| Classic car restoration is a hobby that requires | | | | well-versed in the inner workings of that particular |
| know-how, creativity and patience to turn an old | | | | vehicle. From carburetors to wheel bearings, |
| beater into a gorgeous show-stopper. Cars that were | | | | step-by-step instructions are crucial to getting the car |
| made a lifetime ago require special care and upkeep. | | | | started and moving versus leaving it in the barn. |
| Rather than letting them sit in the barn and rust, | | | | Repair manuals and do-it-yourself restoration guides |
| most classic vehicles need repairs, attention and a lot | | | | are the most reliable ways to lay the groundwork for |
| of TLC. | | | | any auto project, especially the classics. While they |
| Since most daily driver vehicles today are | | | | may come with the car from a benevolent seller, |
| computerized and made from corrosion-resistant | | | | they are hard to find in regular bookstores or the |
| metals and/or fiberglass, and even carbon-fiber in | | | | public library. In most cases, they are no longer |
| some cases, classic vehicle restoration projects often | | | | published and can only be found on websites where |
| require hard-to-come-by body parts for inside and | | | | online car repair manuals are sold or at swap meets |
| out. This is especially true for cars whose | | | | for car enthusiasts. Without the bible for the car's |
| manufacturers are no longer in business. Many vintage | | | | inner workings, completing a restoration is difficult, if |
| car owners are forced to scab together parts, | | | | not impossible. |
| modify generic replacement replicas or get lucky and | | | | Chilton repair manuals can be found online, as well as |
| find usable pieces from other enthusiasts. Once the | | | | Bentley or Haynes auto repair manuals. Even the |
| car lover has the parts, it can be tricky to maintain or | | | | most knowledgeable car buff can be stumped when |
| install, even working on the basics. | | | | it comes to classic cars. Internet forums can be |
| While many car parts were standardized in the | | | | helpful as well, especially when the vehicle makes |
| 1940s, '50s and '60s, the dealerships often exchanged | | | | noises of unknown origin that you can't seem to |
| optional and even stock features among different | | | | pinpoint. It is most helpful to find a website catering |
| cars on their lots in order to make a sale. Air | | | | to the same make as the project vehicle. For |
| conditioners, for example, often arrived in the back | | | | example, classic Chevy lovers will be more able to |
| seat in mid-'60s cars. The dealership mechanics would | | | | help the owner of a Chevrolet vehicle, than a Mopar |
| do the installation. If a customer wanted a/c on a car | | | | or Ford owner. The risk with this is that while they |
| that didn't have it, the dealer would remove it from | | | | mean well, sometimes the advice is sketchy or |
| another and add the option to the sales price, | | | | incorrect. |
| complete with on-site installation. Fixing an a/c unit | | | | While classic car restoration can be a fun hobby, it is |
| today without completely modifying the entire | | | | most satisfying for those with a lot of know-how, |
| system is impossible due to Freon issues and wiring | | | | mechanically inclined friends or a vehicle that has |
| problems. | | | | already been restored and needs only minimal |
| While finding car parts is hard enough, fixing them or | | | | upkeep. |
| installing them is even trickier when one is not | | | | |