Owning a vintage car is a fantastic experience, but body shop repairs for vintage or classic cars are often more complicated. If you want to learn a thing or two about it, here are some auto body collision repair facts you have to know about this hobby!
You’ll Probably Spend More on Repairs
Owning a vintage car comes with some challenges, especially if you’d like to take part in classic car competitions. If you were unfortunate enough to have had an accident, you will have no other option than to replace any damaged panels with genuine manufacturer’s panels. These repairs can cost more than contemporary car models.
Car Parts are Harder to Find
Depending on the model of your classic car, replacement parts, such as panels or lights, may be more difficult to find. Your local auto repair shop will have to contact dealers who specialize in vintage models and arrange for them to be ordered. The same rule applies to the interior of the car and even the engine. If any parts were damaged in a collision, you need to replace them with the manufacturer’s parts to continue to participate in classic car competitions.
Repainting is Easy
Although you might struggle to find the right vintage car parts, it’s a different story for auto painting. Minor car dents and scratches are easy to fix. Local auto body shops can perfectly match your original paint color. It’s a good idea to write down as many details about your car as possible. Knowing the paint number helps in case you ever need to have your car resprayed.
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Wing Mirrors Must be Protected
Does your vintage car have those long wing mirrors? If so, you have to protect them. Wing mirrors are often damaged in minor accidents. Although it’s not a good idea to drive your vintage car daily, like other classic car owners, you might be someone who likes to show it off. Careful driving will preserve your investment for years to come.
Record Your Part Numbers for Car Shows
If you are going to take part in car shows, it is a good idea to keep all of the bills and receipts from your auto body shop. You should also make sure to write down the numbers for all of the parts. Overzealous judges often like to see any bills and check the part numbers. It is best to be prepared to make sure that you are in with a chance to win a prize.
Related Content: 3 Things to Know About Collision Repair for Classic Cars
Auto Body Repair for Classic Cars
Owning a vintage car is a fantastic experience. But, remember that you need to budget for repairs. It is a good idea to put away a certain amount of money every month to make sure you can cover any unexpected bills. At California Collision, we strive to maintain your car’s pristine condition. Whether it’s a minor dent or a panel replacement, we can do all the work for you. For more information, call us today!