Do you have a classic car that you want to restore to its former glory? Whether you have just bought a vintage vehicle, inherited one from a family member, or found one in a barn, you might be wondering how much it will cost and what to expect. Restoring a classic car is not a cheap or easy project, but with some planning and research, you can avoid some surprises and get the best results. Here are some things to consider before you start your restoration.
What Kind of Restoration Do You Want?
The first thing you need to decide is what level of restoration you are aiming for. Do you want a flawless show car, or a fun driver that meets the legal requirements? Do you need to take the body off the frame and do a complete overhaul, or can you fix some minor issues and update the interior? Are there any problems with the electrical system, the brakes, the transmission, or any other components? Make a list of everything your car needs and prioritize them.
How Much Will It Cost?
We know that cost is a major factor in your decision to restore your classic car. However, we cannot give you an exact estimate of how much your restoration will cost. That’s because every car is different, and every restoration has its own challenges and surprises. Sometimes, when we take apart a car, we find dozens of hidden issues that were not visible before, such as rust, frame damage, engine problems, or electrical faults. These issues can add hours of labor and parts costs to the project. Other factors that can affect the cost are the availability and price of parts, the level of detail and originality you want, and any changes or modifications you request along the way. Some cars may require custom fabrication to get them to the desired condition, which can also increase the time and cost of the restoration. Sometimes, we also have to fix previous repairs that were not done correctly, while still ensuring safety and reliability.
What Are Some Hidden Issues That You Might Find?
One of the most common hidden issues that we find during a classic car restoration is rust. Rust can affect any part of the car’s body or frame, and it can be hard to detect until we remove the paint or the interior panels. Rust can weaken the structure of the car and cause holes or cracks that need to be repaired or replaced. Rust can also spread to other parts of the car if left untreated.
Another hidden issue that we might find is frame damage. Frame damage can occur due to accidents, improper repairs, or wear and tear over time. Frame damage can affect the alignment, stability, and safety of the car. Frame damage can also make it harder to fit new parts or panels on the car. Frame damage can sometimes be repaired by straightening or welding, but in some cases it might require replacing the entire frame.
A third hidden issue that we might find is engine problems. Engine problems can range from minor leaks or noises to major failures or breakdowns. Engine problems can affect the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the car. Engine problems can also cause other issues with the transmission, cooling system, or electrical system. Engine problems can sometimes be fixed by replacing or repairing some components, but in some cases it might require rebuilding or replacing the entire engine.
How Will These Hidden Issues Affect Your Restoration Goals?
When we find hidden issues during your classic car restoration, we will inform you as soon as possible and explain how they affect your project. Depending on the severity and extent of these issues, you might have to adjust your restoration goals accordingly. For example:
- If we find rust on your car’s body or frame, you might have to choose between repairing or replacing the affected parts. Repairing may seem cheaper, but that is not always the case. If parts are readily available, that is usually your cheaper option. However, if parts are not available for purchase, we can hand fabricate most anything needed and weld in replacement metal. This process is usually considerably more costly but will still retain the vehicle’s original beauty and strength.
- If we find frame damage on your car’s chassis, you might have to choose between straightening or patch-welding new metal back into it or getting a new frame altogether.
- If we find engine problems on your car, you might have to choose between fixing or replacing some parts or getting a new engine altogether. Repairing may not always be cheaper or faster, but it may help to retain the originality of the car. Replacing the engine with a crate engine may be less expensive, have less of a waiting period, and could come with an extended manufacturer’s warranty.
- The cost will rise with issues, it may come from parts you have to replace, or restoring parts that are in much worse shape. Components may need extra work to fit correctly or look a certain way. all of this adds up in not only parts but labor. Restorations are a very labor-intensive project, and even a tiny issue can add hours onto a bill that may not have been accounted for during the initial assessment. it is always best to plan for the unexpected.
We will always give you our honest and professional opinion on what is the best option for your car and your budget. We will also respect your preferences and wishes, as long as they are feasible and safe. We will work with you to find the best solution for your classic car restoration.
How Will We Communicate?
We understand that communication is key to a successful restoration project. We will keep you updated on the progress and costs of your restoration. We will send you photos and videos of the work we are doing by providing you with a link to a private page on our website where you can track the progress of your build. We will answer any questions you have along the way and we will listen to your feedback and suggestions. We will respect your budget and timeline and we will make sure that you are happy with the final result.
Restoring a classic car can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience if you do it right. With some planning, research, and patience, you can turn your dream car into a reality. And with us as your partner in this journey, you can rest assured that your car is in good hands. Contact us today to get started on your classic car restoration project.