by David Braybrooke

Created on: April 05, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

Restoring antique cars is not inexpensive or easy, nor is it a job to be rushed through by just anyone; a special level of patience is required and hidden components need to be rebuilt to match the standard of the displayed exterior.

Pitfalls can be many and varied and need to be considered with care:

* The purchasing of a good car for restoration can be a difficult prospect; it is recommended that a recognized professional is consulted about any model before purchasing; an appraisal from an expert can save you much time and heartache.

* Many restorers of antique cars are ill-equipped and poorly prepared to tackle the project. Study well before beginning any restoration and ensure that any tools to be used are in good-working order and well-maintained; good tools will ensure that fewer pitfalls occur.

* Be aware of the many different areas involved in car restoration before beginning a project; an overall evaluation of what needs to be done should be carefully drawn up in advance by the restorer. Work on the antique car's chassis, engine, wheels, electrical wiring and upholstery will need to be tackled methodically and with great expertise.

* Rebuilding of old engines can be especially difficult; individual parts may need re-machining and extreme precision is required in carrying this out. An initial evaluation by an antique automobile expert will be useful in ascertaining what parts may need to be replaced and reconstructed; many parts may have to be ordered before the restoration proceeds.

* Engine lubrication and cooling systems need careful attention and selection of quality products is paramount during the restoration process.

* The skills required to restore an antique car are many and varied. Jobs such as re-machining the piston system; wiring of ignition; installing carburetors, clutches and transmissions, fuel tanks, gaskets and other parts all require great skill and precision in order to avoid many pitfalls. Consult others if required in order to keep the restoration on track; sheet metal basics, welding, sectioning, auto body metal preparation and filling and glazier skills will have to be mastered in advance to ensure a quality job.

* License plates and getting the correct legal paperwork for owning, driving and displaying your restored prize are important considerations for any restorer of cars.

As with any specialist project it always pays to be well-prepared before advancing with the complexities of antique car restorations; purchase parts wisely, take your time on completing individual restoration tasks and always maintain adequate lighting and electrical supply in your workshop. Do all this and any pitfalls experienced during the restoration shall be lesser in number and degree of severity.

Happy motoring!

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