Any proper vehicle restoration should be a product of skills
and wisdom. Before you become all emotional and get carried away by the
prospects of transforming that old car, you should think through the process
and potential pitfalls.
Whites
Body Works share some of the crucial steps to keep in
mind when you are thinking of your vehicle restoration project.
1. Work Backwards From The Finished Car
The project may seem promising, but you should determine
where the vehicle will be a daily use, how you want it to be, and then work
backward from there. It does not matter whether you will stick to the stock
parts, flip it by doing some mods, or if you will be doing the project with
your brother or child, the vehicle should be a good fit.
2. Does The Car Have Options
Always remember that though a vehicle might be available
does not make it a worthwhile endeavor. You should thoroughly consider all
options of the build, taking into account things such as the number of doors,
roof, engine type, and any other unique feature. What element about the vehicle
will be something that you have encountered for the first time? Make sure you
feel the car has something special about it before pouring your money and time
into restoring the vehicle. Most importantly, know the market before you commit
yourself to the project, especially if it is a car that you plan to rebuild and
sell.
3. Double Your Estimation
You can find the prices of almost anything online; the same
goes for
what it could cost to restore a particular car make and
model. If you have done such a project before, then you
might estimate the budget without too much struggle. You nonetheless, always
should keep your budget on the higher side so that you can have enough for the
unpredicted.
Better to be prepared than
be surprised by the unexpected
4. Get A Second Opinion
It never hurts to hear what someone else thinks about what
you plan to do, more so if it is your first go at such a thing. You might be
good at painting want to try your hand in upholstery. While there is nothing
wrong with learning as you go, a second opinion but help open your eyes to
something you did not or are not seeing. Therefore, a trusted friend might help
bring in a bit of clarity to the project.
5. What Is Your Timeline?
Car builds take time, especially
when they are restoration projects for unique or rare makes and models. A
project can last several months or even years. You, thus, need to exercise
patience and do not get worked up when you discover it will take longer to
complete the project that you have earlier projected. No need to set strict
timelines that force you into doing hurried work; the result will usually be
less than desired.
6. Sequence
You need to know where to start and finish. It would be
unwise to redo the interior before you do the paint job. You do not want the
painting process damaging the new upholstery. In short, have a sequence of what
you need to tackle first so that it creates room for the next phase, and that
then creates room for the next one, and so forth.
7. Watch Your Energy
As you budget for the costs and time you will spend on the
build; you also must account for your energy. You will need enough stamina to
meets the demands of the project. Expect to get a bit overwhelmed as the
restoration moves along. But, also pay attention to your energy and know when
you need to stop, rest, and recharge.
8. Have Fun
What draws you to the vehicle, do you want it to be a daily
drive? Do you have a thing for owning rare builds? Think of it like that cool the T-shirt you bought in a concert, was it something that gave you excitement when
wearing it, or you found joy in owning it? Figure out what it is about the car
that appeals to you, as you also consider your strengths and weakness before
committing to the project.
