How to Customize Antique Classic Cars
A car is considered antique when it is more than 25 years old, according Classic Car Club of America's glossary. In addition, the Classic Car Club of America defines "classic car" according to an "exclusive list that includes only specific important marques built between largely between 1925 and 1948" and adds that the term classic "is often applied loosely by owners to any car." Many times when owners are speaking of customizing an antique or classic car, they are really describing a desire to restore a car and add a few customization options of their own selection while still maintaining the overall style and integrity of their antique classic car. That's basically restoring the vehicle and adding some "lipstick" to it but not taking it through major transformational surgery.
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Things You'll Need
- Antique classic car
- Classic car manual
- Antique car books
- Internet
- Notepad
- Printer
Instructions
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Decide whether you plan to customize your antique classic car for yourself only, or if you desire to show or compete in classic car shows with your antique car. This decision will help guide many, if not all, of your customization choices.
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Determine if you desire to keep the engine of your antique classic car as close to original as possible--if so, maintain or change the battery and spark plugs to keep them in top condition. If you desire to upgrade or modernize the mechanical components of your car as part of your customization plan, then do the research and hire the appropriate professional to perform the upgrade.
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Select a color scheme for your antique classic car. Gather ideas at antique car shows, online classic car sales websites, classic car club photo galleries, and in books and magazines on antique and classic cars. Photograph your favorite cars or print pictures of your favorite color scheme--or draw your design if you are inclined. Interview and hire the appropriate professionals to paint and customize the exterior paint and the interior materials (seats, floorboards, dash).
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Research and select the appropriate accessories to have installed on your antique classic car to finish your total customization. Your original desire for customization--to restore and customize for shows or clubs or just for personal pleasure--will determine many of your accessory choices. Adding chrome to your antique classic car is a popular choice. Take care in choosing where to add the chrome to keep the integrity and design of your antique classic car in mind. Upgrading lights to LED is also a popular choice that may require a professional to install.
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Tips & Warnings
Take photographs of your antique classic cars as your customize it to photo-journal your customization project.
Research, plan and budget for your customizations-sometimes you will need to make a plan and upgrade a little at a time to make your car "perfect."
Write down all changes that you make to your antique classic car, include the date and the receipts for the work. If you ever desire to sell the car or the person that you will the car to one day desires to sell the car-this information will be valuable.
Don't overdo the chrome. Study similar customized antique classic cars in shows, clubs, books, magazines and online to find the right combination and balance for adding chrome accessories.
