by Bill Wald

Created on: October 20, 2010

Automobile restoration is a past-time fraught with numerous perils and a novice in these depths can do considerable damage to their ego, physchy and wallet. If you are reading here it is very likely you are that novice so be sure to tread lightly and take all of these steps from one who has made many of the listed mistakes.

Recollection of times ago; when watching American Graffiti will get the blood pumping, to now have that long ago dreamt of and drooled over classic convertible, That big iron, pony car, T-Bucket roadster, or "Woodie", has come available at a scrap heap, hidden barn treasure or found searching the web to meet your specifications.

First of two items of concern is protection from fraud. There have been instances where cars for sale on the net or national registry are non-existent or not as advertised; where the numbers do not match, if you are wanting an authentic model to begin and end with. Get verification from a local auto group or friend if available to check it out if you personally can not examine the car. Second is determining if a valid title available should you wish to title in your state or province. A salvage title can exist from an insurance or scrap sale. Potentially, this can be brought up to date but use caution here by checking with local licensing authority, some states require the auto to be rebuilt only by a "Certified Rebuilder". Freight and shipping can add several hundred to over a thousand dollars for point to point delivery of non-functioning vehicles.

Determine how much restoration you are willing and able to accomplish. Simple restorations are for the mechanically inept and require only extreme detailing. These cars have been found in forgotten locations and need only cleaning, tune-up and new tires, belts, and fluids.

Anything beyond the Stage One restoration above requires a good deal of planning by the restorer to see how much the wallet will allow and how much of the work the owner will be capable of doing him or her self. The following are steps a novice should work towards before attempting a partial or total restoration.

- Join a local club specializing in the marque you desire to work on. They can keep you on a correct path and are a great source for that odd part, nut or bolt, and often have clinics and assist in restoration at the cost of a pizza and a six pack.

- Research the vehicle as much as possible, look for catalogs, suppliers and parts warehouses that can provide parts new

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