For some, brand new is always better. But for others, there is just something great about a product history. This kind of love for antique or vintage is translated to car lovers, too.
The most popular classic cars in the U.S. include the 1968 Pontiac Firebird, 1970 Chevrolet Camaro, and the 1969 Dodge Charger. Though classics are now having brand-new versions like the 1967 Ford Mustang, for others, nothing beats the original. However, some classic cars have seen better days and may need some tender loving care.
Defining car restoration
An original car is a car that has all original parts; it means that no replacement in any part of the car has been done. Though repairs and maintenance may have been done, parts have never been replaced for original cars.
Restored cars, on the other hand, are cars that have been brought back to their original setting. The best restored cars are those with original factory parts that are new old stocks. However, these parts are not easy to locate and it takes time and money. For this reason, most car restorations use parts that have the same characteristics as the original but are manufactured recently.
The goal of car restoration is to repair and refurbish cars that have the same look as the original and operates the same way it used to operate. Restoring requires a big commitment; homework is necessary before choosing to start the process.
Why Restore Vintage Cars
Restoring can increase an old car’s value and also give a car owner a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. As restoring a vintage can be tough and challenging, one will certainly feel a sense of pride after finishing it. Also, it can be a learning process and a part of self-improvement.
If one is into it for profit, there is some money to gain by purchasing a fix-it-upper classic vehicle and then restoring it. Additionally, most classic cars are excellent vehicles that are great for driving. Moreover, as classic cars are not easy to find, they are unique pieces that owners can be proud of. Some vintage cars have specific identities connected with them; Ford Mustang, for example, is known as a muscle car, while a vintage Land Rover is known as an adventure vehicle.
Things to consider
Before going through the process of car restoration, one needs to think over certain considerations. This includes what you want to do with the car, its current condition, and the budget you are willing to allot for the project.
Moreover, you must ask yourself the purpose of restoring a car, whether it is for personal use, for display, or for getting into vintage car shows. For others, it is a dream fulfilled to own a vintage car; others may find sentimental value in an old car. As mentioned above, it can be also a form of investment.
For those who want to restore a car for entering competitions, original style and color must be kept intact. Those who just wish to restore a car for their own consumption may do as they please with the car.
How to restore vintage cars
There are a few steps to restore vintage cars like finding the right car, the right parts, and finally going through the process of restoration. For old cars that may have accumulated rust and dirt, or just simply removing old paint, sandblasting services may be necessary.
As mentioned earlier, car restoration takes time and budget. Just searching for the right car and parts will take a significant portion of one’s time; time takes money, too. In addition to money spent on parts, money can be spent on transportation while getting some of these parts.
However, there are steps to finish the task without spending all of your money.
Restoration on budget
The smartest way to cut back on restoration costs is by buying a classic car that needs lesser work. There are some old cars that have been partially restored. Another way to go around it is by buying a cheaper classic car that needs complete restoration; it can cost less initially, but beware that this may cost more as the restoration process progresses.
For the parts, salvage as much as you can in the car that you have. Vehicle salvage centers may be able to provide you with cheap parts for a similar vehicle model that you have. Going online may be an alternative way of finding parts and it could be cheaper, too. Joining car collector groups online may be a good avenue in finding cheaper parts.
There’s always a way to go around things as long as you want it. Even with a limited budget, car restoration is possible as long as you find the right contacts.
