For lovers of old cars there is nothing much better than finding a classic in need of some tender loving care and restoring its former glory. If you are interested in starting your own collection, experts suggest you begin slowly. You need to consider what shape the vehicle is in and how much money you are willing to put into it. The advice about classic car restoration Spokane WA pros offer newcomers is important.
The first thing to do is give the vehicle a thorough inspection. You must look it over from top to bottom, inside and out. You will need a flashlight to inspect the trunk and under the hood. If possible, you should take it to a body shop, so they can lift it up and look underneath it. You want a vehicle that has a solid structure. If you have to replace the floors, axles, and frame, it may not be worth the cost.
There are four levels of restoration. It is up to you to decide which level best suits your goals. The first, and least, is simply returning the auto to drivable condition. For this you will be replacing parts and doing minor cosmetic work. To get to street show level, the car has to be repaired completely. That includes body work and a cosmetic overhaul.
If you want to be able to enter it into shows, you are going to need a professional to do the restoring. Judges will be looking at quality when it comes to the labor involved. Concours is the highest level. These are the cars you see at prestigious auto shows, and the ones that go into private collections. They aren't meant for driving.
If you know something about cars, or have friends or family members who do, you might be tempted to handle the restoring in your own garage. Most experts advise against this. Problems can occur if someone makes a mistake that costs time and money. In addition to that, repairs made by those other than professionals tend not to last.
Restoring old cars is not inexpensive. Before you tackle a project, you should get a parts catalogue and go through it, marking each part you will need, including paint and materials to make cosmetic repairs. Keeping to your budget is important. It isn't a good idea to try and use alternative parts to save some money though.
Don't just drop the car off at the mechanic shop and wait for a call. You need to check on the progress periodically. If it's not possible to physically inspect the vehicle, you can have the mechanic take pictures and email them to you. Maintaining the automobile will be your responsibility.
If you love old cars, you probably also love the idea of restoring them. The process can be as exciting as the finished product. You will be proud of your investment, no matter which level you restore it to.
The first thing to do is give the vehicle a thorough inspection. You must look it over from top to bottom, inside and out. You will need a flashlight to inspect the trunk and under the hood. If possible, you should take it to a body shop, so they can lift it up and look underneath it. You want a vehicle that has a solid structure. If you have to replace the floors, axles, and frame, it may not be worth the cost.
There are four levels of restoration. It is up to you to decide which level best suits your goals. The first, and least, is simply returning the auto to drivable condition. For this you will be replacing parts and doing minor cosmetic work. To get to street show level, the car has to be repaired completely. That includes body work and a cosmetic overhaul.
If you want to be able to enter it into shows, you are going to need a professional to do the restoring. Judges will be looking at quality when it comes to the labor involved. Concours is the highest level. These are the cars you see at prestigious auto shows, and the ones that go into private collections. They aren't meant for driving.
If you know something about cars, or have friends or family members who do, you might be tempted to handle the restoring in your own garage. Most experts advise against this. Problems can occur if someone makes a mistake that costs time and money. In addition to that, repairs made by those other than professionals tend not to last.
Restoring old cars is not inexpensive. Before you tackle a project, you should get a parts catalogue and go through it, marking each part you will need, including paint and materials to make cosmetic repairs. Keeping to your budget is important. It isn't a good idea to try and use alternative parts to save some money though.
Don't just drop the car off at the mechanic shop and wait for a call. You need to check on the progress periodically. If it's not possible to physically inspect the vehicle, you can have the mechanic take pictures and email them to you. Maintaining the automobile will be your responsibility.
If you love old cars, you probably also love the idea of restoring them. The process can be as exciting as the finished product. You will be proud of your investment, no matter which level you restore it to.
About the Author:
When you are looking for the facts on classic car restoration Spokane WA residents can visit our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.ebelsautorepairinspokane.com/Classic-car-repair.html now.
No comments:
Post a Comment