A Beginner’s Guide to Classic Car Building

Compared to other hobbies, car restoration will require a lot from you. You have to spend a lot of money, give up most of your free time, and put in your best effort. Knowing where to start can be a challenge in itself, but understanding the basics of rebuilding an old car is a great way of taking that first step.

Tips on How To Restore a Classic Car

Restoring a car is bound to have its ups and downs, but there are ways you can make the whole process easier. Here are helpful tips on how to rebuild a classic car:

Create a Game Plan

With so many things to accomplish, it can be hard to figure out where to start. This is why creating a plan is always a good idea. A plan gives you a better idea of what you need to do to successfully restore your car. Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you form a plan:

• What’s your timeline for this restoration project? What is your target deadline?
• What parts do you need to replace? How much will they cost?
• What’s the step-by-step process of restoring this specific car?

Decide on Your Budget

Car rebuild projects don’t come cheap, so you’ll need to shell out some money from the get-go. Set a budget you can stick to, and if necessary, don’t be afraid to scout around your local junkyards and online selling websites for cheaper deals.

Find a Spot to Work In

Rebuilding a classic car can take months or years, so it’s a good idea to find a place to work long-term. Is there enough space in your garage? Do you need to rent a place?

The ideal workspace should have good lighting, sufficient space for your tools, and safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

Prepare the Necessary Tools

A car restoration project will require more than just your average toolbox. You’ll need other tools, such as engine cranes or vehicle dollies. A welder, parts washer, and media blaster can also come in handy.

Disassemble the Car

The real work begins with disassembling the car, and this includes removing almost everything. The seats, carpeting, and door panels all have to go. You also have to remove the battery, engine, and transmission.

You’re basically stripping the car of all its removable parts, so you can expect this step to take a while to finish.

Here’s a helpful tip: when disassembling the car, invest in Ziploc baggies, masking tape, and Sharpies, so you can keep all the hardware separate for everything.

Assess What Needs Replacing

After you take apart your classic car, you’ll have a better idea of what parts need replacing. Does your vehicle’s suspension need new control arms? Are the brake lines in good condition? Inspect each part closely, and assess which systems you want to upgrade. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether you’re going to do a frame-off restoration. List down all the parts you need, so you can prioritize which ones to buy first.

The biggest decision in restoring a classic car is whether you are going to do a frame-off restoration.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Order Replacement Parts

This step can be challenging, especially if you’re working on a tight budget. However, you can find plenty of good deals if you know where to look. Facebook marketplace, eBay, and online forums are great places to find cheap parts. Your local junkyard is also worth visiting.

You can also browse through online auto shops for seasonal sales and promotions. Consider signing up for their mailing lists for discount codes and other promos.

Refinish the Body

Bodywork is often the most labor-intensive part of rebuilding a classic car. You’ll have to strip all the paint from the body, grind away the rust, and repair any dents. To fix any holes or gaps, you can use fiberglass repair gel or body filler.

Choose Your Engine

When it comes to the engine, you have two choices. You can either repair the original engine by replacing its parts, or you can get a new engine to personalize your ride. The former allows you to keep your classic car as close to the original as possible, while the latter gives you more power.

Installing a brand-new crate engine is a popular choice among classic car owners. It typically comes with a warranty, and there are several modifications you can do to further improve its horsepower and torque.

Add Safety Elements

Seatbelts weren’t mandatory until the 1970s, so most classic cars don’t have one. They typically don’t come with air bags either, which can be a safety hazard if you plan on driving your classic car around. While seatbelts are a common upgrade to restored classic cars, air bags tend to require more engineering and testing.

Other safety upgrades include installing a back up camera, upgrading the tires and brake system, and investing in an electric power steering unit.

Rewire and Reassemble the Parts

With the body repainted, you can now reassemble your classic car. This part of the process can be time-consuming, but taking it step-by-step can make things easier. Finish the build by personalizing your ride with auxiliary lighting and customized dash instruments.

Go for a Test Drive

Top off your vehicle’s fluids, and go for a test drive. This will help you see if everything’s in order or if you need to make any adjustments.

How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild a Classic Car?

When restoring a classic car, you have to spend money on bodywork, replacement parts, and labor costs. If your vehicle’s corrosion damage is severe, then you might have to pay for metal fabrication too. These expenses can pile up and often cost anywhere from $40,000 to $120,000.