Top 5 Considerations Before Driving Into Classic Car Restoration

Are you a classic car aficionado? Have you seen a piece of automobile classic that is absolutely asking for a complete rehabilitation? Are you itching to get your hands on a vintage car and turn it into a working cruiser?

If you are thinking of embarking on a classic car restoration project, then you should be ready to take on all the responsibility that comes with it. Dreaming about converting a classic automobile can be a breeze, but the reality can prove to be challenging, especially if this is your first time to do so.

To help you get ready for such an undertaking, we have put together some key considerations that you should keep in mind. Go through them and decide whether this mission is something you want to embark on.

All Revved Up

Classic cars have that certain appeal. These metal masterpieces have long lured automobile aficionados and gearheads into pouring time, energy, and money into them. Whether it’s a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1957 Mercedes 300SL gullwing, or a rare 1957 Bentley S1, or any other automotive classic out there, there is surely one person who dreams of driving that baby into the road again.

There are even those avid classic car collectors who would be happy to simply see these vintage pieces inside their garage. That is why there are people who would make the effort to go through the whole car restoration journey just to see if these works of art and engineering can be in their possession.

When you have been drawn in by the alluring charm of a classic automobile, then you must know that restoration is not a walk in the park. You have to know fully well what you are getting into before you dive headlong into the project.

For one, you cannot just DIY this kind of task. Just as you need the best ophthalmologist to attend to your eye problems or an actuary to analyze financial risk, you also need classic car restoration specialists to ensure that every step is competently covered all throughout.

To guide you towards a more informed decision, here are some of the most common considerations that you should be mindful of:

• Budget

Let’s be real. Resurrecting an old, dilapidated automobile and bringing it back to its former glory will require some serious dough. 

Classic car restoration will involve a considerable amount of investment. You cannot decide to completely overhaul and refurbish a vintage car without having enough funds in the bank. Depending on the current condition of the car that you are planning to restore, you may have to spend for every new nut and bolt to replace the rusty and outmoded ones.

The expense will more or less depend on how much work will need to be done. You are not just looking at the interior and exterior aesthetics here; you may also need to take care of the inner workings of the car if you want it to run just like it did in its heyday.

Whether it’s a frame-on or frame-off restoration, carburetor tuning, engine and gearbox overhaul, or even the processing of required documents and registration, you have to be ready to shell out for your classic.

• Skills

Having said that, it is therefore crucial that you find a classic car restoration company that can provide you the best of both worlds. This means excellent service coupled with competitive pricing.

You need to find yourself a reputable car restoration service center that has a team of restoration specialists. It takes expertise and experience to successfully restore a classic, and you cannot entrust the job to just any roadside jack.

Working with a highly regarded team of restoration experts will also give you access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools. You can also rely on the assurance that they will only use quality parts and products so your classic will look and perform like it’s as good as new.

In addition, established car restoration centers also offer concierge services that will help you prepare it for passing, get it passed and registered, and return it to you in pristine condition.

• Space

Another consideration that you need to think of is the availability of space. Do you have a proper location to park and store your classic car?

Compared to your everyday ride, a classic car will need special care and attention. This means that you cannot just leave it standing out in the open, exposed to the elements, wayward animals, or even unscrupulous people.

Ideally, classic cars must be stored in a clean, dark, and dry place. A brick garage is said to offer the best protection because of its temperature and moisture-maintaining capabilities. A pre-cast or wooden unit may be another option for storing your automobile.

• Time

Another matter to factor in during decision-making is the time that you have. Will you have enough time to attend to the special needs that a classic car requires?

It would greatly help if you can work with a highly proficient restoration team. Doing so will significantly ease your worrying if the project is going well. Knowing that your car is in capable hands will also bring you peace of mind and more time to attend to other pressing matters.

• Maintenance And Upkeep

Cruising around in your classic car will surely be a joy, but are you ready to also put in the time and effort for its maintenance and upkeep? Aside from storing considerations, you also have to be conscious of how to keep it in tip-top shape.

One factor that will certainly help is to regularly bring it to your trusted classic car restoration center. They have the experience, knowledge, and technical capacity to ensure that your car is kept in the best possible condition.

Raring To Go

Restoring a classic car will take commitment, dedication, and passion. It will also require your attention, time, and resources. If you can give all of the above, then all you have to do is get your car, bring it to a credible car restoration center, and enjoy many miles of pleasurable driving.

AUTHOR BIO

Ahmad Ramadan is a Managing Partner at Deutsche Technik Service Center, Dubai’s first and largest VW, Audi, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, & Lamborghini vehicle specialist and performance tuner. DT has also built an illustrious portfolio in classic car repair, maintenance, and restoration, as well as bodywork (accident repair, painting, and denting). DT Service Centre offers a full range of services: mechanical repairs, maintenance, servicing, etc.