Wondering how to restore a classic car the right way? Whether you're starting an old convertible, antique coupe or vintage Bentley restoration project, these tips from bonafide experts and enthusiast vehicle restorers will help you along your journey. Godspeed!
10. Join a Classic Car Club
"Learning from others is the best way to get started with classic car restorations. In my experience, members of vintage car clubs are always happy to help newbie auto restorers out. In fact, many of them will even let you borrow vehicle restoration tools."
Not even sure where to get started? A car show near you is a great option for first timers, but you can always ask a club for info. Here are some good classic car clubs near South Florida and Central Florida:
- Bentley Drivers Club (read about how to join the Bentley Drivers Club)
- Antique Automobile Club of America – South Florida
- Gold Coast British Sports Car Club
- South East Classic
- Speed Style Performance Car & Truck Club of Florida
- Asphalt Angels Car Club
- Classic Reflections Car Club
- Gold Coast Region Model A Restorers Club
- Indian River Region AACA
- British Car Club of Miami
9. Save on Car Restoration Tools by Buying Used
"With the exception of a few pieces, I started restoring old cars by purchasing good secondhand tools. You can save thousands of dollars by scouring places like Craigslist classifieds, local junkyards or Facebook Market, or simply by going to garage and estate sales every weekend. And once you have those tools, take excellent care of them—they can last decades in the right hands."
Some simple tools you'll want to have in your auto garage include:
- Screwdrivers
- Sockets
- Wrenches
- Drill and drill bits
- Wire brushes
- Floor jack
- Air compressor
- Voltage checker
- Sheet metal clippers
- Pliers
- ShopVac
- Jack stands
- Welder and welding safety equipment
- Angle grinder
- Sawzall
- Blowtorch
- Engine crane
- Garage mat to collect hazardous material and loose parts
- Prybar/breaker bar
- Rags
- Clamps
- Fluid storage
- Sander
- Respirator
Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list of old car restoration tools, but these items will help you get started.
8. Have a Budget
"Never go into antique car restoration work without a budget in place. Think of sticking to that set car restoration cost it as a challenge in and of itself. If you're really hoping to restore a certain vehicle, like a custom 1975 Bentley Corniche, buying used tools will allow you to have more funds to purchase that vehicle and the best auto parts possible."
Be aware that it's rare to come in under your budget once that last rivet is in place. When you make a budget, be prepared to spend about 30% more than that for components like wheels and tires, doors, panels, fenders, car restoration paint, and aftermarket or OEM auto parts. (Unless absolutely necessary, we recommend using new car parts instead of used ones, for your safety.)
7. Take Meticulous Notes & Photos
"I understand how excited you are to dive in, but you need to really keep track of everything before, during and after stripping the car down. Take photos or video of all the components, wiring and pipes so you can reference their fit during installation. Label all your new parts, wires and switches with a "plastic bag and tag" system. Essentially, you want to be obsessively organized."
6. YouTube is Your Friend
"Don't try figure things out on your own when you can work smarter, not harder. Pull up YouTube tutorials any time you need help or want to learn a new skill. (No one is judging you.)"
Some good YouTube creators to start your restoration journey include:
- Rich Rebuilds
- PowerNation
- Vice Grip Garage
- Epic Restorationz
- ADDvanced Garage
- Gas Monkey Garage
- Dominic Chinea
Everyone aims for perfection, but no one is perfect. If YouTube tutorials and videos aren't helping you accomplish a task, consider outsourcing some of the work to a classic auto restoration professional. Just be sure you're choosing a good mechanic and restorer, not a novice!
5. Recycle & Dispose of Materials Properly
"It is illegal to pour motor oil and other chemicals down sewer drains or dispose of them in the trash. Keep our waterways clean, please... Many auto parts stores and service centers near you will recycle hazardous materials for you, so call around and ask!"
4. Install Upholstery from Top to Bottom
"I cannot tell you how many curse words I muttered when reupholstering my first car. Take it from me and start your interior car restoration off the way I didn't—moving from the top to the bottom. This allows the fabric to stay tight throughout the installation process."
3. Be Picky
"Unless you're really just getting your toes in the sand and wanting to learn, it's okay to be very picky about the vehicle you buy. This project is going to be your baby for a long time, and you might as well come out the other end with a vehicle you actually like."
In addition to choosing a vehicle that fits your style and personality, be sure you're checking for signs of structural damage. Major body problems like car rust could increase your overall auto restoration costs immensely!
2. Safety First
"In real estate, everything's 'location, location, location.' When it comes to antique car restoration, it's 'safety, safety, safety.' Never trust wooden pallets or concrete blocks over hydraulic lifts. Never use one jack when you could have four backups in place. Never leave anything to chance when your life depends on it."
1. Start Small
"Don't tackle a full rebuild the first time you purchase an old car to restore. You're going to find that there's an enormous learning curve to automobile restoration. Create realistic expectations and don't hold yourself to a due date, or you're going to become extremely frustrated before you even really begin. Better yet, work on the car with a buddy who will hold you accountable."
Remember that patience is a virtue. Although demanding, taking on an automotive restoration project should be a fun experience. Never lose sight of that!
Not patient enough to restore an old car to its original glory? Perhaps you should use your restoration budget on a new(er) vehicle, instead. Call our luxury car dealership in Miami at (786) 577-5218 to get a price quote on a new Bentley or used import car today.
