| There's nothing like taking on a project like restoring | | | | to make sure you know what you're getting yourself |
| a classic car. But in order to make it all worthwhile in | | | | into. This alone can save you great headaches down |
| the end, there are many things that you must do to | | | | the road. |
| avoid pitfalls, unnecessary expenses, and total | | | | So now you've got your car in your shop. Now it's |
| disappointment. | | | | time to begin the disassembly. It can get rather |
| Maybe you've done a restoration project or two. | | | | cluttered in a hurry, so make sure you stay |
| Maybe you're just getting started, or are in the | | | | organized. Label everything. Bag up bolts and small |
| process of purchasing the car of your dreams (in | | | | parts. I like to take pictures as I take things apart, as |
| need of serious restoration). If you've already | | | | sometimes the memory is not as reliable as we think! |
| completed a project or two, you no doubt already | | | | You are the only one who can decide how far you |
| know what you would and wouldn't do if you had to | | | | want to go with your restoration project. If you |
| do it all over again. The best advice is always from | | | | decide on a frame-up restoration, be prepared for |
| those that have learned the hard way and have | | | | the extra work. I understand if you need to cut |
| travelled the path before you. | | | | corners to meet your budget, but if you're going to |
| The first question you need to ask yourself is what | | | | cover something up, keep in mind that rust will |
| do I want my final creation to look like when I'm | | | | always keep growing, no matter what. Most times it's |
| finished? Then of course, you need to check your | | | | better to delay the project until you can afford the |
| resources (and your wallet). This should give you an | | | | necessary parts. |
| idea of how long the project will take. Keep in mind | | | | There are many reliable shortcuts and time saving |
| that as long as you stick to your budget, you'll be | | | | tips to help anyone taking on a restoration project. |
| able to keep your project moving at your pace. | | | | It's worth your time to explore some of the |
| Next, you'll have to go over what you have to work | | | | programs available that you can purchase online. The |
| with. What kind of shape is the car in presently? | | | | small cost of the program is far offset by the dollars |
| What needs to be replaced? What can be salvaged? | | | | and time saved by doing it right the first time. In the |
| If you haven't bought the project yet, make sure | | | | end, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of |
| you have a thorough look at every part of the car | | | | knowing you did a great job! |