How to start the classic car restoration process

    The classic car restoration process for any classic car starts with an evaluation of the vehicle to be restored. In most cases the classic car restoration will begin with the condition of the vehicle at purchase and its current value. Then its value after the classic car restoration process has been completed. Working with British and German classic cars there are many that hold good value after restoration. Some of the vehicles include: The Triumph series of the TR2, TR3, TR4, TR250, TR6 and GT6. The MG series TD, TF, MGA, MGB, MGC, and the MGBGT. Older Jaguar XKE series. Porsche 911, 930, 356B&C model cars. Some of the Alfa Romeo 60's era cars. Most of the Aston Martin series cars. Austin and Austin Healy from the 50's and 60's. The BMW CS and 2002 series cars. The Mercedes Benz 190 coupes and convertibles from the 60's. The 60's Morgan roadsters plus 4 and the Morris Mini coopers. This list is used as a popularity example of valued restoration prices that remain among these vehicles. The restoration process is for any car and the owner of the vehicle makes the decision of what the car is worth to him or her.

    Performance modifications if done while under restoration are suggested but can only be those parts of a factory modification at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. The classic car restoration to maintain value must be within the limits of those dates of manufacturing the vehicle. The classic car restoration process can also be one of that of vintage racing modifications in which factory racing modifications to the car can be performed. What ever parts were factory produced for racing can be applied to your classic car restoration process. These were modified factory racing parts for team racing. The engine, transmission, and suspension components were modified for racing. Racing safety equipment that was installed should be upgrade to modern specifications for the purpose of changing the characteristics of safety. Roll cages, safety harnesses and equipment used in racing have come a long way in protecting the driver from serious injury and death. 

    The classic car restoration, depending on the car you choose or might have can be relatively expensive. Parts and labor vary due to the supply of parts and the remanufacturing of them. Any piece of sheet metal can be reproduced by metal fab experts but the question is how much is the customer willing to spend for the part to be remanufactured? The classic car restoration process can take years to complete and is not for everyone to venture into. Time and money are the two words that separate those who would like to restore a vehicle to those who have vehicles restored.

    For a simple example: The 1970 Triumph GT6 is a one year off frame restoration with most parts still available from several resources and the cost is approximately $40,000. That same car restored to vintage race is about $60,000.

    As parts for the classic car restoration process start to become unavailable and have to be made by sheet metal fab experts the price of restoring these vehicles will climb. What happens if these parts become unavailable? If this happens, those parts have to be remanufactured and can be costly.

    My passion for classic car restoration comes from my 40 years of driving and making those performance modifications to drive these cars fast, hard and safe once again. This website will include for classic car restoration the steps from starting your evaluation of your car to the finished car. Each step of the classic car restoration process will include information of how each part of the restoration process is completed and set up for the continuation of the process so that no part of the vehicle is left uninspected or evaluated. These steps are designed to make the classic car restoration process a complete and enjoyable venture. From the beginner to the expert there will be information about classic car restoration that all will gain knowledge from. It is designed for both the beginner and expert so that any step of the process can be viewed.

     These steps are as follows but will be continuing as the process of restoration goes along:

Step 1 »  The Evaluation and Starting Parts List

Step 2 »  Drive-train Inspection and Overhaul Process

Step 3 »  Body Trim Removal and Inspection

Step 4 »  Interior Parts, Trim Removal and Inspection

Step 5 »  Accessible Body Panel Removal and Inspection

Step 6 »  Main Body Remove From Frame and Inspection

Step 7 »  Engine, Transmission and Drive Shaft Removal and Inspection

Step 8 »  Front Suspension Removal and Inspection

Step 9 »  Rear Suspension and Differential Removal and Inspection

Step 10 » Sandblasting and Cleaning