Classic Car Restoration Basics

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Classic cars are the prized possessions of their owners. While buying a classic car in pristine condition without breaking the bank can be near impossible, you can always look for classic cars for sale listed on online auction websites such as AutoBidMaster.com. Buying a classic vehicle from online salvage auctions lets you own your dream car at an affordable price. The challenge that remains is getting it restored. Continuing on the subject, we present some expert advice for classic car restoration.

Things to Inspect when Buying a Car

For a smooth car restoration project, it is essential to possess as much information as possible about a car before you zero in and purchase it. Start by carrying out a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Pay special attention to the frame of a car; if the frame is corroded or heavily damaged, it can be expensive and painstaking to restore the car. Try to avoid cars that have suffered from frame damage.

Prerequisites for a Car Restoration Project

A copy of the original car manual will be immensely helpful in your restoration project, giving you many insights on rebuilding the car. So, before you start your project, get the original manual of the car.

It is important to buy all the necessary tools needed for your project. Do not use make-due tools, as doing so might risk your damage to your car parts and you may also end up injuring yourself. High quality tools are key.

If you buy a rare car that needs specific parts or tools that are no longer available in the market, simply reach out to car clubs, car shows or other classic car owners. You can also find some classic car mechanics who will either lend you tools or sell you necessary parts.

Finding a Supplier for Car Parts

The best way to find a supplier for your classic car is to rely on the Internet. Sites such as Quora, Reddit and so on can help you find a reliable auto parts store near you. Watch out for postings about the quality of parts available at a certain supplier before buying. In addition, there are several classic car club newsletters that have ads for reputable restoration shops. You can also reach out to your local mechanic and have a chat about your car restoration project. Often times, they might point you in the right direction for the parts you need.

Essential Tools and Equipment for Restoration

Restoring a classic car is a complex project that requires a well-equipped garage. Having the right tools and equipment is a must if you want to have a successful project. First, you’ll need a reliable set of basic hand tools, including wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and sockets. This is essential for any car restoration project.

Power tools are also important in classic car restoration. Also, an air compressor is essential for powering pneumatic tools like impact wrenches, spray guns, and sanders. A good-quality drill, angle grinder, and welding machine are also important for more intensive work, such as cutting metal, grinding surfaces, and welding.

For bodywork and paint, specific tools like a body hammer and dolly set, paint sprayer, and sanding blocks are necessary to restore the car’s exterior. 

In addition, a car lift or jack stands will make it easier to access the underside of the vehicle. This will allow you to work on the suspension, brakes, and exhaust system safely.

Safety is also pretty important in a car restoration project. Essential safety gear includes gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and a respirator mask, especially when working with chemicals, paint, or power tools. 

Having a well-organized workspace with proper lighting and ventilation will make the restoration process more efficient and enjoyable.

Different Areas of Restoration

A car has a number of different areas that have to be covered when it comes to classic car restoration. Some of them include the engine, suspension, bodywork, etc. So, let’s cover them in detail.

1. Engine Restoration: Bringing the Heart of the Car Back to Life

The engine is the heart of any classic car, and restoring it to its former glory is often the most challenging part of the restoration process. Engine restoration begins with a thorough assessment of the engine’s condition. This includes checking for wear and tear, leaks, and other issues that may affect its performance.

Then, the engine has to be disassembled. You need to keep everything organized during disassembly. Every deep restoration requires cleaning and machining the block, replacing worn components, and refurbishing the head or heads if this is a V6 or a V8.

In addition to this, you might also need to replace other components, such as the carburetor, fuel pump, or ignition wires. Choosing OEM components is really important to retain the original classic car character.

Then the engine should be professionally reassembled and tested accordingly.

2. Bodywork and Paint: Restoring the Car’s Exterior

The exterior of a classic car is often what attracts most attention, making bodywork and paint restoration a critical aspect of the project. 

First, inspection is done and damage estimate begins. Then, the body of the car has to be stripped from rust.

This is often done with a grinding tool on cheap projects, or with sand blasting on more expensive projects.

