Restoring a Classic Car, Part One: Preparation

Choose the Type of Car

For your first restoration, it is better to choose a more popular car that is easy to work on and easy to get parts for. For instance, it is much easier to restore a 1965 Ford Mustang coupe than a 1963 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. The Mustang is smaller and much simpler to work on. Unlike the Cadillac, there are numerous parts companies that supply everything from reproduction pony grilles, chrome bumpers, complete interior kits, right down to the correct exterior emblems to finish off your restoration.  The Mustang has no complicated power accessories and electrical systems. Best of all, most mechanical parts such as starters, tune up kits, exhaust systems, carburetors, etc. for the Mustang are still available at your local auto parts store. 

Decide How Much to Spend On the Car

Once you have done your research and have the type of car chosen for your restoration, purchase the best car you can afford. It’s better to spend more money on a nice rust free example than to save money initially by buying a worn-out rust bucket. Amazing restorations have been done on piles of junk, but these take time (years) and an almost unlimited supply of money. These types of restorations are best left to the professionals. By spending a little more money initially you will save thousands of dollars on expensive rust repair and body work.  If you can obtain a nice example, it may only require a cosmetic restoration, which is much less costly and time consuming.

Purchase the Car

Your best bet is to do a lot of research.  Check online auction websites. Check you local newspaper. Most local newspapers have an Antiques and Classics section in the auto classifieds.  Join a local car club. A local club may accept just about any type of car but will still be useful to you. A club member may have the exact car you are looking for, or may know someone who has one. Check the classified section of the club’s news letter.. The news letter will also list upcoming car shows. Many people sell their collector cars at a car show. Some car shows do not allow “for sale” signs in the show cars, but may have a special “car corral” for cars for sale. Attend a swap meet. A swap meet is an excellent source for cars and parts alike.  Some swap meets are geared for particular types of cars, which could save you a lot of time sifting through unwanted  cars.

Get Started on Restoration

If you will be doing most of the work yourself, it is best to have access to a garage. One stall should be big enough for a small or mid-sized car. You should have a supply of tools.  With the more popular nameplates, there is a vast network of  national clubs that cater to your particular model. These clubs typically have thousands of members who have been through the restoration process.  Join one of these clubs and tap into the knowledge of members with years of expertise at restoration. Attend club meetings and functions. A lot of clubs will have restoration seminars which are quite helpful for the amateur. 

Following these steps will get you started on the right track to restoring a classic car and will make sure you are prepared to take on this very challenging but also very rewarding, project.