The Grease Monkey Chronicles: Trying Your Hand at Car Restoration
Getting a driver’s license and having a car are rites of passage that most people experience in their youth. While many adolescents get their first taste of car ownership with a secondhand car, some are fortunate enough to have a brand-new one.
When these teenagers finally become adults, who can afford to buy their own car, they might opt to choose the newest one in the market. But not everyone is enamored by the new car smell or the shiniest rims; some people prefer to go vintage.
There’s just something about classic cars that can make any car enthusiast feel nostalgic for the olden days. Plus, having a classic vehicle in a world full of modern cars can elevate the entire experience of car ownership because it distinguishes them from others.
However, original vintage cars are like unique collector items in a way that their prices can be monstrous. It’s not something that an average wage earner can afford right off the bat, especially considering all the other living expenses. That’s why many car enthusiasts turn to restoration to realize their dream.
Is Restoration Worth It?
If you’re thinking about restoring a classic car, then you must have enough time, patience, and skills to achieve it. Restoring a vintage car to its former glory will take time, from a few weeks to a few years depending on the pace you set for yourself. The duration can also be affected by unforeseeable factors.
As such you have to be ready to put in the work. Nobody said it would be easy, but it can be worth all your efforts once you can finally drive down the block with your newly restored vintage car. Of course, you still have a long and winding road ahead of you before you can make that dream come true.
It doesn’t matter if you’re restoring a car that’s been passed down from generation to generation or if you’re buying an old car – the amount of work will generally be the same. But at the end of the day, what matters is that you can get the car up and running. To make that happen, here are a few tips for you:
Tip #1 – Do Your Research
Even if you already have plenty of experience in working with cars, it won’t hurt to read up on the experiences of renowned restoration experts. The best mechanics are those that are open to more learning, which can be done by doing your homework. You might even pick up a thing or two from these mechanics.
Do your research and learn everything you can about car restoration. It may help you in the long run if you know where you can get the parts, what kind of paint you will need, or how you can finish the project on your own. This way, you’ll be ready to face whatever comes your way.
Tip #2 – Set a Budget
It’s important to set a budget for your restoration project because it’s easy to overspend on customization. The reason why you’re restoring a car instead of buying a new one is to cut costs, apart from wanting to own a car with more character.
As such, you must prioritize spending your money on the essential aspects of the restoration. Save the purchasing of materials for customization after you complete the essentials. Restoring a car is already a challenge, so do yourself a favor by making your job easier when you can.
For instance, rather than buying separate parts from different suppliers, you can look into those that sell a comprehensive rebuild kit that is appropriate for your car model. Doing so can save you money, time, and energy because you will no longer have to go out of your way to get the best parts.
Tip #3 – Don’t Rush the Process
As mentioned earlier, restoring a car will take a long time. If you can’t commit to this project long-term, then you will only be setting yourself up for failure. You must keep in mind that your restoration project shouldn’t get in the way of your other responsibilities, like your work or family life.
Not having enough time might also force you to rush through the process, which can lead to more mistakes or even pose a hazard to your safety. When restoring a car, the most important thing you need to remember is that you are going to ride the vehicle.
So if your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of the road or falls apart because you rushed certain aspects, it will be your life on the line. In addition to that, not only will you make the entire project a waste of your time, but it will also be another expense.
Trying your hand on something as challenging as car restoration can be a great way to spend your time and gauge your skills as a self-proclaimed mechanic. Although the overall costs of the project can make buying a new car seem like a more practical decision, it can be an exciting and gratifying experience for you.
