Our Automotive Blog: Insights and Tips from Metro Wheels & Accessories

Bringing Back the 20's: How to Restore a Classic Car

Many people who dream of buying an iconic classic car and returning to its former glory. The idea of a long-term restoration project can be exciting no matter how old you are. There are important factors to take into consideration when selecting the car that you will be spending hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars restoring.

Select A Vehicle That Will Retain Value 
There are a huge number of old cars for sale. Most of them need restoration. There are plenty of models to choose from. Do not just focus on one model. You can do some research to figure out which models are more valuable after they have been restored. It may cost more to purchase a car with appreciation potential. However, it is important to remember that the cost of the vehicle is only a small component of the whole project.

Be Wary Of Rust
The chassis of the car you select may have been eaten away by rust. This depends on where the car you selected has spent its life. This type of damage can be a time consuming repair. Steel body panels will need to be replaced. You should be prepared to strip the entire chassis if the car is really rusty. Every inch of metal will have to be sand blasted as well. Sections that cannot be repaired should be cut off. Weld new replacement sections in its place. Replacement panels can be purchased from aftermarket manufacturers. If you cannot buy them there, you will have to fabricate them from sheet metal. 

Find A Car That Starts
Mechanical repairs can be reduced if you buy a car that starts and runs. It can be a risky proposition to buy a non-running car that has been sitting for a decade. You may need a new battery, fuel pump, or starter in the best-case scenario. A seized engine may need to be rebuilt or replaced in the worst-case scenario.

Ensure Availability Of Replacement Parts
You should always make sure you have replacement parts that are available. A shortage of replacement parts can stop your project in its tracks. There may not be aftermarket replacement parts available if you purchase car that is particularly scarce. The used parts may be expensive as well. Make sure you have replacement parts to ensure that your project goes smoothly.

Bring An Expert
If you know someone who knows a lot of about auto restoration, you should bring him or her along to look at a potential purchase. It is a great idea to get feedback from someone with more experience in auto restoration. 

Repairing A Transmission
Common transmission problems are easily fixed once you have determined the cause. If the transmission fluid is low, all you have to do is fill it with enough fluid. This will allow your transmission to work properly. It is important to get any worn out parts replaced as soon as possible. This includes the transmission gear or a defective shift gear. You may just need to readjust the gear shift instead of replacing completely in some cases. If the transmission bands are worn out, you can replace the worn out bands to repair the problem. 

When it comes to restoring a car, there are a lot of things to be considered. The project can be exciting and fun if you know what you are doing and you understand car restoration. 

Information provided by National Transmission, a Calgary transmission building company.

Author: Erika Remmington