It’s estimated that there are 5 million classic cars in the US. Considering there are almost 331.5 million Americans, count yourself lucky if you have one yourself!
Now, just because you have one of these special vehicles doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in the best condition possible. So you might be looking at doing some car restoration at home to get this beauty up and running again.
If you’re considering rebuilding a classic car, then you’ll want to read on. We’ll show you how to get started!
Get a Car
Obviously, if you don’t already have a classic car, you’ll have to get your hands on one first before you can even think of restoring one!
If you need some ideas, it’s not a bad idea to visit some classic car shows. Not only will you get a chance to possibly buy a vehicle, but you might also make some friends that’ll be good contacts for later!
As a beginner, you might want to start off with a car that’s already partially restored. It might cost a little more up front, but there will be less work for you to do. There will also be fewer parts to buy, so you can actually save money this way!
Find Parts
Check your car to see which parts need to be replaced and restored. Some old parts can be salvaged, so don’t throw them away just yet.
Otherwise, call the local salvage yards to see if they have matching parts for you. This will be the most cost-effective way to perform classic car repair.
Purchase Tools and Equipment
The basic tools and equipment you’ll need to perform a car restoration include:
- Screwdrivers
- Wrench
- Drill
- Floor jack
- Electrical tools
- Jack stands
- Blowtorch
- Grinder
- Welder
If you’re not sure how much you’ll need these things, it might be a better idea to rent tools and equipment rather than buy them. Or better yet, see if you can borrow them from your friends and family!
Take Lots of Pictures
Once you’ve taken your car apart, it can be hard to remember what went where, and what it looked like as well. So make sure you take plenty of pictures and mark everything before you get started. That way, if you get lost in the process, you can always refer back to these images to get your bearings.
Plus, it’s nice to have before and after pictures once you’re done with your car restoration!
Start Rebuilding a Classic Car Like a Pro
Rebuilding a classic car might be difficult for some people. But we can’t deny that once you get into classic car restoration, it’s highly rewarding to see a functional and pristine vehicle before your very eyes.
So if you’re lucky enough to have a classic car, why not give restoring it a try? The results will be amazing!
Want to learn more about doing car restoration on a budget? Then check out our other blog posts on this topic!