wear out quickly and need constant cleaning and adjustments. As such, it’s a good idea to upgrade to disc brakes. They’re easy to find, affordable to install, and much safer in the long run.
What do the Best Classic Car Restoration Shops Have in Common
Picking the right shop to restore your classic car is a big decision and a can be a huge finical commitment. The choice of a shop can be as important as deciding which car to buy. When a shop does an exceptional job it will return a classic vehicle to its former glory , like it rolled of the assembly line. The final product will delight everyone involved in the process, and meet all the expectations of the vehicle owner. It is imperative for classic car owners to partner with classic car restoration shops they can trust, feel confident in and are comfortable working with to bring their vision to life. Fortunately, all of the best classic car restoration shops have these things in common:
Specialize in Restoration
This may seem apparent , but the best places to get a car restored should specialize in the restoration and rebuilding process. There are tons of solid auto repair shops out there, but not all of them deal with classic cars on a daily basis. This may seem like a non issue but there is a HUGE difference between late model cars and classics. Make sure the professionals you decide to trust your vehicle with have experience dealing with style and vintage of your car.
Do Great Work
It is pretty obvious that an excellent car restoration shop will deliver an outstanding project. The ugly truth is that every shop will say they offer the highest quality service and sell themselves as an expert in the field. To help ensure you are dealing with an expectational shop make sure to read their client reviews, tour their facility and ask to speak to previous clients.
Share Your Enthusiasm
One of the easiest way to tell if a classic car restoration shop will prove to be a good fit is to talk with the people working there. Professionals who love classic cars , resto mods and anything in between can not help but converse about anything with wheels …. it is a disease ( a good one ) You should be able to tell if they share your enthusiasm, love and drive for classics. Every car guy or gal has the disease we automatically can tell when we are in the presence of cindered spirits.
Set Fair Prices
I mention this with a grain of salt ,some shops try to take advantage of their customers and overcharge for parts and/or services but the old saying is true “you get what you pay for”. While classic car restorations , resto mods and updating classics can be expensive and a lengthy project, a trustworthy classic vehicle restoration shop will charge fair prices and choose parts based on the over goal of the project. It’s worth saying that sometimes restoration projects end up costing more than initially projected , unanticipated damaged arises , additional work could be needed. A reputable shop will have good reasons for making those choices and those sorts of decisions will be communicated as soon as they are found. They should also be one hundred percent transparent about their concerns, rational for the changes and offer suggestions to resolve the issues as cost effectively as possible.
Communicate Effectively
It’s an understatement to say that classic cars are an investment and sometimes extremely sentimental. It is completely understandable for car owners to be concerned about their car particularly if they’ve never had a vehicle restored before. That being said, the best classic car professionals are also great communicators before , during and after your project is completed. The shop should update you on progress based on your needs, we update clients usually weekly on everything from progress , to parts delays and arrival of parts. Most clients have spent thousands of dollars and communication goes a long way and pictures of their new parts never hurts.
Stay Involved
You want a shop that welcomes your drop-ins, involvement and encourages you to check on your vehicle’s continual progress. Please be respectful if you stop in and the shop can not drop everything to assist you right away if you did not make an appointment. How can you be sure that the shop is maintaining your vision, or requests without being involved with the restoration process?
Having step-by-step photographic evidence of your vehicle’s journey will not only be a nice memento, but may be an advantageous selling feature one day.
Classic Car engine swaps
Sometimes, a classic car engine will simply be damaged beyond repair , or is not cost effective to repair. There is good news that it’s possible to add modern engine to many older vehicles, which can have added benefits of modern fuel injection along with a lower miles engine. This can change the performance of the classic car , which can be a positive outcome. These fully-assembled engines for swaps are sometimes called crate engines , they can be fully dressed with intakes , fuel injection , oil pans and everything you need to run the engine. There are several companies that offer engines complete and ready to run , you can research the many companies before purchasing one, many have warranties as well. Some classic car owners who insist on preservation and originality may not find an engine swap appealing due to the original engine not being in the car , which can in some cases lower the value of the car and change the car to drastically for a purist.
If you choose to have the engine rebuilt from scratch is a job best left to professionals, since there are crucial tolerances in the internal combustion engine. In a true rebuild, a professional will disassemble the engine in order to rebuild the engine to factory specifications, and ensure there is not damage to the main components. While many classic car rebuilds are done with the intention of restoring a classic car to its previous condition, some classic car owners may desire a custom-built engine with new mechanical features, and a gain in horsepower by utilizing better flowing heads , a larger cam shaft and other modifications. During your rebuilding process talk with your engine professional about the over goal of the combination. The question of what parts to use during the process is ultimately the vehicle’s owners choice must answered on a case-by-case basis depending on the overall project goal. It is easier to find replacement parts for popular classic cars than uber , rare and obscure ones. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that engine repairs are not the same as a total rebuild , an engine could need a simply freshening up rather than a rebuild. In some instances an unscrupulous shop may try to upsell you an entirely new engine when that is simply not needed , be sure to make sure you are dealing with a shop that has experience doing the work you want done. Classic vehicles are a wonderful and enjoyable hobby but sometimes a classis just needs a few things such as a tune up and a competent shop to fine tune and adjust the carburetor/ignition system.
