Do You Have What it Takes to Do a Car Restoration?

There's nothing like taking on a project like restoring a classic car. But in order to make it all worthwhile in the end, there are many things that you must do to avoid pitfalls, unnecessary expenses, and total disappointment.

Maybe you've done a restoration project or two. Maybe you're just getting started, or are in the process of purchasing the car of your dreams (in need of serious restoration). If you've already completed a project or two, you no doubt already know what you would and wouldn't do if you had to do it all over again. The best advice is always from those that have learned the hard way and have travelled the path before you.

The first question you need to ask yourself is what do I want my final creation to look like when I'm finished? Then of course, you need to check your resources (and your wallet). This should give you an idea of how long the project will take. Keep in mind that as long as you stick to your budget, you'll be able to keep your project moving at your pace.

Next, you'll have to go over what you have to work with. What kind of shape is the car in presently? What needs to be replaced? What can be salvaged? If you haven't bought the project yet, make sure you have a thorough look at every part of the car to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. This alone can save you great headaches down the road.

So now you've got your car in your shop. Now it's time to begin the disassembly. It can get rather cluttered in a hurry, so make sure you stay organized. Label everything. Bag up bolts and small parts. I like to take pictures as I take things apart, as sometimes the memory is not as reliable as we think!

You are the only one who can decide how far you want to go with your restoration project. If you decide on a frame-up restoration, be prepared for the extra work. I understand if you need to cut corners to meet your budget, but if you're going to cover something up, keep in mind that rust will always keep growing, no matter what. Most times it's better to delay the project until you can afford the necessary parts.

There are many reliable shortcuts and time saving tips to help anyone taking on a restoration project. It's worth your time to explore some of the programs available that you can purchase online. The small cost of the program is far offset by the dollars and time saved by doing it right the first time. In the end, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing you did a great job!

Brian Hallaert is the founder of http://wheelgoodtimes.com a site for classic car lovers to find useful information on everything automotive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Hallaert