While car repair and restoration is a very exciting activity, you should know how to assess the condition of your vehicle and then establish the level of restoration you will perform. There are 4 levels of restoration for a car, each one applies individually depending on the type of project, budget, and purpose.
Car restoration is both a business and a hobby. Not only is it expensive to have a car restored, but the time needed to put it back in its original condition is also massive.
If you just found an old car at Zemotor and want it restored, this article is perfect for you.
Here are the top 10 tips for classic car fans who want to reverse the effects of time on their vehicles:
Sit down, grab a piece of paper, a relevant parts catalog for the model you want to restore, and do various pricing exercises that are within your budget. Remember that you can find references for auto parts prices online. Never deviate from your budget, otherwise, the results will be evident.
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Inspect your vehicle very carefully, from top to bottom, inside and out, use flashlights to inspect the bodywork, engine area, etc. This will help you determine the type of repairs that will need to be made. If possible take it to a shop where they can lift it up to get a good look at the conditions down below. Here you will determine if the restoration process is worth the time and money.
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After inspecting the vehicle, it is important to decide if you have a “solid car” that can be restored without the need for replacement of the chassis, axles, floors, etc. This step can save you money. By “solid car” we mean that the structure of the car is strong, as well as the floor, although a little or a lot may need repair. A completely rusty car that has the entire image compromised will eventually collapse.
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Decide if you want to work with a “friend who knows how to repair cars” or a professional. It is often recommended not to involve family and friends in these types of projects as the time and money invested in this process can cause some problems if the correct procedures are not followed. Non-professional restored cars tend to perform well for a couple of years and sometimes break down after this time.
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Approach a car restoration professional, do number exercises, and make sure they match or are close to the numbers you calculated in step one.
Decide the level of restoration:
Drive Restoration – Often done to return the car to fully functional condition, often including replacement of spare parts and minor cosmetic adjustments.
Street Show: this level consists of bringing the car to a full state of operation and repair of all major cosmetic problems (requires bodywork). If judged by a professional, it must be within the range of 80-89 points.
Car Show: Restoring a car to this state often requires professional work, if judged by a professional, the quality of restoration should bring the car into the range of 90 to 95 points.
Contest: This is the highest level of restoration of a car. All work must be done by professionals, from replacement parts to tin work. These types of vehicles are intended for museums or private collections and not to be driven. Obviously, the original car must be in very optimal condition for restoration, otherwise, a large investment will be necessary.
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Start your restoration process, if possible follow step 2 (replacement of parts and chassis adjustments). Visit a specialized workshop as often as possible to be sure of the work done. If this is not possible, send photos of your progress to a mechanic by email.
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After performing the parts replacement, visit a shop again to recheck the chassis repairs that will be needed, and determine the body repair the car will need.
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When all major restorations are nearing completion, a second detailed inspection needs to be done to ensure that all is well. Take it for a walk and check that everything is working properly.
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Remember to properly maintain your recently restored classic with the right parts and products. Many times the trick to maintaining a newly restored classic for a long time is in the last step, if the vehicle is properly maintained, over time it will become a valuable asset.
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Use original quality parts
If you are going to restore a vehicle, it is very important to make sure that you have enough budget to use original components or parts approved by the manufacturer, as these are the only ones that will ensure that the engine will work properly.
Speaking of the parts for the aesthetic part, it is also very important to use original or good quality spare parts, which have a guarantee that protects your investment and above all that give your car an impressive appearance. Never “save a few bucks” when you go to restore a car.
Failure to check the chassis and the structural condition of the vehicle. Another very important aspect is that before fixing the aesthetics of the vehicle, you must pay special attention to the chassis. Repair all the rusted and welded parts you find to reinforce your car.
Remember that the structure of your car can be the difference if you have an accident in your car, so do not skimp on expenses and make sure that the entire chassis has maximum strength as if your car had just left the agency.
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You have already finished the external restoration of your car and it looks spectacular, just as you dreamed it, however when starting the engine you have to give an innumerable number of keys and pump gasoline, in addition to that when you start the engine it just sounds bad.
It is very important that you pay equal attention to the engine and the bodywork because restoring is not just making a car look good, but also making it work perfectly.