If you have finally taken the step to restore a classic car, the most important thing before beginning a classic car restoration is the preparations. Whether you are restoring the car for nostalgia or to resell the car, being prepared will make the process more organized and allow you to effectively complete your goal. These five tips will help begin the process by guiding you through the basics of what you will need to complete the restoration.
A Garage
Before you begin a classic car restoration project, the first and one of the most important things you will need is a garage. Take the time to clean out the garage, because you will be spending quite a bit of time in there, you will want to make sure everything is organized. This will help the restoration process go more smoothly and quickly. As you are cleaning and organizing the garage, take an inventory of your equipment and tools. The garage must have good lighting and power.
Manuals
Find out everything you can about the type of classic car you are restoring. Make sure you have all of the manuals, which can often be found on online auction sites.
Resources
Having access to great resources is one of the best classic car restoration things you can have, especially if you are a first time restorer. There are several classic car organizations that make excellent mentors throughout the process of restoration. Finding the parts may be a difficult process, so a beneficial resource will be getting familiar with the local scrap yards and auto parts stores.
A Budget
Preparing a realistic budget is probably the most important preparation step in the restoration of a classic car. A classic car restoration project is often an ongoing project, so you should establish a monthly budget and plan your budget according to your financial abilities. Having a budget is essential for several reasons; it ensures you complete the project, ensures you do not overspend and most importantly, it ensures you do not exceed the actual value of the car.
Tools and Equipment
Throughout the restoration process, you will need a variety of tools and equipment, including:
Keep in mind that a classic car restoration is a rewarding, but time-consuming project, so one of the most beneficial and useful things you will need for the project, is patience. Always take your time and do the best work possible, carefully read the original manual and take all steps possible to use original parts and restore the car to its original beauty.
A Garage
Before you begin a classic car restoration project, the first and one of the most important things you will need is a garage. Take the time to clean out the garage, because you will be spending quite a bit of time in there, you will want to make sure everything is organized. This will help the restoration process go more smoothly and quickly. As you are cleaning and organizing the garage, take an inventory of your equipment and tools. The garage must have good lighting and power.
Manuals
Find out everything you can about the type of classic car you are restoring. Make sure you have all of the manuals, which can often be found on online auction sites.
Resources
Having access to great resources is one of the best classic car restoration things you can have, especially if you are a first time restorer. There are several classic car organizations that make excellent mentors throughout the process of restoration. Finding the parts may be a difficult process, so a beneficial resource will be getting familiar with the local scrap yards and auto parts stores.
A Budget
Preparing a realistic budget is probably the most important preparation step in the restoration of a classic car. A classic car restoration project is often an ongoing project, so you should establish a monthly budget and plan your budget according to your financial abilities. Having a budget is essential for several reasons; it ensures you complete the project, ensures you do not overspend and most importantly, it ensures you do not exceed the actual value of the car.
Tools and Equipment
Throughout the restoration process, you will need a variety of tools and equipment, including:
- Air compressor
- Impact wrench
- Creeper
- Grinder
- Paint stripper
- Hand tools
- Lift
- Auto jig
- Dent puller
- Transmission stand
Keep in mind that a classic car restoration is a rewarding, but time-consuming project, so one of the most beneficial and useful things you will need for the project, is patience. Always take your time and do the best work possible, carefully read the original manual and take all steps possible to use original parts and restore the car to its original beauty.