Starting a car restoration is a major undertaking; it requires planning, time, equipment, and money. The whole idea can seem a bit overwhelming for a first timer who has made the decision to take on a car restoration project. There is so much to figure out. How do you even start a project this big?
We have come up with 10 things to know before you start a car restoration, to help you feel more prepared to take on the challenge. From choosing the vehicle, to prepping your workspace, you will learn everything you will need to get you headed in the right direction.
Taking on a restoration project can be a daunting or extremely thrilling task for a gearhead. So, let’s talk about the basics.
Choose Your Car Restoration Path
There are four basic levels of most car restoration: Driver; Street Show; Show Car; and Concours. The first thing you will need to do is decide the level you are interested in. This will determine the scope of work required to complete the job, as well as the investment needed.
Remember to take into consideration your own skill level – be honest! – so you do not end up in over your head, or with a half-finished rust bucket languishing in your garage. You will then want to decide why you want to restore a car. Are you just looking for a cool classic to turn into a daily driver, or are you more interested in weekend treks to car shows?
Time Is Money
Before you start scoping out old cars for sale, determine your budget. The more work the car needs, the more it is going to cost, so you should really know how much you are willing to spend before making any purchases. Costs can increase very quickly.
You should also figure out how much time you must devote to the project. Start with when you would like it to be finished. Do you have six months? A year? Five years? Having a clear end date will help you manage the time spent actively working on the car. To prevent procrastination, put it on your calendar. Make a work schedule and stick to it.
Finding My Car for Restoration
This is the fun part: finding the car. Think back to the decisions you made regarding the type of restoration you want to do (and can handle), and the amount of time and money you are willing to spend. Now it is time to hunt down a vehicle that fits the bill.
But where do you even look? Online classifieds like craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and neighborhood message boards are a great place to start. Estate sales, auctions, and local car clubs can also be great places to find a project car. It is also a good idea to just keep your eyes open while out in your neighborhood. Maybe that guy down the street with the beat-up Mustang in his driveway is looking to offload it?
Where Does All the Car Restoration Work Get Done?
A crucial part of the process is a place to perform the work. You will need plenty of space, and a well-ventilated area to work in. Do you have an area at home that will accommodate a vehicle restoration project of the scope you’re planning? You may be able to rent out or barter for use of some local shop space.
Make sure that there is space for all the equipment you will need (we will go over that next). You will want to have your tools in a convenient place, and a spot to store parts, along with at least one clear worktable.
What Tools Do You Have in The Garage?
You will not get anywhere in your car restoration project without the proper tools and equipment. There are several items that should be in your kit before you begin. A tip: make a plan to borrow or rent any tools that you either cannot afford to buy, or that you will only use once or twice.
We are not including a comprehensive list, as the exact tools needed will vary by project, but there are a few basic categories we suggest:
- Basic hand/power tools (wrench set, sockets, rubber mallet)
- Shop tools (creeper, drain pan, air compressor, manuals)
- Specialty equipment (strut removal tool, belt tensioner, camshaft holder)
- Support items (engine hoist, jack stands, engine puller/stand, transmission jack)
Protect Yourself from Injury
Personal protection equipment (PPE) is a must-have when working on a car, no matter the scope of work. Safety should be of the highest priority, and you should always remove jewelry, secure long hair, and avoid loose sleeves that could get caught in moving parts. Have all your PPE purchased and available before you start any work.
The amount and type of safety gear you will need depends on what kind of work you will be doing, but here are some essentials:
- Safety glasses/face shield/welding helmet
- Nitrile gloves/heavy-duty work gloves/welding gloves
- Hearing protection (if you will be working with loud tools)
- Proper clothing such as thick cotton pants, cotton work shirt, comfortable boots, or even a shop coat
- Knee pads
- Fire extinguisher with the proper rating for auto repair – “BC” or “ABC”
- First aid kit
Pick A Part, But Not Any Part
Whether you are going for a basic restoration or planning to go all out, you will need to decide on the type of parts you want, and where you will get them. Original parts are often more expensive and more difficult to find, so your budget can help you choose between original and aftermarket.
Sourcing parts can also be a challenge, so do some research to find the best options for your project. The abundance of online shops offers a wide selection, and your local auto shop is a great source for things that do not require authenticity. Do not rule out salvage yards, swap meets, and garage sales.
After you have purchased the vehicle, look for automobile spares and parts online. There are several auto parts wholesalers online who will sell you car parts at discounted rates. You could also contact junk yards to get replacement parts quite reasonable. Consider using aftermarket car parts, particularly for car hoses and belts. This will significantly lower the cost of your restoration project.
Classic Car Modernization or Customization
No matter the type of restoration you have chosen, you are probably going to want to make sure your finished vehicle is street legal. Check local laws and regulations regarding things like emissions standards and safety. While some older cars may be exempt from a lot of regulations, restoration could render that exemption void. Also, most classic cars do not have much in the way of safety equipment so some consideration should be made for upgrades.
Parts and Methods Networking
Other people are a great tool to take advantage of when working on a restoration. Meet up with local car clubs to get valuable tips and insight from people who have already done the work. Join some online forums and ask questions.
Learning from other people’s mistakes and triumphs can be very helpful for your own project. Networking is also excellent for locating hard to find parts, trusted professionals, and an extra set of hands in the shop.
Let The Car Restoration Professionals Handle That
Remember when you evaluated your own skill level? Now it is time to find some pros who can do the jobs that you cannot. You will most likely need to find a paint shop – unless you have the space, equipment, and know-how. Whatever you have determined is beyond your skills, start looking for an expert. Make sure that they have time to schedule the work you need, as you may have to wait a while.
Finally
This should give you a general outline of the car restoration process. There are variations, of course, and you will come upon problems and opportunities that will cause you to alter this planning process. The important thing is to carefully think through your approach to each step of this process.
Once you have secured your pros, you are ready to get started. As always measure twice cut once, our blogs can provide you with great resources to all aspects of the car restoration process.
Thank you for explaining that sourcing parts can be challenging. My husband is trying to restore his Mustang and has been looking into finding some parts for it. I’ll be sure to help him out so that we can work together to make this process a bit easier.