Classic Car Restoration Planning

The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to car restoration DIY projects is that very few things will really be as simple as you anticipate. When you are preparing for the restoration, a well thought out plan of attack is the best approach. Car restoration planning is the key to the success in traveling down the road of a classic car restoration project.

Classic car restoration projects can quickly become obsessions. Purchasing a vehicle that requires restoration is an excellent way of laying your hands on a classic car and there are many tasks that can be carried out without the need for professional help.

Restoration Planning and Work Short List

Starting a new or first ever project on vehicle restoration can seem to be overwhelming an exciting all at the same time.

One of the most important issues to consider for your auto restoration is the space you will need. So many people get so wrapped up in the possibility of the project that they do not consider the comfort and organization needs of a long-term project. Let us face it, this will not be a few weeks and in most cases, you are going to go through at least few seasons of inclement weather.

It Is All About the Workspace

The ultimate space for a project is at least a 2-car garage or equivalent space with a roof. As we have discussed in the past make sure to consider the vehicle, the tools, the need for power outlets, and how to set up your garage.

You will be removing the interior, body panels (which also need to be stripped) and stored as well as new replacement parts and panels. You may also need space to remove and rebuild or replace the engine.

Outsourcing Some of The Restoration Work

Consider the project parts, for a classic car restoration, that you may need to outsource. Do you have a painter in mind? Interior restoration, which will require specialized tools? Have you given any thought to the transmission and rear axles? Many of these items are best handled by experienced professionals. Including serious engine work, such as cylinder boring.

With automotive bodywork, if you want it done right, you will either need to learn to do it yourself or farm it out to a reputable shop. The same thing goes for welding. Any shop you use make sure you get a contract.

To avoid a project that sits for years, give yourself a little time to sketch a plan and consider your options and what you will need. Some research on planning for the unexpected will help you a great deal. Do not forget to check our directory for resources near you.

The Car Restoration Dream

How many people do you know that had that dream of their father’s first car, or the truck they wanted in high school, or even restoring their grandfather’s family sedan? Now, how many of them bought a car or truck shell and it is still sitting somewhere unfinished, haunting them like their childhood dream of being a professional Hotrod builder like Dave Kindig from TV’s Bitchen Rides. I will bet there are hundreds of unfinished vintage cars sitting on blocks on the side of the house or in the garage under years of quick storage boxes with the fading dream of driving that resto-mod Camaro convertible down main street.

Let us do a little car restoration pre-planning and avoid the haunting dream of the graveyard of classic cars.

Here Are A Few Restoration Planning Guidelines:

How do you plan on using the car when completed?

Daily driver
Car Shows
Off-road
High School Reunion
Weekends and occasional cruise nights
Pebble Beach Concourse De-Elegance

How much of the work will you do yourself?

Some mechanical
Most mechanical
Some bodywork
Most bodywork

For Outsourcing Car Restoration Work

Are they an enthusiast like you, or just interested in money?
Are they easy to talk with, and are they listening?
Do they have a history of competence and quality?
What is their timeframe for completion?

Including initial cost, what is your estimated budget for this project?

Under $10,000
Between $10,000 and $20,000
Between $20,000 and $50,000
Over $50,000
Concourse Show Quality ($150k+)

How much time are you willing and able to spend on the project and when do you want it complete?

4 to 8 hours a week
8 to 16 hours a week
16 to 32 hours a week
More than 32 hours a week

These are just some of the considerations. There is no one way restoration planning for doing all the individual tasks involved. You can separate the overall project into parts and give yourself some organized breathing room:

Mechanical
Electrical
Body
Upholstery
Accessorize

Restoration Planning of Your Workspace

If you only have one workspace, try to set up two separate areas. That way, you can work on two different things at the same time. When weather or parts availability stops progress on one, switch to the other. Eventually, everything will be finished, and you can reassemble the car in reverse of above. Make sure you document everything with photographs of before and after removal for your restoration car project. This will help you remember where everything sat in its original place. Do not fool yourself into thinking you will remember in 15 months or 2 or 3 years from now. Also, beside loads of photos make sure you label everything you can as you disassemble.

Create a book and log everything. This will be of great value to you in the future and to the future owner, whether it is an heirloom build or to be sold.

Automotive enthusiasts are a supportive family of people. This holds true for most of the manufacturers as well as the builders. Do not be afraid to ask for discounts and support in exchange for recognition on social media, at shows, etc. during and after the build.

Now, to top all that mind boggling info off from above, here is a basic checklist that we hope will help on your journey.

Restoration Planning Short List

The Restoration – Do not forget to test fit all your parts

Send parts for re-chromed
Send engine/transmission to machine shop if you’re not rebuilding them yourself
Using your clipboard notes, order all replacement parts in one complete package to optimize discounts from suppliers. (Don’t forget to ask for additional discounts in exchange for mention on social media and shows)
Strip, clean, repair and paint the frame (omit if unibody car, for obvious reasons)
Replace or rebuild front and rear suspension on frame (this will be done later unibody cars. You want to paint the body first and then rebuild/reinstall the front and rear suspensions on the subframes.)
Start to strip paint off body, top and bottom
Weld in new metal, prepare body for painting.
When engine/transmission are rebuilt, install in frame (or put on home-made test stand) and run them several times to work out the bugs.
Rebuild the rear axle and install on frame (later if unibody car).
Reupholster the seats
Rebuild/repaint/replace the instruments, radio, heater box, etc.

Reassembly

Start with the mechanical parts. If you have a frame, everything is almost installed already. Otherwise, put in the engine, transmission, drive shaft, accessories, cooling system, etc. Test everything before putting on the hood.

Recommended order:

Install wiring harness
Replace the dash and all instruments and attach wiring. Test as much as possible with voltage source (battery, charger, etc.)
Fit out interior trim, carpet, headliner, accent pieces, etc.
Install front and rear glass
Re-hang doors
Install door glass, then trim panels and handles
Install seats
Fit out trunk area
Install bumpers and exterior trim
Check tire pressure
Make sure steering wheel is centered
Make sure the alignment is right

Finally

This should give you a general outline of a car restoration plan process. There are variations, of course, and you will come upon problems and opportunities that will cause you to alter this checklist. The important thing is to carefully think through your approach to each step of this process.