So, you are thinking about restoring an antique or classic car? You had better think twice! It is something that should not be entered into half-heartedly. It will require a lot of time, patience, and money. The end result can be personally rewarding or it can be a disaster.

I have seen countless people who have attempted a restoration, who abandon the project before it is completed due to loss of interest, total frustration, or lack of funds.

Here is a typical scenario: A successful, middle-aged attorney decides that he would like to restore 1950 Chevrolet Bel Air like grandpa used to have. Wouldn't it be a "blast" to take the wife and kids for a Sunday drive in grandpa's car? He has a few extra bucks to spend and he finds his dream car on e-bay. The $6000. Buy It Now price does not sound too bad and the pictures and description look pretty good. The seller assures him that the car is complete, runs and drives well, and will only require a little TLC to make it a "show piece". A deal is made and he sends a $6000. money order to the seller. After a few phone calls, a carrier is found who will ship the car for only $900. Ten days later the transport pulls up in front of his home. The paint sure looked a lot more shiny in the pictures. The transport driver puts down his ramps and gets in the Chevy to back it off. The starter solenoid clicks but the engine will not turn over. A set of jumper cables are connected to his Escalade and the Chevy roars to life. The clutch chatters a little as the Chevy is backed onto the street. As soon as the truck leaves he jumps in his little jewel and takes his first drive around the block. I didn't notice that star chip in the windshield in the pictures. The transmission has a little growl in low gear but it sounds great in 2nd and high. Why does the car pull to the left when I'm braking? Probably needs a little brake adjustment. Oh, Oh, why did the engine die? Probably needs a carb adjustment. Damn, now I've got to walk home to get the Escalade and the jumper cables. Half an hour later the Chevy is sitting in the driveway. The kids a squealing and jumping up and down begging for a ride. The wife has a puzzled look on her face and a couple of neighbors are giving the Chevy their expert once over. Wife asks, what's that dripping on the driveway? Probably just needs to have the valve cover gasket replaced he assures her. One of the neighbors has found evidence of a little bondo around the wheel openings. There's a little tear in the headliner but no big deal After all, the car is 58 years old. One year later he's sitting at his desk totaling the repair bills for the Chevy. The car is finally completed. It runs like a clock, the paint job is shiny and new, and it sure draws a lot of attention when I drive it. Rust repair, straighten dents, complete paint job $6500. New headliner and carpets &600. New L. side windshield $400. 4 new tires (they are wide white walls) $$500. Engine overhaul $3250. Trans overhaul and new clutch $900. New gas tank $300. Complete brake system overhaul $850. Repair AM Radio $250. New Butterfly Steering wheel $250. New weather-stripping $400. Reprinted Owners Manual, engine decals, sales literature, heater instructions $25. (now that was a real bargain). New exhaust system with a Fenton split manifold $800. (grandpa would be proud of this). Honey, we promised the kids that trip to Hawaii. Do you think we can go this year? Things have been a little slow at the office. Maybe next year. Sure wish we could drive there in the Chevy.

Are you ready for this? The moral of the story is: "Do your home work and will your marriage stand the test".

Learn more about this author, Douglas Samuelson.
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