So you’ve found your dream classic vehicle, but it’s a rusty relic, lost to time. Frustrating, right? Well, you’re not alone.
There is no universal manual for restoring a car. If you plan to make car restoration a lifelong hobby, you’ll quickly realize that each vehicle requires a unique set of steps before it’s showroom-ready (or just road-ready).
Before you start digesting all the video tutorials you can get your hands on, you’ll want to get this first step right: choosing the right car.
Choosing the Right Classic Car for Restoration
Selecting the right classic car for restoration is the first, and perhaps most critical, step in your restoration adventure.
It is vital to choose a project car that appeals to you and is also practical to restore. Regardless of how much you like the car, if it is not practical or possible to restore it within budget, you’ll only be wasting your time (and money).
Consider the availability of parts for the particular classic car you choose to gauge the practicality of restoring the project car.
Important Things to Know Before Embarking on a Classic Car Restoration Project
Possible Duration for a Classic Car Restoration Project
The duration of a classic car restoration can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the condition of the car, the extent of the work needed, and whether the restoration is being done professionally or as a DIY project.
On average, a full car restoration can take anywhere from 800 to 1,000 hours of labor. This translates to several months or even years of work, especially if it’s not being worked on full-time.
You should keep in mind that these are just averages, and the actual time can be more or less depending on the specific circumstances of the restoration project. It’s also important to consider the availability of replacement parts and the potential for unforeseen issues that could extend the timeline.
Budgeting
Unless you want to overspend by thousands of dollars (potentially even tens of thousands of dollars), you’ll want to set a budget early on in the restoration process and commit to tracking your expenses. The best way to do this is by researching the price of everything you’ll need, from the vehicle to the smallest socket set.
As we’ve mentioned, the cost of a car restoration project can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the condition of the car, the extent of restoration needed, and the cost of parts and labor. However, we wanted to provide some rough estimates, so you have a general idea of the financial commitment you’re in for. For example, you can expect paint restoration to start at around $6,000.
Want a more detailed price breakdown? We’ve also included the average costs of frame restorations, panel replacements, engine rebuilds, and interior restorations.
Frame restoration
Parts: $0 to $12,000
Labor: $1,000 to $20,000
Panel replacements
Parts: $500 to $25,000
Labor: $200 to $8,000
Rebuilding an engine
Parts: Up to $65,000
Labor: $2,500 to $5,000
Interior restorations
Parts: $200 to $4,000
Labor: $1,000 to $4,000
Note: It is important to mention that these costs are based on averages and can change based on your location, the materials chosen, and the specific vehicle you’re working on.
Also, it is a good idea to head off surprises by adding a 20% contingency to your budget for those unexpected costs that inevitably arise.
The Knowledge and Skills You’ll Need to Restore a Classic
To start with, you should know that it is possible for someone with no prior knowledge of car repairs to complete a restoration. However, it will require a significant amount of learning and dedication. You can learn through online tutorials or by enrolling in professional courses to master techniques in welding, painting, and basic upholstery.
If you’re interested in professional courses for classic car restoration in the US, several options are available that offer specialized training in this field. You enroll in courses through the Academy of Art University or the Pennsylvania College of Technology. You can even take online courses on Elearn.
If you don’t have the money for tuition, you can always join clubs and groups in the community dedicated to classic car owners. Here, you benefit from the collective wisdom of experienced enthusiasts who can guide you through tricky aspects of the restoration process.
However, self-awareness is crucial. If it dawns on you that the task is beyond your skill level, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. It’s better to ask for assistance than to risk a costly mistake. All you’ll need to do is budget for an auto mechanic’s services, the auto mechanic that will help you bring your classic car back to life.
The hourly rate for auto mechanics can range from $45 to over $170 per hour. The total labor cost will depend on the number of hours required to fix it.
Steps to Restore a Classic Car
Phase 1: Restoring Body and Exterior
Total Time Commitment
All of these activities will take roughly between 10 to 20 hours, and the tools needed for this phase include;
Tools Required for Phase 1
- Impact Wrench: Useful for removing bolts and lug nuts.
- Air Compressor: Powers various tools like hammers, grinders, and spray guns for painting.
- Grinder: Helps in cutting metal, removing rust, and buffing sharp edges.
- Floor Jack: Necessary for lifting the car; ensure it has a lift height of at least 16 inches and a capacity of 2 tons.
- Welder: An MIG welder is recommended for its ease of use.
- Paint Stripper: For removing old paint and preparing the surface for new paint.
The Process:
From the body and exterior trim of a classic car alone, you can learn so much about its history (before you start to write its future).
When examining the body/trim, always tackle rust and structural issues first, as these are the pillars upon which the car’s integrity and aesthetics rest.
Start with surface rust removal and escalate to replacing parts when necessary. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer to protect your work and lay the foundation for the ensuing bodywork. Stripping paint and smoothing out dents and scratches will prepare the car for its new coat, ensuring it shines as brightly as it did in its prime.
To make the process much smoother, you may need to purchase products like chemical rust removers and sealers. Chemical rust removers strip any extensive rust from the car’s body, while sealers act as a barrier between the primer and the new paint.
