Making the decision to restore an old car is not one that should be taken lightly. The entire process from researching, planning, and executing can take months, if not years, to complete. Therefore, it’s important that you know what you’re getting yourself into before you decide to dedicate your time and money towards restoring an old car.
To help you in your endeavours, we’ve created a list of five essential things you should consider when restoring an old car. Keep reading to find out what they are…
Outline Your Goal
Before you get started, it helps to have a clear and conscious goal. What do you hope to achieve from this restoration? Do you simply want to develop your skills? Maybe you want to upgrade an old vehicle and make it your own. You could even want to restore a classic and sell it to the highest bidder. Knowing the answers to these questions can help guide the rest of your decision-making process.
Define a Budget
One of the most important things when it comes to restoring a car is determining a budget. This hobby can be rather expensive, so make sure you know where your money is going, especially if you hope to sell the car for a profit. We recommend you set a figure and then set aside an additional 30% for any unexpected setbacks.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools will make all the difference when it comes to successfully restoring a car. You’ll be in need of equipment such as the best grease gun and engine hoist that money can buy. This will make restoring any vehicle feel like a breeze.
Availability of Parts
No matter how much you would like to restore an obscure and classic car, it may not be possible if there are no parts available. Before you sink a sizable amount of cash into purchasing a vehicle, make sure that you can get your hands on the parts you may need for the restoration process.
Hold on To Everything
When you tackle a car restoration, it’s likely that you need to dissect the car entirely before you can start putting it back together. You never know when you’re going to need that tiny screw you removed a few weeks ago. We recommend you keep a close eye on every part and store everything away in an organised manner. Invest in a parts bin and label the pieces as you go. Restoring an old car is a complex process that involves many steps. Therefore, it’s vital that you are meticulous with your planning and organisation as this is the best way to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Above all, you should remember to enjoy the journey every step of the way. The process is one of the best parts about car restoration. If you’re planning on selling the final product in order to finance your next project, make sure to reach out to a professional that can advise you when setting a sale price.