Before Purchasing Your Dream Car
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.
Restoration or …. Restomod
Many people often hear the terms “Restomod” and “Restoration” being used almost interchangeably in the classic and collectible car marketplace, there is a HUGE difference between the two variations of vehicles. The decision to restore a car as either a “restomod” or a “restoration” job will usually depend on the age and value of a particular vehicle, and of course, the taste and the budget of the customer.
A true “restoration” is a vehicle that has been reassembled with the goal of bringing it back to factory-stock condition only. Cars fall into the “restoration” category when it is restored back to the exact original specifications it had when it left the factory assembly line. Enhanced performance and drivability are not part of a true “restoration.” Instead, the goal is simply making the vehicle as factory-correct as possible , including period correct parts , factory paint marks, etc. Cars that are super-rare or valuable are usually worth the most when in they are in “restored” condition. This means every nut and bolt on the car needs to be the same as original, and if the car is going to get high marks for its “restoration” job, everything on it must be compared to the original factory specifications.
Both “restorations” and “restomods” are recognized as legitimate collectible vehicle classes today, and both classes are judged separately and scored by different methods. While some of the rarest cars may be worth their most in “restored” condition, cars that are more common might be worth more in “restomod” condition, and in the end, which route you choose to take will ultimately depend on your own tastes and desires. There is not a right or wrong answer when you are asking which version of a car should be built , choose the style you will enjoy the most.
A “restomod” job is defined as a vehicle that has been put back together with the addition of new modern or aftermarket parts that were not on the vehicle when it came from the factory. This makes a “restomod” a car with a combination of both factory original parts and some new parts designed to improve the performance or appearance of a vehicle, like putting a modern engine in it to make it more drivable, or painting a car in a new color that the original factory did not offer at the time of manufacture. Restomods are be coming more popular , modern drive line with classic car body lines and style.
Wiring
Obviously if you want your car to run, wiring is a big deal. There are three options: building a custom harness, using a standard harness, or rewiring the harness that came with the engine. The most cost effective is the choice that most people make, and that is rewiring the existing harness. On the surface, rewiring might seem easy to do by yourself, but leaving it to the trained professionals is a much better idea so you can do this quickly and with no problems along the way. As complex as vehicles have become , a simply engine swap can become complex very quickly with all the features now available for your vehicle. We have extensive experience modifying factory wiring to work with your engine combination and the ability to work with almost ever aftermarket manufacture of ignition systems.
How To Get Noticed At Your Next Car Show
Generally speaking, car shows are a difficult place to shoot cars. You a have to dodge foot traffic, harsh lighting makes it difficult to get quality photos , close quarters add to the frustration and make most anything other than general shots a unrealistic expectation. That doesn’t mean however that taking a little time to prepare prior to the event won’t increase your chances of finding your ride in print, and quite possibly the opportunity for a closer look!
Here are a few tips (and tricks) to help your car stand out.
DO: Clean and detail your car. This should be a given but you’d be surprised how many really great cars get passed by because someone didn’t invest a little elbow grease into cleaning it.
Don’t: Forget the inside of the car. Look, we understand, most cars are driven to the event. Debris, grass, gravel, dust etc are to be expected. Know this and prepare for it. It only takes a few minutes once you’ve arrived.
DO: Open your windows! Anyone who is interested in your car will make the interior their second stop when checking it out. Let them see what’s inside!
Don’t: Ignore people who take a closer look, engage them in conversation they are a fellow car nut.
DO: Raise the hood. This is the eye candy. A clean, well maintained engine compartment is a must. Unless the event is closed hood only, open the hood and show off. This is the number one stop when checking out cars on the show field.
Auto Parts Supply Chain Issues
It’s no secret that there are massive delays in the automotive parts supply chain. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for auto repair shops to find even minor spare parts. In addition, many shops are having a hard time convincing customers that the issue is only because of the global shortage in automotive supply. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons automotive supplies have delayed.
The global automotive parts supply chain has been disrupted by a perfect storm of sorts. A series of events has conspired to create significant delays in the supply of automotive parts.
One of the primary issues is the ongoing pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to widespread shutdowns of factories in China. This has had a ripple effect on the rest of the world, as many automotive parts are sourced from China. The disruption to the supply chain has been further compounded by a series of natural disasters, including floods and typhoons.
In addition, there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for automotive parts, as car sales have surged in recent months. This has put even more pressure on an already strained supply chain.
All of these factors have led to significant delays in the delivery of automotive parts. This, in turn, has caused delays in the repairs of cars. Many shops are reporting that they are unable to get the parts they need in a timely manner.
The situation is likely to improve in the coming months as the supply chain starts to recover. In the meantime, shops will need to find ways to cope with the delays. This may include renting cars to customers or sourcing parts from other countries.