Finding classic cars and restoring them to their former glory is one of the most rewarding pastimes auto lovers can have. For those new to the hobby, experts warn that not every vehicle can be, or should be, restored. You have to evaluate the condition of the vehicle, the level you want to restore it to, and the money you have to do the job. Classic car restoration Spokane WA pros take on is carefully thought out in advance.
A careful inspection of the vehicle that interests you is the first step. You should go over it from bottom to top, inside and outside. Getting a good look under the hood and inside the trunk will require a flashlight. The best option is to get it to a mechanic who can raise and inspect under it. You should only consider an auto with a solid structure. Completely replacing axles, floors, and the frame usually isn't worth it.
There are four levels of restoration. It is up to you to decide which level best suits your goals. The first, and least, is simply returning the auto to drivable condition. For this you will be replacing parts and doing minor cosmetic work. To get to street show level, the car has to be repaired completely. That includes body work and a cosmetic overhaul.
If you want to enter the auto in shows, you will require the services of a professional restorer. Judges look at a number of things when inspecting cars, including the quality of labor and workmanship. The concours level is for those vehicles photographed for magazines, judged in major competitions, and collected by serious car aficionados. These are not cars you drive.
You may have worked on cars in the past, or have friends who have, and it might seem like a good idea to handle repairs yourself. Most experts agree that hiring a professional is a better idea. If a friend, working on your vehicle, makes a mistake that costs you time and money, the friendship may suffer. Repairs made by professionals tend to last.
Restoring these cars can get very expensive. Before you have any work done, you should sit down with a parts catalog and make an inventory of every part you need and all the cosmetic work that has to be done. Make sure everything corresponds to your budget. You don't want to try alternative parts in order to save a little money however.
While the work is in progress, you need to check on the vehicle periodically to make sure everything is on track. If you can't physically inspect the auto, you can ask the mechanic to send you photos via email. Once the vehicle is restored, it will be up to you to carefully maintain it.
Lovers of classic cars really enjoy restorations. They can get as excited about the process as the final product. When you make an investment in an old car, and have it lovingly restored, it will be special whether it's a level one or a level four.
A careful inspection of the vehicle that interests you is the first step. You should go over it from bottom to top, inside and outside. Getting a good look under the hood and inside the trunk will require a flashlight. The best option is to get it to a mechanic who can raise and inspect under it. You should only consider an auto with a solid structure. Completely replacing axles, floors, and the frame usually isn't worth it.
There are four levels of restoration. It is up to you to decide which level best suits your goals. The first, and least, is simply returning the auto to drivable condition. For this you will be replacing parts and doing minor cosmetic work. To get to street show level, the car has to be repaired completely. That includes body work and a cosmetic overhaul.
If you want to enter the auto in shows, you will require the services of a professional restorer. Judges look at a number of things when inspecting cars, including the quality of labor and workmanship. The concours level is for those vehicles photographed for magazines, judged in major competitions, and collected by serious car aficionados. These are not cars you drive.
You may have worked on cars in the past, or have friends who have, and it might seem like a good idea to handle repairs yourself. Most experts agree that hiring a professional is a better idea. If a friend, working on your vehicle, makes a mistake that costs you time and money, the friendship may suffer. Repairs made by professionals tend to last.
Restoring these cars can get very expensive. Before you have any work done, you should sit down with a parts catalog and make an inventory of every part you need and all the cosmetic work that has to be done. Make sure everything corresponds to your budget. You don't want to try alternative parts in order to save a little money however.
While the work is in progress, you need to check on the vehicle periodically to make sure everything is on track. If you can't physically inspect the auto, you can ask the mechanic to send you photos via email. Once the vehicle is restored, it will be up to you to carefully maintain it.
Lovers of classic cars really enjoy restorations. They can get as excited about the process as the final product. When you make an investment in an old car, and have it lovingly restored, it will be special whether it's a level one or a level four.
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