In the process of restoring a classic automobile, you will have to make hundreds of hard decisions. Having a plan makes the entire restoration process go easier. Here are a few tips to help you out.
Without an unlimited amount of funds for your restoration, you will have to make some hard choices. The first one you will have to make is what kind of changes you want to take care of first - cosmetic or structural. When performing an authentic restoration, both types of changes will eventually have to be done. But most professional restorers will concentrate primarily on restoring the structural integrity of the automobile. Don't misunderstand. The cosmetic stuff - painting, enamel, finishes, upholstery - are all important and will be taken care of. But these things will always take a back seat to restoring and repairing the components that actually make the car run.
Another decision you'll have to make is deciding how far to go with the restoration process. In other words, if the mechanical fuel pump is working and in ok condition, are you going to nevertheless replace it because you believe that a restoration should be a "total" restoration? Or are you, instead, going to leave working parts as is and only concentrate on replacing parts that absolutely need to be replaced.
With the first option you will spend tons more money and in most cases contribute no appreciable difference in the eventual condition of the car. With the later option, you only spend money where necessary. If a part works well, you leave it in. You not only get more bang for the buck but the money you save can be applied towards the exteriors of the vehicle making it a bona-fide showcase vehicle.
One of the most important decisions to make when restoring a vehicle is deciding where you are going to do the work. By this time you should have put together your restoration time line and should have a good estimate on how long the process will take.
A good idea is to add a ten to twenty percent so called fudge factor to your estimated time line in order to give yourself a bit more leeway. This is important in being able to accurately estimate the amount of time you will need to have the work area available to you. All in all, the larger the work area, the better. Try to seek out a work area that has a size of four to five times the footprint of the classic car you will be restoring.
One reason you need this much space is that you'll need some type of parts storage system to keep track of each component you remove from the car. You can't just leave parts that you take from the car on the shop floor. Whenever you remove a car part, label it and place it in the correct storage section. Keep the removed car part around even if you have put a replacement part on the automobile. If something doesn't work when the restoration is complete, you'll be able to go back to the original part to resolve the problem.
The area should ideally be clean and have plenty of lighting. An added benefit, if at all possible, would be the availability of a either a stationary or portable pneumatic car lift. This will make your work immeasurably easier and more enjoyable over the coming weeks and months.
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