Image source: @american_muscle_cars_official
Choosing the right classic will depend on your time, money and, importantly, the condition of the car you are restoring. While most pistonheads say ‘yes’ to any project car, knowing if you can make it will mean the difference between a truly successful restoration and one doomed to fail.As the saying goes, failing to plan is to plan to fail.

Image source: @american_muscle_cars_official
Us pistonheads are always looking for the next car restoration project. It's easy to take on a handful of old cars and start working on them, but finishing the task is always the hard part.A fully restored classic will be your pride and joy, and like many of our ‘stories’ illustrate, the finished article will be much more than just a restored car — it will be your baby.

A classic restoration begins once you have your project truck or car, tools,parts and supplies, a defined budget and a dedicated work space. You'll have to think about the layout next. As a rule of thumb, old car restorations will require a two-car garage space as a bare minimum. Plus, you'll need extra space when you're taking out the interior. Body panels will be stripped down to the barest metal parts and stored in safe areas where it won't rust or get damaged. Replacement panels will need their own area as well.

Ask yourself the following as you plan an old car restoration:

How are you going to use the car?

• Will it be a daily car that you drive to work?
• Will it be a cruise car or something you'll only use on weekends?
• Do you intend to show it on parades and car shows?
• Are you planning to do off-road competitions or four-wheeling with it?

How much is the total budget, including the initial costs?

• Under $5,000
• $5,000 to $10,000
• $10,000 to $15,000
• Beyond $15,000

What’s your planned yearly mileage?

• Under a thousand miles
• 2,000 to 5,000 miles
• 5,000 to 10,000 miles
• Beyond 10,000 miles

How much time per week will you be able to spend on the project?

• Anywhere between 4 to 8 hours
• 8 to 16 hours
• 16 to 32 hours
• Beyond 32 hours

How much work will you be doing yourself?

• A bit of mechanical
• Almost all the mechanical
• A bit of bodywork
• Most of the bodywork

Here's a short guideline if you're planning on outsourcing classic car restoration work to a professional auto shop:

• Ask if they have prior experience or knowledge working on the particular car make or model.
• Do they seem genuinely interested in restoring classic cars, or are they simply in it for the money?
• Ask questions and see if there's a flow of communication. Notice how they listen and respond to your questions.
• Check and see if the auto shop has good reviews and has done quality work - ask for some pictures and testimonials.
• How much auto work can they handle at the same time?