Classic cars have always been a wonderful hobby to invest both time and money in, and this pastime has only become more popular over the years. After all, vintage cars are known for their stunning appearance and timeless design. Have you ever considered trying your hand at classic car restoration? Before you jump in, there are a few things you should consider. Here’s a step-by-step guide to seamless vintage car restoration.

Set a Budget

Classic car restoration isn’t for everyone. It can be an expensive hobby, regardless of the model you want to reconstruct. So, before anything else, it’s best to set your budget. How much can you realistically spend on a vintage car? How about the parts? Have you considered doing most of the work yourself, or are you planning to bring it to a local auto body shop? Setting a budget is a good place to start in order to avoid stress later on.

Find Your Suppliers

There are some instances when you will have to contact the manufacturer for special parts. This is often the case when you want to restore a classic car back to its original condition. If you want to take part in Concours competitions, matching paints and dials are two things that you should really invest in.

This is where the extra challenge often begins because your suppliers may be located abroad. If you want to make classic car restoration your hobby, you should always be prepared to shoulder additional shipping costs.

Spend the Money in the Right Place

It is also important to spend your money in the right place. Does the interior look subpar to you, but the engine runs smoothly? Then, focus your efforts on the interior. It’s easy to get excited about a new project and want to upgrade everything all at once—which is great if your budget allows, but if not, it’s important to find the right balance between what’s necessary right now vs what you can get to later.

Find the Right Auto Body Specialists

Yes, you read that right. Restoring a vintage car is a craft that requires specialized knowledge and experience. You can look for a local auto body shop to help you with the difficult aspects of the restoration process. This includes replacing interior upholstery and repairing valves. You may also contact a local auto body shop near you to find out if they offer classic car restoration services. Find an auto body shop that can help you finish the job from start to finish, so you always have a professional to call.

Related Content: 5 Reasons Why Classic Auto Body Shops are Best for Restoration

Have a Plan

So, what happens after you restore your classic car? You probably don’t want it to just sit in the garage. Some car lovers restore vehicles and later sell them, while others take part in competitions. Of course, some hobbyists just want another addition to their irreplaceable collection. If you are planning to sell the car, you need to be extra careful with your budget. Most classic car buyers like to make lowball offers. Make sure that you’re not going to end up spending more than you make. After all, a lot of effort goes into classic car restoration.

On the other hand, if you are planning to use the car yourself, it may be better to take your time and enjoy the process. A fun weekend car does not need to be restored to the same high standards of individuals participating in classic car competitions.

Related Content: 5 Best Models for Classic Car Restoration

Best Classic Car Restoration Services

Do you currently own a vintage car that you want to spruce up? Reach out to the pros at California Collision. We have the knowledge, experience and expertise to transform your vehicle from drab to fab. Feel free to contact us at 925-261-7335 for more information.