- Classic car restoration is the act of returning the classic car to its original state when it was new. Many confuse the terms "restoring" vs. "customizing" a car. Customizing is to add or modify something that doesn't make the car original anymore. To do a classic car restoration, you must make sure that all of the parts being replaced are specific to the car you are restoring.
- If you are not the original owner of the classic car, you may not be aware of the specific things that the car originally came equipped with. Things like matching engine size and type, type and size of tires and original equipment are very important. To claim that the classic car has been restored is to claim that it is exactly the same as the day it was new, so research the car. Find out all you can about this specific make, model and year. Research old car magazines and classic car websites, and talk to members of classic car clubs. If you are the original owner, you should have old photos and paperwork to help you, along with your memory. Gather all of the information you can find and keep it in a file for easy reference.
- Having a body shop restore a classic car can be quite an expensive endeavor. Car collectors who can afford the expense usually opt to have a reputable body shop do the work. These people generally collect classic cars as an investment. DIY-ers usually restore a classic car out of love for that certain car or for sentimental reasons. These are usually long-term projects and are worked on as time and finance allows. Some of these classic cars may sit in garages or storage sheds for years while the owner collects information and parts that he needs to restore the car. Some of these classic cars sit and wait due to financial reasons. Some are even passed down to the next generation and may wait many years before they are restored.
- Once the process begins, the car is totally restored from top to bottom. The car may be dismantled entirely. This allows for the frame to be checked for any damage and to be repaired and repainted. The interior of the car is removed to check for damage and is then cleaned, repaired or replaced. The engine is totally torn down and inspected. If possible, it is rebuilt with new parts. If necessary, a new engine is located. The replacement engine must match the specifications of the original engine.
- The key to a successful restore is originality. Everything must be original. Even though it may take a lot of work, time and research to accomplish this, a true car buff can tell if the classic car restore work is all original. A totally restored classic car is much more valuable than one that has been put together with various parts.
