If you have decided to restore dad’s old sports car, there are many challenges ahead of you. The project might seem simple enough at the start, but as you become more and more involved, new obstacles will present themselves one after the other. Having said that, car restoration can be extremely rewarding, especially when the project is complete and you roll the vehicle out of the garage, and if you have the drive and determination to see it through, here are some helpful hints to help make the project a success.
Location
The site you choose to restore the vehicle should be suitable, and one should not forget access and security. If you are lucky enough to have a double garage at home, then one side of it can be turned into a workshop, and the project will literally be on your doorstep. Failing that, you could rent some self-storage space nearby, which is the next best thing.
Disassembling the Car
First you should remove the battery and the fuel tank, then the front and rear bumpers, along with the chrome strips that are always evident. It is a good idea to label everything you remove, and hanging hooks are a great way to store delicate items.
Create a List
There will be many components that must be either repainted, re-chromed or polishing, and it pays to create a list of all the parts that need the same finishing. Some people prefer to use stick-on labels, which can also be colour coded, for easy identification. The level of restoration obviously depends on the condition of the vehicle, and with all the time in the world, the restoration can begin.
Transportation
No doubt the body will need to be resprayed, and therefore, you will need a car transporter trailer to take the car to the paint spray shop, and then back to the garage once it has been completed. You might be able to borrow one, but if restoring cars is something you love doing, there are online suppliers of new and used units, and you might as well buy your own as it will be used often.
Tools and Equipment
You will need an impressive set of wrenches and socket sets if you don’t want to experience annoying delays while you source a tool, and also you might want to buy a small chain winch, to enable the engine to be removed and refitted. Most car restoration projects are hobbies and there are no deadlines to meet, and it might take a few years to complete, but it will be worth it.
Outsource
There will be certain things that would be best left to the professionals, such as engine rebuilding and bodywork spraying, but if you have a knack with mechanical things, you might want to do everything yourself.
One really should cost out the project before commencing work, as you don’t want to be halfway through the project and run out of money, and if everything has been carefully prepared, the car will soon begin to take shape.