Some people take on restoring a classic car without fully understanding what they’re starting. Maybe they watched a show on TV and it looked easy enough. Or perhaps they’ve been driving the same model car for years and think they know everything about it.
Whatever the reason, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid when restoring classic cars. Discover them below.
Not Doing Your Research
One of the most common mistakes people make when restoring classic cars is not doing their research. Just because you like the look of a specific vehicle doesn’t mean it will be a good investment. You need to research and ensure that the model you choose is popular and in high demand.
Additionally, you need to research the restoration process itself. How much work is involved? What are the common problems that you’ll need to fix? What kind of parts will you need? The more you know going in, the less likely you will make expensive mistakes.
Buying the Parts Too Early
If you’re restoring a classic car, you will need to replace some parts. And while it might be tempting to buy all the parts you need right away, that’s not always the best idea.
For one thing, you might not need all the parts you think you do. You won’t know what needs replacement and what can receive repairs until you start working on the car.
Additionally, parts for classic cars can be expensive. You could spend a lot on parts that you might not even need.
Not Budgeting for Metal and Paint
One of the most expensive parts of restoring a classic car is the metalwork and paint. These are labor-intensive processes that can cost you a lot of money if you’re not careful.
When budgeting for your restoration, make sure to set aside enough money to cover the cost of metalwork and painting. Otherwise, you could go over budget and not be able to finish your restoration. You also want to be aware of the things to do before you paint your car.
Starting on the Engine Before You Should
People make another common mistake when restoring classic cars by starting on the engine before other tasks. It’s tempting to want to get the engine up and running as soon as possible, but that’s not always the best idea.
The engine is one of the most complex parts of the car and it’s also one of the most expensive parts to restore. Unless you’re an experienced mechanic, you’re likely to run into problems (and incur many expenses) if you try to restore the engine before everything else is complete.
These are just a few common mistakes people make when restoring classic cars. If you’re thinking about taking on this type of project, know what you’re getting yourself into and avoid these pitfalls. Otherwise, you could spend a lot of money and time without getting the results you want.
