Car restoration can be a thrilling endeavor from which you can gain many valuable skills, although it’s crucial to know the proper ways to undertake it. This action, which can be performed on classic, antique or muscle cars, refers to the process of returning a vehicle to its original state (both on the outside and inside) as if it had just rolled off the assembly line.
According to Global Industry Analysts, the worldwide automotive aftermarket (i.e. parts replacements, among other things) is forecast to exceed $1 trillion by 2022. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) also estimated that the car restoration segment generated approximately $1.4 billion in retail parts sales in 2014, a figure that excludes the roughly $1.3 billion in labor and installation costs and collector vehicle sales. Given revelatory statistics such as these, let’s take a closer look at car restoration and three commonly believed myths about this process.
Common Myths
Be wary of people who attempt to convince you that the following three falsehoods are true:
Car Restoration Is Viewed as an Investment Restoration
If you are seeking to restore a car, you should know that this process is ultimately more of a hobby than an investment. Of course, you shouldn’t interpret this to mean that you will end up insolvent. However, it’s important to note that it’s difficult to earn a sizable return on this type of project. According to several studies conducted by Miles Collier, an automotive historian, the discrepancy between restoring a car from 90% of its original state to 95% can make a difference between an aesthetically pleasing vehicle and a worthless object. That final 5% will require 20-25% of the effort, Collier estimates.
Restoration & Refurbishment Are the Same
It’s likely easy for many people to conflate these two terms, as they may be similar in other contexts, but a true car enthusiast should know how distinct they are. Car restoration implies completely disassembling a vehicle and then rebuilding it to meet the manufacturer’s requirements as nearly as possible, while refurbishment involves improving certain parts of a car (that are not necessarily classic or antique), such as the tires, engine, or suspension.
Be sure to speak with a reputable mechanic shop or other automobile business for recommendations on which car parts can be easily replaced at home and which ones require assistance from a professional. Supply and demand for vehicle parts constantly fluctuate, so it’s important to keep track of market trends.
All Aspects Can Be Singularly Handled
If you are a mechanic or engineer, it can be tempting to handle car restoration alone, as you might know more about a car’s components more than the average person. However, there are still certain details that may prove to be more confusing and that can cost you significant amounts of money if you ignore or mismanage them. There’s no shame in asking for assistance or confirmation when in doubt. According to Statista, the do-it-yourself automotive aftermarket parts segment in the United States was estimated at approximately $20 billion in 2013.
Another common myth to know is the belief that after a car restoration, your work is complete. Although the primary aspect of your project may be finished, it’s still important for you to perform routine maintenance on it (e.g. keep it rust-free). A car restoration shop can assist you with this.
Talk to Robs Customs & Restorations for More Information
Speak to the professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia to learn more about the dos and don’ts of car restoration. At Robs, we are always dedicated to providing top-quality service, and part of this means addressing you and your vehicle’s unique needs and concerns. Our team has experience working with classic, antique, and muscle cars, and we can perform both interior and bodywork restoration.
For classic cars, work typically begins with frame alignment, so that your vehicle can circulate with ease, as well as a paint job, if necessary. We will then repair any damage your car’s interior (e.g. seats) may have sustained, and we can then replace any worn parts with higher-quality alternatives so that your vehicle is looking brand new. You can always request an estimate from us if you are concerned about having the budget for a project. Call Robs today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online for more information about our work.