There’s nothing more exciting for a true car enthusiast than restoring a vintage car … well, except for finding the perfect car to restore.
Although it’s getting a lot easier to restore cars because of the availability of parts, it’s no simple process. So before you decide to undertake a restoration project, you might want to think about a few things first:
The obvious first question: Am I up for the challenge? Restoring a car takes something more than knowing your way around an engine. Vintage cars come in all different conditions. That means there are bound to be some rusty or frozen bolts somewhere. And remember, vintage cars can be easily damaged. They need a lot of TLC and extra care. So make sure you’re ready for a do-it-yourself project that undoubtedly will lead to some twists and turns beneath the hood.
The next question: Do I have time? Restoring a can needs to be a labor of love. On average, it takes about 1,000 hours to fully restore a classic car. It’s no surprise then that car enthusiasts are so protective of their rides. Even working 4 to 5 nights a week, plus weekends, the process can take about two years.
Once you have thought through those first two questions, the next step is to set a budget. You’ll need to take inventory of the parts you’re going to need. You’ll find some of those parts in junk yards. Others will need to be purchased. Once you’ve reached an estimate, add 30 percent to be safe.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional if there are things you can’t do on your own. Teaming up with an auto shop can speed up the process, and lend expertise to those detailed jobs you may not be able to do on your own.
So whether you’re planning to take the plunge and do it yourself or hand it off to a body shop, think through the project before you start. Restoring a classic car takes a lot of work. But it’s bound to be a labor of the heart.