So, you have spent the summer attending car shows and now your are convinced that you want your favorite classic car restored. Choosing to restore a classic car is a big commitment. While classic car enthusiasts are typically very passionate about their vehicles, some may not quite understand everything that goes on during the classic car restoration process. As such, today we aim to provide a little more clarity on the subject. Whether you are planning to do some, or all DIY repairs yourself, or you are looking to partner with a dedicated restoration shop, this restoration agenda for classic cars will ensure your car receives all the proper attention it needs to reach its full potential.
Set Clear Objectives
Before you begin the restoration process, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from it. For instance, do you want to add new features to your classic car so that you can use it as a daily driver? Or are you more interested in creating a strict, factory-stock specific restoration? What you want from your classic car can (and should) inform how you go about restoring it. Taking time out now to answer these questions will make it easier for you to make important decisions during the restoration process.
Source Your Parts
Once you have landed on a strategy, the next step is to source quality parts. Since classic cars are typically 40+ years old, almost all restorations require some replacement parts. Unfortunately, you are not likely to find such parts at your local auto parts store. Rather, it is key to source high-quality OEM and/or aftermarket parts before you begin the restoration. Keep in mind that the quality of the parts will typically have a significant impact on the overall quality of the restoration. What is more, using low-quality, worn, or otherwise unsuitable parts in a classic car restoration could prove problematic and may even pose a safety threat in some instances. That is why it is so vital to ensure all parts used in a classic car restoration are either high quality already or have been refurbished accordingly to ensure their viability.
Cover All Bases
Restoring a classic car is a huge undertaking. Completing a classic car restoration from start to finish requires a diverse skillset and tons of specialized knowledge. Unfortunately, not every restoration shop or individual can address every aspect of the classic car restoration process. When restoring a car, it is important to choose a shop that has the expertise to manage your entire restoration. Therefore, partnering with correct professionals who truly understand every component of the restoration process can be so advantageous.
Sweat the Small Stuff
The difference between a shoddy restoration job and a perfect one often comes down to a set of intricate details. Yet, even small factors can have a considerable influence on a classic car’s appearance, performance, and value. To help you get a better understanding of what a thorough restoration should look like, here is a list of items to be covered on your restoration agenda to restore your classic car:
Car Restoration Agenda Checklist
Mechanical
- Assessment of all mechanical system for repair or replacement.
- Full mechanical restoration of stock systems.
- Complete system upgrades.
- Stock mechanical system restoration and/or upgrades (i.e., suspension and brake systems).
- Engine swaps (such as rebuilds or crate engine installations).
- Fuel system restorations (includes fuel tank cleaning or relining).
- Tune-ups and engine calibration.
- Transmission rebuilds and upgrades.
- Rear-end differential assessment and rebuilding.
- Electrical system troubleshooting and restoration.
- Steering systems assessment, reconditioning or replacement.
- Complete A/C system installation. (If desired)
- Air ride system installation. (If desired)
- Select wheels and tires; recondition as needed.
Body Work
- Vehicle disassembly.
- Parts inspection, labeling, and proper storage.
- Remove the vehicle’s paint and old body work manually or with media blaster.
- Vehicle etched and primed to protect bare steel.
- Rust is properly removed, repaired and dents are removed from the body.
- Assess and repair structural frame components.
- Floors are repaired or replaced as needed.
- The vehicle is primed and then finished.
- All panels are test fitted and adjusted.
- Determine condition of all bright metal work for replacement, or repair and re-chroming.
Interior
- Seat restoration or recover.
- Custom seat covers.
- Headliner replacement.
- Center console restoration or replacement.
- Custom consoles.
- Sound system installation (optional).
- Install sound deadening material either to stock or modern specifications.
- Trunk compartment finish.
- Interior painting or dying.
- Carpet replacement.
- Dash and gauge restoration.
- Convertible top frame restoration.
- Convertible or vinyl top replacement.
- Convertible top rear window replacement.
Paint
- Etch, prime, and seal vehicle after stripping.
- High build primer after body work.
- Block and sand the entire vehicle.
- Sand and buff.
- Paint underside and undercoat vehicle if desired.
- Paint and clear vehicle include all jambs, under hood, and under deck lid.
- Finish polish.
- Other painting of various mechanical components including: engine, transmission, and rear-end as well as other parts as desired for restoration.
Know When to Outsource
Some classic car enthusiasts may begin the classic car restoration process because they think it will be a fun diversion. However, as we have established, classic car restorations are comprehensive processes. While you may be able to complete certain aspects of a classic car restoration on your own, it is important to recognize when you need professional assistance. In fact, partnering with the right restoration shop is the best thing you can do to protect the safety, performance, and appearance of your classic vehicles.
Finally
Taking on a classic car restoration project can be a tremendously rewarding experience, or it can be an excruciatingly painful process that seems to never end with the result usually being your dream car sitting somewhere in pieces. Setting your restoration agenda before getting knee deep in parts and problems is a safe way to stay on plan and target for a successful project.
Multiple lawsuits Filed Against Defenders Northwest LLC, Brian Hall and Michele Hall” ”Automotive Restoration Fraud: https://youtu.be/30h_NSiTXWA
Washington Land Rover Restoration Shop Faces 7-Figure Fraud Charges
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/washington-land-rover-restoration-shop-faces-7-figure-fraud-charges/particle-1
As legal Findings Alleged against Brian Hall and Michelle Hall for Defenders Northwest LLC and its owners, Brian T. Hall and Michele A. Hall are being sued for car restoration fraud. The copy of the complaint is here. There are various news stories about the scam. https://intpolicydigest.org/a-lawsuit-roils-the-defender-world/ International Policy Digest. A Lawsuit Roils the Defender World. Land Rover Defender enthusiasts pay top dollar for fully restored vehicles so when one company engages in shady business practices people take notice.
Washington Land Rover Restoration Shop (Defender Northwest LLC.) Faces 7-Figure Fraud Charges
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/washington-land-rover-restoration-shop-faces-7-figure-fraud-charges/particle-1
I had my car restored at Defenders Northwest LLC Gig Harbor, WA, but the service was unsatisfactory. The work was delayed, and some of the parts were still not functioning correctly. When I raised my concerns with the shop, they were dismissive and unhelpful. I would not recommend this shop for car restoration services.
The car restoration service I received from a local shop (Defenders Northwest LLC. Gig, Harbor, WA) was unsatisfactory. The work was delayed, and the final result was subpar with some parts not functioning correctly. When I contacted the shop about my concerns, they were unhelpful and dismissive. I strongly recommend avoiding this shop for car restoration services.
A local Car Restoration Shop (Defenders Northwest LLC. – Gig Harbor, WA): According to the promise they made, the repair work was supposed to be completed within a week. However, it seems like the process is taking longer than expected due to the unavailability of certain parts required for the repair. It is quite frustrating as it would have been better if they had communicated the delay upfront, so that we could have made alternative arrangements accordingly.
Defender Northwest LLC. Gig Harbor, WA, A local Car Restoration Shop. I’m extremely dissatisfied with their communication. I’ve been waiting for several weeks to receive the necessary parts, which they have to order from another source. They haven’t given me any timeline for when the work will be finished, and they are not responsive to my texts or phone calls. This level of customer service is unacceptable!