Classic car collectors know their passion for iconic vehicles can require substantial investments. Car restoration can also become more of a chore than anticipated. However, if you love owning and investing in classic cars, then exploring the restoration process may also be a welcomed challenge.
Whether you’re interested in a particular make and model or are simply exploring options, some essential tips will help begin the restoration process. Here’s some crucial advice to consider:
Research Your Restoration Options
If you’re serious about restoring an old car, research is imperative. Some types of vehicles are better for restoration than others and the process can vary greatly with different types of vehicles.
For example, if you’re seeking a classic sports car, more restoration is likely than the process of restoring a classic sedan. Of course, determining a budget can influence a choice of a restoration project.
Hire A Professional
If you decide to restore a classic car, consider hiring a professional to do some of the work. An expert with mechanical and previous restoration experience can expedite the process.
According to Jeff Bauza, one of the biggest pitfalls of classic car restoration is not hiring a professional when they’re needed. If you’re unsure which professional to hire, online reviews and guides provide information on the best companies in the industry and also the companies or individuals not to hire.
Understand The Costs
If you purchase a classic vehicle and are ready to begin the restoration process, knowing how much to expect the entire process to cost is important but not always easy to determine.
Restoring a vehicle can include unexpected challenges and additional costs. It’s important to know the average price of another restoration of another car of the same make and model year. The restoration or your new classic may not include exactly the same work. In fact, it’s unlikely. But knowing and understanding others’ costs is helpful.
Regular Maintenance
Once the restoration is complete and the vehicle is ready for driving, it’s important to keep it regularly maintained. It will help ensure the vehicle’s longevity. Even basic car maintenance helps.
Keeping a classic vehicle properly maintained will help deter regular potential problems that can often hamper classic cars. By understanding and preparing for potential problems and getting the common issue fixed when they occur, the vehicle’s value will be at its best if and when you decide to sell it.
Content provided by The Weekly Driver News Service and other sources.
Article Last Updated: October 1, 2022.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.