Holes are patched or complete panels replaced in the process. This is essential because painting a classic car requires a clean metal, free of any rust or other imperfections.

After painting, the car’s exterior should be carefully reassembled, including the installation of trim, emblems, and other details. A well-executed bodywork and paint restoration will not only improve the car’s appearance but also increase its value and longevity.

3. Interior Restoration: Reviving the Cabin’s Original Charm

Restoring the interior of a classic car is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about preserving the car’s original charm and comfort. 

Interior restoration begins with assessing the condition of the seats, upholstery, dashboard, and other components. Common issues include cracked dashboards, torn seats, and worn carpeting.

One of the first steps in interior restoration is to remove the old upholstery and trim. Then take these pieces to professional upholsterers who can bring them back to life.

Attention to detail is really important in interior restoration. Even small elements like the steering wheel, shift knob, and seatbelts contribute to the overall authenticity and comfort of the classic car. 

4. Suspension and Brake System Overhaul

The suspension and brake systems are critical to the safety and performance of a classic car. Over time, these components can wear out or rust out if the car was sitting for decades in some cases. A thorough suspension and brake system overhaul is a must in order to put this vehicle back on the road.

Suspension restoration typically involves replacing worn-out shocks, control arms, struts, and bushings. 

Brakes are perhaps the most important safety feature on any car, and replacing the rusty rotors or drums should be a top priority. This may involve replacing brake shoes, pads, rotors, and calipers. As well as rebuilding or upgrading the master cylinder and brake lines. 

A properly restored suspension and brake system will give you confidence in your classic car’s ability to handle the road safely and comfortably, whether you’re cruising down the highway or driving through some twisty roads.

Detailing and Finishing Touches: Making It Showroom-Ready

After all the hard work of restoring a classic car, the final step is detailing and applying the finishing touches that will make the vehicle showroom-ready. Detailing involves a thorough cleaning and polishing of the car, both inside and out, to highlight the beauty of your restoration work.

Exterior detailing includes washing, waxing, and polishing the paint to bring out its shine. Chrome trim, wheels, and glass should also be meticulously cleaned and polished to a mirror-like finish. 

Don’t forget to clean the engine bay and undercarriage. These areas are often overlooked but contribute to the overall presentation of the car.

Interior detailing will bring a new life to the upholstery, dashboard, and various other surfaces inside the cabin.

Special attention should be given to small details like door handles, knobs, and vents, ensuring everything looks and feels new. Adding original or period-correct accessories, such as floor mats or a classic radio, can enhance the authenticity of the interior.

When done right, detailing and finishing touches will make your classic car restoration stand out, in your local Cars & Coffee. This is the final step in bringing your classic car back to life, ready to be admired and enjoyed for years to come.

Things to Consider when Working on a Classic Car

Brakes: You must ensure that your car has a properly functioning brake system and make it a priority to restore it before taking the car out for a spin.

Gas Filter: Always buy a new gas filter when restoring a car and discard the old filter regardless of its condition.

Cleaning Parts: Before assembling the car, make sure that every part is cleaned with mineral spirits and brass wire brushes. Avoid cleaning parts with gasoline. In the end, you can use a starting fluid such as ether for a paint-ready clean surface.

Labeling: Labeling your car parts is much recommended and slightly less popular advice. Label every single part on your car as soon as you’re done cleaning them. We suggest getting note cards that come with wires attached to them. Use a pencil to write the notes and spray Cosmoline on the notes before sticking them to the parts. While a pencil is oil-proof, Cosmoline makes it waterproof, so your labeling will last without fading away.

Wrap Up

Car restoration is a labor of love that demands patience and skill for a successful project. Go forward with a car restoration project only if you can commit yourself to the whole process. If you’re an avid motorhead who enjoys collecting classics, your best bet buying them is when there are repairable salvage cars for sale. AutoBidMaster.com is an online car auction platform where you can find many classic junk cars for sale. Buy your desired model of a classic car and dive into a car restoration project. If you have any questions, call us at +1 (503) 298-4300, or fill out our contact form. To get started with our online car auctions, register now.