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Classic car restoration is a big project, but if it's tackled in the right way 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 auto you will need to put them in a neat mode so you can locate them again if you need them. Cartons come in real handy at this stage. Sorting the parts is a wonderful way of remembering where they go, what they do, and what the parts are labeled in case you need to purchase a new part. Never throw away the parts until the car is finished 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. Start at one end and work your way down the car until you reach the end. This process will take some time as you should take pictures on a continual basis. The pictures will be what the car looked like before the part was taken out 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 ideal time to determine your budget for your classic car restoration task. This is much easier than it might sound. Sort your parts into two categories: Repair & Replace. Go through the replace box and mark down every part in it on your notepad under the replace column. Do the same thing for the repair parts and put them on your your notepad under the repair column. By now have a picture of what you might need and what you have. This part of the classic car restoration job may seem repetitive but it will return a profit 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 way is identified as acid dipping but you will need to see if it's offered in your area. This form of stripping doesn't leave sand in every cranny of your car like sand blasting. Acid dipping removes a lot of foreign substances, such as paint and rust.

Evaluation

During the evaluation period, you will evaluate what needs to be done. Most classic cars will need the floorboards and the trunk floors, including trunk extensions that attach to the trunk floors removed or repaired, and in most cases there will also be rust holes and dents. Take a sharpie marker and identify all the spots that should to be repaired or replaced. In this way you will identify if your car is a keeper or if it is a pile of metal when finished. Take your time to make certain you have identified all the problem spots. Once the car is painted you can not undo the project.

Body Work & Final Prime Coat

Begin with the hardest job of removing the dents out and removing or repairing the rust spots. Once this is finished you can move on to the smaller tasks. Once your classic car is finished to 36 or 40 grit paper, it is time to spray the last and final body coat until it is just above level. Before completely dry you will take 80 grit paper to along those problem areas. Once this is finished you can glaze the car. After glazing has dried the initial layer of primer can be applied. The prime coat will tell you how smooth your classic car looks after all else so it is crucial to do it correct the first time around.

Prep & Sand

Now you will need to prepare the car for paint and sealer after the dust has been removed off 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 smooth the surface of the primer. Apply 320 grit wet paper will help you achieve that dull shine that you want to complete before moving on. Applying 600 grit wet paper will help you achieve that hazy mirror effect. Your prep work is now complete and now you can apply the sealer.

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

Classic Car Restoration

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