Car Restoration 101: What to Remember Before You Begin

Whether you’re looking to repair a car that was in an accident, fix up a classic ride, or just want to learn more about vehicles, car restoration can be a fun and rewarding pastime. But if you’re new to restorations, the prospect of rebuilding an entire vehicle can seem daunting. This guide will help you get everything in order so your first restoration project goes as smoothly as possible.

Pick the right car

You don’t want your first project to be a total rust-bucket that’s nearly impossible to find parts for – especially if you’re doing this as a hobby. Search the classified ads and Craigslist, talk to local car clubs for leads, and keep an open mind. Make sure to get a car that’s solid, complete and rust-free. If you have a car you’re eyeing, learn as much about it as possible before you buy, including what parts are used. The internet and automotive manuals are a big help for determining what’s needed and what’s available.

Space and Tools

The next most important things are having a good space to work in and good tools to work with. If you don’t personally have an adequate garage, ask around about spaces that can be borrowed or rented inexpensively. Make sure you own basic tools such as screwdrivers, socket and open-end wrenches, drills and sheet metal scissors. Specialized tools such as engine cranes, torches and welders will also need to be purchased or rented.

Get your finances in order

Do extensive research into what parts you will need and how much they’ll cost. Once you have a rough budget, add at least 30 percent to that. If the final number is outside your price range, you may need to postpone your project or pick a different car.

Don’t be in a hurry

A full frame-off car restoration can take anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 hours to complete. Thinking about it in those terms can be intimidating, so break it down into digestible chunks. Set a rough schedule, but don’t rush to hit a “deadline”, as this can cause critical mistakes that set you back. And take pride in the individual tasks you complete along the way.

What kind of car would you like to restore?

Interested in learning more about car restoration and rebuilding? Read more about it here: How to Learn Car Restoration. This blog post provides tips and resources to help you get started.