Find Classic Muscle Cars For Restoration

We all know that it can be a hard thing to find just the right classic muscle car for restoration. Obviously you need to be very picky if your going to get just the right car to start with. It's just not an easy process to locate a good car for a restoration project.

In this article I will try to demystify the process of locating just the right car for you. If you have done one of these projects in the past, you can obviously handle a little tougher of a project car. But for this article like most of my other articles I will stick to the beginner theme.

A restoration project is supposed to be a fun thing. You should not get a complete junker to start with, the idea is to find a car that you can complete the restoration on. A car that won't be pushed to the back yard to rot in the elements.

With that in mind let's talk about the price you should plan to spend on a good car for restoration. There is no such a thing as a $2,500 dollar classic car that is anything more then junk. Remember what I said at the first. Unless you have already done a restoration you should stay away from junk to start with.

You should put aside about $10,000 for a good starter restoration project car. In my eyes a good starter car is one that has very little to no rust in the body and no burned electrical wiring. Get a sound car mechanically, you can find this for about $10,000.

You should evaluate your skills to restore the car, and get a car that fits in to your skill set. If you're a good mechanic you should look toward a car that may need more mechanical work then body repair, or electrical work. Keep in mind that you will enjoy the project a lot more if the car leans more toward your skill set.

I'm by no means saying that you can't learn all of the processes that you need to know to perform a car restoration. What I am saying is this, if you are able to get a lot of the work done by yourself it will build your confidence and you will have more fun.

When looking for cars for restoration, you should consider how hard the parts my be to find. If the parts are readily available for the car that you choose to restore the project will flow a lot smoother. If you think of all of the things that may slow you down during the project, and look for the ways around those problems you should be all good with the work.

It's a good day when you realize that you have found the perfect car for restoration, and you know that you can afford to buy that car and start the project. You buy the car and load it on the trailer, or if your the lucky type of person you drive it home.

Now you can begin the project, you can inspect the car and start to develop your parts list. Yes the time has come to do your first car restoration project. Good luck enjoy the process and learn all you can about the car "KUDOS" to you for having the balls to do it.

I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it's where my heart is.

car Restoration

Muscle Car Restoration

Original article

Classic and Vintage Cars Ownership and Restoration

Passionate Owners of Classic and Vintage Cars

The older they get it seems the more popular they become. The history of the motor car is an amazing story and every vehicle of the type described is without an age when it comes to the love and devotions owners attach to it.

The colours, styles, smell and fun enjoyed in riding in them went a long way to ensuring that someone would always be as passionate for them now as the first owners were when they came from the show room. The quality of the seats, the timber-framed dashboard and the often peculiar windows added to the romance and mystique of their day.

There was a running board on the side on which passengers could stand when entering or leaving as the vehicle was often much higher on the road than we are used to today. The bumper bars were just that, solid pieces of equipment that allowed you to bounce off anything you accidentally hit, such as the vehicle in front or behind when parking. They comprised chrome and rubber and were a statement in themselves.

The headlights were larger and often sat between the mud-guards and the bonnet like 2 eyes patrolling the view in front as you drove along. The former were always separate from the engine compartment and when bright young kids wanted to be different they could be stripped off and the old jallopies they enjoyed had a certain element of the dare-devil look about them.

Some vehicles were like tanks to drive because of the steel in the body work. Doors were huge and the top was often of a material or fabric to compensate for the weight below. As the car aged holes could appear in it and stripping the top off was another feature of many a run about driven by teens.

The wheels were huge as well and a spare wheel could be suspended on the side of the vehicle near the driver. The tyre on the other hand was narrow and contained a rubber tube which held the air that pumped them up. Punctures were common and the inner tube had to be removed and repaired and then replaced. That necessitated carrying a spare at all times for a quick change.

Roads were unreliable and often just dirt tracks which is possibly responsible for the height from the road to the floor of the car. Sitting in one today feels strange after all the modern innovations that have vehicles of far less weight, height and reliability than the great classics of yesteryear. Is it any wonder then that enthusiasts still return to days of old to recapture the romance and excitement of that era.

There is enough enthusiam today to bring back the old classics as this site demonstrates

Original article

Useful Tips For Starting A Classic Car Restoration Project

Classic Car Restoration

When purchasing a classic car you need to establish what work needs to be done and list the parts that you are going to need.

Assessment of body work.

What work is needed to be carried out?

Is it a replacement or repair?

Can you carry out the work yourself or will you require professional help?

Do you have all the specialist tools needed to carry out the repairs and work?

Do you have all the correct certification to carry out the work? Welding work will require a certified welder to carry out the work.

Do you have adequate space to carry out the work required?

Timescales

How much time can you devote to your restoration?

Cost

What is the estimated cost taking into account the timescales you have given yourself?

How much money do you have to restore your car?

