Are you the kind of woman who simply adores automobiles? Could you be a lady who lives and breathes cars? Are you setting your sights on restoring a classic car?
If you want to embark on a classic car restoration journey, then you should read this article. Below, we have put together salient tips about what you should know and consider when restoring classic vehicles.
Fierce and Fabulous
Some girls grew up surrounded by cars. Others began their love affair with motor vehicles later in life. Whether your fondness for cars started early on or you only discovered it recently, the fact that you have fallen in love with anything and everything related to automobiles will surely drive you to explore more about it.
The world of automobiles is filled with variety. There are numerous models and makes. Variants come in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Car designs vary from the most austere to the incredibly unique. Features range from the simplest knob to the most advanced technological innovations.
All these elements are factors for choosing a car that you want to own. It will both be a challenge and a thrill to tick off these boxes when you shop for a classic car. The criteria will seem more extensive because you also have age and use to contend with; afer all, you are looking at pre-loved vehicles.
However, if you are determined to have a classic car sitting prettily in your garage, then worry not. Whether you want to drive it for your ladies’ day out or enter it in a competition, here are some surefire tips to help you find – and maintain – the best one that suits your taste and preferences:
1. Do Your Research
If you’re not sure how to go about the process of restoring a car, then doing research would help. There are several resources where you can gain information and insight into the intricacies of classic car restoration.
One path that you can take is to read books or other printed materials about the subject. You can go to your local library, purchase from a bookstore, or go online. You can also borrow from people that you know.
Online articles and videos and audiobooks are also available for you to get the information you need.
Classic car restoration forums are another avenue that you can explore. These are brimming with stories of personal experiences from classic car owners and fans that you can learn from. Furthermore, this is a more interactive medium where you can chat directly with other enthusiasts.
You can also check if there’s a classic car community in your area. These groups usually hold talks or get-togethers to discuss anything related to classic cars.
2. Find the Right Car
Whether you already have a specific car in mind or have just stumbled upon something ideal during your research, finding the right vehicle is no easy task.
Aside from evaluating your personal preferences, you will also need to be wary of unscrupulous deals. When you are looking for a car to restore, you must only deal with reputable classic car vendors.
Do you have a specific make, model, or year in mind? If so, you should also take into consideration the availability of spare parts. Aside from that, you have to ask yourself if you have to have original spares. Remember, these can be antique models, so some may already have been phased out.
You must be ready to face the reality that if you’re gunning for an all-original classic car, there’s a chance that you might not get all-original spare parts.
3. Choose a Professional Car Restorer
One of the most important decisions that you have to make is choosing a classic car restoration facility to trust.
Restoring vintage vehicles requires experience and expertise. You cannot simply entrust your pet project to just anyone. It has to be a group of professionals who have in-depth knowledge of classic cars. Seasoned experts can help you with the technical aspects and bring in valuable insight that can make your classic car ownership more enjoyable.
More importantly, established classic car restoration centers will have the right equipment and correct tools to bring your classic car to life. They can take care of every nut and bolt for you, so all you need to do is look forward to an exquisitely restored classic automobile.
4. Decide the Extent of Restoration
How far are you willing to go on your car restoration journey? Depending on the car’s current condition that you want to restore, there are also varying restoration levels to be done.
You can just opt for frame-on restoration for classics that are relatively in good condition and still street legal. This won’t require you to remove the whole frame off the body, which means it will take less time and also cost less. You will also be able to maintain the original fit and finish that it had when it first rolled off the factory.
Other vintage models may need more work. Dilapidated or grossly neglected classic vehicles may need to undergo frame-off restoration. This is a full restoration job that will require taking the whole frame off the body so restoration work can be done on the car’s internal parts.
Aside from refurbishing the chassis, every nook and cranny of your vintage car will be restored to a “factory-fresh” condition. The engine and other electrical, mechanical, or technical parts may need to be fixed or overhauled. Similarly, the interior upholstery may need to be changed or, should you want it, personalized.
5. Consider your Budget
Lastly, you need to consider your budget. You do not go into classic car restoration without being completely aware of the financial aspect.
Depending on the extent of restoration work to be done, you need to be ready to pour a considerable amount of money into the project. Antique parts are not easy to come by, so some may need to be sourced from other places. Because of the rarity of other classic car components, some parts may fetch a rather handsome price.
If a car is beyond restoration and you can part with it then simply sell the vehicle at a local junkyard.
Classic Beauty
Restoring an old and perhaps clunky automobile can be demanding, yet rewarding. The key is to invest time, effort, and resources to effectively give your classic car a new lease on life.
When choosing to go down this road, you must partner with a reliable car restoration team. This way, you are sure that every second and all the energy that you spend on the project is all worth it.
AUTHOR BIO
Ahmad Ramadan is a Managing Partner at Deutsche Technik Service Center, Dubai’s first and largest VW, Audi, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, & Lamborghini vehicle specialist and performance tuner. DT has also built an illustrious portfolio in classic car repair, maintenance, and restoration, as well as bodywork (accident repair, painting, and denting). DT Service Centre offers a full range of services: mechanical repairs, maintenance, servicing, etc.