Phase 2: Reviving the Interior
Total Time Commitment
This phase of the process could take as long as 100 hours, depending on the vehicle’s make, extent of wear, and your level of expertise.
Tools Required for Phase 2
Here are the tools needed to complete this phase:
- Heat Guns: A heat gun is used to restore faded plastic trims by applying heat to the top layer, which helps to bring back the original color and reduce the visibility of scratches. They’re also used for reshaping or bending plastic components and removing adhesives or vinyl wraps.
- Polishing Wheels: Polishing wheels are used for (you guessed it) polishing and restoring the shine to metal components like trim pieces or door handles. They also help remove signs of oxidation, scratches, and other surface imperfections to achieve a smooth, shiny finish.
- Pry Tools: Use pry tools to remove trim, panels, and other parts that are clipped or fastened into place. When removing said parts, always remove them with the utmost caution to avoid breaking the often aged and brittle plastic.
- Hog Ring Pliers: These tools will help you ensure that the seat covers are tightly fixed to the cushions, providing a professional and durable finish.
- Air Compressor: Used to power various air tools, which can include pneumatic wrenches, grinders, and sanders as well as for cleaning because compressed air can blow out dust and debris from tight spaces and crevices, making it an invaluable tool for detailing the interior of a car
The Process:
Once the exterior is in better shape, shift your focus to the inside of your classic. Begin by assessing the interior’s condition and cleaning thoroughly to reveal the extent of wear and tear. It is advisable to use gentle, pH-neutral car wash soap as this type of soap is safe for all interior surfaces and won’t damage the delicate materials often found in classic cars.
Once you have ascertained the level of wear and damage, you can start replacing the damaged parts using materials that closely match the original fabric, vinyl, or leather used in the vehicle. The same goes for the dashboard and other parts of the car’s interior.
Also, don’t skimp on the final touches; new knobs, handles, and floor mats can significantly enhance the interior’s appeal.
Phase 3: Rebuilding Mechanical Components
Total Time Commitment
You may have to spend as long as 500 hours working this phase, which tracks because the engine, drivetrain, and transmission are arguably the most important parts of your classic cars.
Tools Required for Phase 3
Tools needed for this phase include;
- Engine Hoist: To lift and move the engine safely.
- Torque Wrench: For precise tightening of engine bolts.
- Transmission Jack: To support and accurately position the transmission.
- Fluid Drain Pan: To catch and contain fluids during disassembly.
- Gasket Scraper: To remove old gasket material without damaging surfaces.
- Impact Wrench: For loosening tight bolts and fasteners.
- Feeler Gauges: To measure gap widths for valve adjustments and more.
- Dial Indicator: For precision measurements of part clearances.
The Process
Step #1: Engine Restoration
Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by stripping the engine of its external and internal components.
- Cleanse and inspect each part for wear.
- Machining worn components at a machine shop are often necessary to ensure your classic car runs smoothly for years to come.
- Emphasize the use of high-quality parts for replacements.
Step #2: Transmission and Drivetrain
The transmission and drivetrain are as crucial to your classic car project as the engine. Here are the steps to follow when restoring them:
- Disassemble and inspect every component, cleaning thoroughly and replacing any that show signs of excessive wear.
- A bench test is needed to confirm that everything operates as intended.
Phase 4: Electrical System Restoration
Total Time Commitment
The phase may take as long as 50 hours, depending on the extent of the rewiring required.
Tools Required for Phase 4
- Digital Multimeter: For testing voltage, current, and resistance.
- Wire Twister Pliers: To securely twist wire ends.
- Wire Stripper: To remove insulation from wires without damaging them.
- Loom Tubing: For protecting wires and keeping them organized.
- Electrical Tape: For insulating wire connections.
- Accessory Wire: Extra wire for making new connections or replacing old ones.
- Pliers, Wrenches, and Screwdrivers: For general mechanical work.
- Replacement Wiring and Connectors: To replace damaged or outdated components.
The Process
The electrical system of a classic car often hides a few surprises. Here are some steps to inspect and restore an electrical system that is malfunctioning.
- Inspect every wire, connection, and component for wear or corrosion.
- Disconnect, clean, and repair as needed.
- If the system is beyond a simple fix, consider a complete rewiring with modern upgrades for reliability and safety.
For a complete rewiring of a classic car, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more during this step. This range accounts for different vehicle models and the extent of the rewiring needed.
Test Driving and Enjoying Your Restored Classic Car
After all the hard work, you can test drive the restored classic car to conduct a thorough safety check to ensure every part functions correctly. While test driving, check for proper fit and alignment and also see if the transmission, brakes, steering, and other mechanical parts of the vehicle work well.
Final Thoughts
One significant expense in restoring an old car is appropriately storing it after the restoration process, especially for first-time owners without a garage. The good news is that you can cut down massively on this cost through Neighbour.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer car storage marketplace changing the way enthusiasts like you protect their treasures, allowing you to find Car storage options in your very own neighborhood (and all 50 states)–at prices 50% lower than traditional storage.
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