How much work will you have to do yourself?

Road Tax

Is the car permanently off the road? If it is not of a certain age will you need to make the car SORN whilst carrying out the restoration?

Acquiring parts

To purchase parts for your vehicle maybe difficult as many parts become discontinued stock.

It maybe possible to replace the part with a modern alternative.

Second hand parts could be an option although if you can find the part you need it maybe in the same condition as the one you already have.

Where to find parts.

There are many ways to find parts if you are restoring on a shoe string.

Car parts suppliers.

Some modern suppliers may still have certain parts. Most parts after a certain period become discontinued, although there maybe a modern equivalent that is suitable although not authentic. You might even be lucky and there might be some old stock!

Specialist car suppliers maybe your next option as they specialise in classic cars.

Newspapers and newsagent windows

You never know what will be advertised. You may want to advertise a Wanted space yourself, but that can be costly. If you want to keep the costs down ask them for a late space advertisement. If they have spare spaces to fill and you can negotiate a better advertising rate.

Newsagents window are cheap and effective although localised. Keep a look out for adverts in your local newsagents for garage clearances, motor parts and vehicles for sale.

Car magazines

Car magazines can be costly but great for information. Have good look in the shop to make sure you have the right magazine to suit your car. Many of the magazines are now online and you may be able to find out details of specialist repairers and restorers free of charge.

Another cheap way of buying car magazines is to have a look at boot sales and local newspapers. It is amazing what information, books or manuals you can find for very little money.

Scrap yards

Get to know your local scrap dealer or car breaker. Tell them what you are looking for and they can contact you if anything suitable comes in.

Specialist car parts suppliers

Car Associations

Their members have been there and done it. You can find out details of associations in specialist classic car magazines and on the web.

They will be able to provide you useful advice. Possibly have access to parts and specialist repairers.

Car jumbles

Look out for car jumbles or classic car jumbles. They are always great to have a look round and you never know what useful part or tool you will be able to pick up.

Internet

The web is a fantastic source of information. The internet provides copies of manuals, reference books, association feedback, newsletters and forums as well as purchasing essential items such as parts, tools and specialist classic car insurance.

Insurance.

Do you have the correct cover for your classic car whilst being restored to its former glory and when roadworthy? It is important to check with a classic car insurance broker for advice.

Dave Healey is a regular writer and contributor about classic cars and car restorations at Car Blog.

Original article

Three Steps To Car Restoration

A successful car restoration project is based on several factors. What is the purpose of the restoration: is it to personally enjoy driving that 68 Mustang you drove as a teenager? Or is it to enter car shows and win prestige and possibly prizes? The purpose of your vehicle restoration is very important to identify before you start your big project.

A restoration project can be a fun hobby that you do in your own garage. If it's for personal use, you likely won't be too concerned if every replaced part exactly matches the model and year of your car. However, professionally restored car enthusiasts would cringe at the thought of replacing even a bolt or a belt with something other than the original or an exact replica of the original.

There are three steps to take when planning any car restoration. They are first, take time to evaluate the car and take notes while it is being inspected. Second, take your car to a professional car restorer if you expect a professional result. Third, visit the restoration shop to ask questions and check on the progress of your car.

First of all, what shape is the car in; is it worth restoring? The car should be inspected from top to bottom by someone who knows what they are looking for. Signs of rust, deterioration, missing parts and problems with structural integrity are all relevant when determining the extent and cost of the restoration process. The evaluation should also include a check for body filler, which can be done using a weak flexible magnet. A thorough inspection under the car using a bright light, preferably with the car lifted up for a closer look, is also a top priority.

Second, match your expectations with your budget. If this is to be a do it yourself project that you are considering a hobby, then the budget will likely be lower, but don't expect professional results. If the goal of the whole restoration process is to result in a show car to be taken to car shows, then a professional restoration is in order.

Third, check on the progress of your car restoration. Is it progressing as planned? If location is a problem, ask for regular detailed photos to be emailed to you with an explanation of what is being accomplished. If this project is a hobby you are attempting yourself, check to make sure you are keeping within your decided budget and schedule.

Whether you do it yourself or with the help of a professional, restoring your car to the original look and feel can be a very enjoyable and satisfying experience. The most fun, of course, is driving down Main Street showing it off to everyone.

Dan Annweiler is a car enthusiast who will be launching two car related websites November 1, 2011. To celebrate this forthcoming launch, Dan is giving away 2 auto-related eBooks to anyone who subscribes to his email list. Dan's first ebook is entitled "62 Ways to Save Money at the Gas Pump" and the title says it all. The second eboook is entitled "Gas Saving Devices: Fuel Saver or Consumer Scam?" Dan's second ebook discusses the pros and cons of gas saving devices. These two eBooks are available for free simply by registering using the electronic form located on his website: GasSavingTips.us.

Original article