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One of the most important things you'll need to address when working on a classic car restoration is space. So many projects end up in failure simply because they don't have enough real estate. At the very least, you'll need a garage or something similar in order to do a complete car restoration.Imagine taking apart an old car and having hundreds, even thousands of parts lying around. You'll need adequate space to lay them all out on the floor. Then comes the part where you'll work on these individual parts, which in itself requires a separate workspace.Suffice to say, you will need to rent space that's sizeable enough to contain the automobile and its innards (or, have a generous friend lend you their two-car garage for a span of time). Keep in mind that restoring a classic car can take upwards of two years or so to complete.

For starters, you will need a good set of open-end and socket wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers. When shopping for wrenches, look for established brands that offer lifetime warranty. Tools will definitely take a beating, and replacing one at absolutely no cost when it breaks is an excellent proposition. Aside from that, you'll need to buy wire brushes, drills, sheet metal scissors and a variety of electrical tools, including a saber saw, a grinder and a drill, amongst others. Don't forget to add a bench vice that has a 3-inch jaw as a minimum. This will serve you well and in many instances when you're working on various automotive components.Your layout of space should accommodate the following specialized tools- a welder, a torch, a few jack stands, an air compressor, a floor jack, an engine stand and an engine crane. As a rule of thumb, it's better to rent out this specialized equipment unless you're confident that you'll be using it again outside the classic car restoration project.If you are buying then it's in your best interest to purchase a compressor first, which opens up air tool and painting possibilities. You can get a good-sized compressor for approximately $300, while spray guns and air tools are available for cheap at any hardware store.

Air compressors are a dime a dozen, and choosing the right one pays off in huge dividends. The size of the air compressor will depend on the kind of work you intend to do. If you're planning to paint or do some light air work, then a small-sized unit should do nicely. For all-around jobs, then a 2 HP compressor with a 20-gallon tank should suffice, as it can deliver 4 cubic feet of air at 90 psi per minute. Most air compressors run at 220V, but you can have it wired for 110V. In any case, your workshop should have an available 220V socket to prevent delays.Write up a list of air-powered equipment you'd like to own. Then, find out what the requirements are for each piece. Your compressor should be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements. Double-stage compressors will have more power and are more efficient than the single-stage ones. Plus, they work more quietly, can handle more pressure and typically have longer lifespans than single-stage equipment. Last but not the least, there are double-stage compressors sold in oil-free configurations, which lessens paint gun contamination.Whether you're buying compressors on wheels or upright ones, it's best to get a demonstration first before committing. Demos can eliminate potential future problems such as noise concerns and whatnot. You can shop around for the best compressors at popular retail stores such as Walmart, Home Depot, Harbor Freight Tools, Sears, and others.