Classic car restoration refers to the process of repairing a car in order to return it to its original condition. This type of restoration includes the interior, exterior, engine and other mechanical parts and related accessories. An individual or company restoring a classic car may, depending on the type of restoration, use only original parts and pieces, or fabricate materials to bring the classic back to life.
Car restoration can be a long, arduous process that spans years until completion. Many find their projects never completed at all. The process can be very frustrating, for just when you find something fixed, another part of the car goes wrong. The entire process of car restoration is big -- often bigger than expected. Recruiting friends and family may be a good idea, as the process is often labor-intensive, involving the removing of rust, priming, and painting. The procedure can also be more complex involving a complete disassembling of a car, including cleaning, repairing and retesting, as well as stripping and reupholstering the interior. The engine may also have to be rebuilt. The exterior is usually repaired and refinished last, as only a car in working condition would deserve a new coat of paint.
Classic car restoration is a complicated series of projects that not only takes several years to complete, but may end up costing thousands of dollars. There are also varying levels of quality in car parts and overall look when you deal with car restoration. The highest level is usually not available for amateur restorers and is near perfect in its reproduction process, consisting of original, authentic parts and overall finish. The lowest level of restoration involves building a running car with some authentic parts, but assembled with less particular regard to original parts and appearance.
Though the process may be long and hard, completing a car restoration project is very rewarding for car enthusiasts.