Have you just
purchased a classic car, and all you are worrying about is restoration car parts? We hope that this ultimate guide of six
steps will be of much help to you.
We understand that
the process of restoring cars can be as complicated as solving a math puzzle or
as simple as lacing up your shoes. Either way, it is time-consuming and needs
patience. But the time spent depends on how well organized you are before and
during the restoration process.
For that, we make
sure that you stay organized all through the process. Experiencing difficulty at one or multiple
points is okay with newbies. But as time goes by, one gets accustomed. After
practicing the procedure below, it eventually sinks in the conscious, and then
subconscious mind. We are making the process easier.
Step 1. Put
in place a plan
Never ever start
doing anything in your classic car without proper planning. It is the most
vital process. Within the plan, there are costs, duration, and materials for
the procedure.
But before reaching
at costs, duration, and materials, one must set goals for restoration,
visualize the final product firsts and then put up targets. Targets are set
based on the following considerations.
- Location
-
Budget
-
Aspirations
-
Time frame
-
Tools of the trade
-
Final product
The prices, types
of car restoration parts, and legal
requirements vary from state to state in the USA. Knowing the limits within which you can
operate is exceedingly helpful. But most importantly, knowing accessibility to
the right materials is paramount.
Budgeting is
essential in car restoration. Always begin with setting the limits for the
amount you are willing to spend on the car. It is from the amount that you can
estimate how much you will spend on each part. Make
sure you work with the price tags for various car restoration parts from a trusted dealer.
Aspirations include
personalized plans for the car. Do you want to work on specific parts or the
entire vehicle? Answering the questions is an essential part of the plan.
Even after the
setting aspirations, how long do you wish to take to accomplish them? Be
realistic. Consider all the involvements in setting time.
Do you have the
right tools for the job? You already know what needs to be done. Aspire to gather all relevant tools prior to
commencement.
Set targets for the
complete restoration. Then break down to specific milestones and the particular
time frame for completion.
During the process,
make sure to do extensive research, document everything, and collaborate with
professionals!
Step 2. Initialization
of the car restoration
Armed with the
right tools of the trade, get set to tackle the task ahead in the right way.
During this stage,
you have to accomplish specifics targets in the following stages:
While following the
above steps, be careful not to put anything in the trash yet. You still need it
for reference. All wires and cables must be labeled and separately stored
depending on their point of extraction.
Also, make sure
that you are keener with the removal of widescreens and headlights. Often remove the rubber seals, which is
conventional technology for most vintage cars. For UV protected headlight, get
clear guidance on removal and replacement.
You are suspending
the car after doing the necessities above. Reassembling needs rotisserie. But in case you
do not have one, kindly proceed with the using couple of jack stands.
At this point, you
are ready to get started with overhaul. However, you need the most appropriate restoration
car parts to proceed. Cary out window shopping for the available equal
replacement to the original. But a more improved alternative would do better.
Step 3. Grit
and paint the entire car
The real magic is
yet to begin in this stage. Everything done here is more crucial to car
restoration. Because it dictates the new face of your car. Therefore, you have
to be very keen and follow all the details to the later.
For successful painting,
please proceed in the following steps:
- Strip off all the paint
-
Remove rust and dents.
-
Sealing underneath
Sandpapers are
essential for the successful removal of the paints, rust, and dents. Process in
a more careful manner to make sure your rusty and dull surface is shiny clean. Check
all the angles, nocks, and interlocking space, which are often forgotten in the
process.
A-must-do before and during the painting
After careful completion
of the above activities, the car is clean for painting. But not yet ready for
painting.
- Check parts that need welding and
proceed with welding.
-
After welding, smoothen the surface
and apply fillers where necessary.
-
Wipe the entire vehicle surfaces
again and again.
-
Proceed with spraying the shell
using a primer.
-
Lightly apply 500 grit sandpaper.
You could hire a
professional painter at this juncture for perfect work.
Step 4. Work
on the engine
It is time to do
the overhaul of the engine. Here, two things are involved, either you will
recon or an upgrade the engine basing on your budget. The actual magic works
here. The mechanical skills are put to the test.
We recommend that
you replace all gaskets and external seals to prevent any linkages. Also, while
the engine is out, replace the timing belt and water pump. For engine swap, get
a better engine that has lower mileage.
If you are quite
unsure of anything in this stage, please reach out to a professional to avoid
costly mistakes.
Replace other
essential parts. They include:
- Alternator
- Power steering pump
- Air conditioning pump
- Brackets
- Coolant pipes
- Radiator, turbo
- Manifolds
- When done, you can give them details
using either of the following:
- Wrinkle paint
- Powder coating
- Chroming
Step 5. Reassemble
the car
Last but not least,
you need to bring your car together, starting with the engine mount. Hook all the wiring up and any other
necessity. That is before testing.
- Upon completion with engine
reassemble the flowing
- Brake system
- Fuel system
- Suspension
- Wiring
- Engine and gearbox
- Cooling system
- Rubber, windscreens, and windows
Step 6. Test
your car before driving.
All is said and done! Get it on the road and
find out if there is an unsolved issue.
Check the
functionality of:
- Radio
- Air conditioner
- Heater, brakes
- Lights, windows
- Dashboard
- Dash instrument