Get The Motor Runnin’: Important Tips For Restoring A Classic Car

Ever dreamed of owning a classic car? Of course you have! Whether it’s Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 or Starsky and Hutch’s Gran Torino, we all have an image of that classic car we’ve always wanted to own. Finding these cars, of course, can be something of a challenge, to put it lightly. Much of the time if you want to experience a car like that you have to go for a reproduction model. Which is all well and good but doesn’t quite have that same spark as the real thing. The other option then is restoration. What could be better than owning your classic dream car? Own your classic dream car that you’ve lovingly restored back to its former glory. But classic car restoration is no small feat. You’ve got to know what you’re doing and be willing to put in the time and effort. Here are just a few tips to help you get started restoring your dream car.

Know your budget
It’s not just important to know your budget. It’s important to stick to it too. Restoration can involve a decent financial investment so you’ll need to get a good idea of the condition of the car before you start. Knowing the car’s condition can let you figure out what you’ll be spending. Plus, if you make sure to inspect the vehicle carefully, you can make sure that you’re not in for any nasty, not to mention expensive, surprises down the road. Remember, you’re not just paying for the car itself, you could well have a lot of stuff that needs paying for throughout the process.

Can you get hold of spare parts?
The chances are that the car you’re restoring isn’t exactly new. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to check the availability of spare parts before you make any commitments. The last thing you want is to buy the car and get started before finding out that a crucial part doesn’t exist anymore and needs to be custom made. Things like that are a sure fire way to eat into your budget in no time. This will depend on the age and model of the car itself but whatever you’re going for, make sure you do your research before hand.

Beware of rust
There’s a chance that the car of your dreams is more of a beaten down rust bucket by now. Be wary of purchasing a car that’s heavily rusted. Rust damage is not only time consuming but can be pretty expensive to repair. If your heart’s set on the rust bucket, then you should be ready to strip off and sandblast the entire chassis. It’s also worth looking into powder coating the vehicle, which provides excellent protection to keep it rust free for years to come.

Get an expert on board
You’re probably pretty dedicated to the idea of bringing your beloved car back to life by the sweat of your brow alone. But remember that there are professionals out there who can help. Unless you happen to be an expert mechanic, you’re probably going to want to consult someone who a bit more know-how. You don’t want your pride being the reason your car gets three feet from the driveway before falling apart.