If you are looking to restore your vehicle, you are about to begin an exciting yet complex process. First and foremost, it’s important to note that “car restoration” is different from “refurbishment.” A fully restored vehicle is one that has been repaired and upgraded to its original condition so that it appears as if it had just rolled off the assembly line. However, you can also perform a partial car restoration if you merely wish to drive your car around rather than display it at public events. Let’s analyze the differences between a partial and full car restoration.
Partial Car Restoration Process
A partial vehicle restoration is a formidable option for you if you frequently drive your car but are not interested in displaying it at automobile shows. Here are some of the upgrades and replacements you can make as part of partial car restoration.
Body Work & Paint Restoration
The process of giving your vehicle an astonishing new appearance begins with ensuring that the exterior has a vibrant look. This includes straightening the frame so that your car can drive openly on any road and adding a fresh coat of paint to the body. Never underestimate how much of a positive difference performing body work can make.
Interior Refresh
Once you have restored your car’s exterior, be sure to refresh the interior, but don’t redo it entirely. This entails cleaning the seats and floor (including mats) of dust, leaves and any other debris. In order to penetrate denser fabrics, you can powder your vehicle’s interior with baking soda, which won’t damage the inside of your car due to its low pH level. You can also keep an air freshener in your vehicle or spray any type of freshening solution that won’t damage the interior.
Mechanical & Electrical System Upgrade
A partial restoration also involves upgrading the mechanical system while restoring the current system. Be sure to also upgrade and restore the electrical, cooling, and fuel delivery systems. Vehicles’ electrical systems got multiple upgrades over the years, primarily because more components that run on electrical power became available on the market, which meant that power consumption would increase significantly.
Existing Brake, Steering & Suspension System Restore
Your vehicle will not be truly restored until the brake, steering, and suspension systems have been upgraded. After all, these systems are essential to ensuring a car can be driven properly.
Full Car Restoration Process
A full car restoration involves the complete disassembly of a vehicle and the act of restoring every single system and component. A full restoration may be the best option for you if you plan to take your vehicle to an auto show. You may need to adjust your maintenance schedule in order to complete a full restoration. Here is what this process entails:
Mechanically or Chemically Strip the Car
A mechanical paint removal typically involves the use of an automated paint remover such as a sander. However, certain vehicles (such as classic cars) can become damaged by these types of removers. For chemical paint removal, you may need to take off the part of your automobile that you wish to strip prior to adding the paint. Otherwise, you may have to take additional precautions to protect your car from damage.
Repair All Rust on the Metal
Metal can easily corrode over time, and this can happen to nearly every type of car, regardless of make or model. Rust can especially form during humid climate, so be sure to look out for this in the warm weather months.
Trim Replacement
The exterior trim on your vehicle essentially includes the bumpers, wheel wells, headlights, and window and door seals. It’s important to replace the trim because it can easily wear out or become stained.
Rebuild or Replace Engine
You can rebuild your car’s engine or replace it with a crate motor, which — as its name indicates — is delivered in a crate and is often sold by the aftermarket.
Upgrade Brake, Steering & Suspension Systems
Just like with a partial restoration, it is crucial to upgrade your car’s brake, steering, and suspension systems. Your vehicle will never be able to circulate properly on the streets until this has been done.
Replacement of All Interior Features
The final step of a full car restoration involves replacing all the interior features, including the carpets, headliner, dash, door panels, seat covers, foam, and repair springs.
Speak to a Professional Car Restoration Specialist
Reach out to the professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia for more information on the difference between partial and full car restoration. We have experience working with many different types of vehicles, including classic cars, vintage cars, antique cars, and muscle cars. We provide both frame and rust repair, as well as custom paint jobs so that your car can look brand new next time you drive it.
Robs’ team also offers four different types of engine swaps. If there are ever any parts that need to be replaced, we will work to find higher-quality alternative options for you. Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at 703-552-5001 or contact us online to learn more about our services.