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.
Image source: @american_muscle_cars_official
Making the motor run will be a bit more difficult if you have no experience with the vehicle's make or model. Success will largely depend on a number of factors, including mileage, engine and mechanical condition, damage and more. If the engine is original then you may not want to start it; instead, you can haul it out and do a separate rebuild before putting it back in.It's perfectly acceptable (and in some cases, necessary) to outsource some restorative processes to a professional auto shop. For example, interior restoration may be sent to a car shop that has specialty tools. Fixing the rear axles and transmission is best left to the experts, and if you come across complicated engine work, it's best to ask the professionals for help.
Image source: @muscle.car.america
We know as a fact that poor planning can turn the whole thing into a tedious, exhausting and drawn-out affair. In order to prevent this from happening, you can set a monthly schedule with deadlines and short term goals to give you momentum. Start with the things you can do, then go from there.After planning the time and money, add approximately 30% more to the total budget. It's best to prepare for any eventuality that might come your way.
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?