Classic car restoration is a big ordeal, but if it's done right it can also be loads of fun, especially if you do it with your family and make a big family pleasurable time out of it. Classic cars are meant to be one thing, and that is pleasurable, if it's not fun for you, then you might want do yourself a favor and sell it.

Shop Preparation

The first step during a classic car restoration is to get your shop ready for the project. You will require a camera, a place for the parts, and a labeling system. It is best to take pictures of the parts as you take them off so you know where they were at and where the new parts should be placed. When taking the parts of the car you will need to place them in a neat mode so you can locate them again when need them. Cardboard boxes come in very usefully at this stage. Sorting the parts is a wonderful method of keeping track of where they go, what they do, and what the parts are labeled just in case buy a newer part. Never throw away the parts until the car is completed as you may need them again at some point.

Tear Down

The second phase to classic car restoration is to tear down the car in sections. Begin at one end and work your way down the car until you reach the end. This process will take a lot of time as you will need to take pictures on a continual basis. The pictures will remind you of what the car looked like before the part was taken off and then after the part was removed.

Inventory

During this step you will determine what parts can be reused and what parts will need to be replaced. This is the best time to finalize your budget for your classic car restoration project. This is much easier than it looks. Arrange your parts into 2 categories: Repair & Replace. Go through the replace box and mark down every part in it on any notes under the replace column. Do the same thing for the repair parts and put them on your any notes under the repair column. Now you have an idea of what you might need and what you have. This part of the classic car restoration process may seem repetitive but it very well could pay off in the end.

Cleaning Process

Once all the parts are removed you can begin to strip your car down to bare metal. There are several methods to get your car in this state, including sand blasting, glass beading, garnet blasting, and sodium bicarbonate blasting. The best method is identified as acid dipping but you will need to see if it's available in your area. This form of stripping doesn't leave sand in every gap of your car like sand blasting. Acid dipping removes a lot of foreign substances, such as paint and rust.

Evaluation

While during the appraisal period, you will calculate what needs to be completed. Many classic cars will need the floorboards and the trunk floors, including trunk extensions that attach to the trunk floors changed out, and in many situations there will also be rust holes and dents. Now take a sharpie marker and mark all the spots that need to be repaired or replaced. In this way you will identify if your classic car is a keeper or if it is a pile of metal when completed. Take your time to make sure you have identified all the trouble spots. Once the car is painted you can not undo the project.

Body Work & Final Paint

Start with the hardest job of getting the dents out and filling the rust spots. Once this is done you can move on to the smaller jobs. Once your classic car is finished to 36 or 40 grit paper, it is time to spread the last body coat until it is just above level. Before it is completely dry you will take 80 grit paper to along those problem areas. Once this is complete you can glaze the car. After glazing has dried the first coat of primer can be applied. The priming process will resolve how smooth your classic car looks finished so it is crucial to do it correct the first time .

Prep & Sand

You will need to prepare the car for paint and sealer after the dust has been removed from the car. Although it is an extra step, it is better to seal the car at this point. Begin with 220 grit wet sandpaper to even the surface of the primer. Apply 320 grit wet paper will assist to get that dull shine that you want to see before moving on. Applying 600 grit wet paper will help you get that hazy mirror effect. Your prep work is now complete and now you can apply the sealer.

Now that your classic car restoration is complete you can cruise around to display all your hard work and have a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

Classic Car Restoration