If you are working on a classic car restoration and you hope to use the vehicle for more than just show, the decisions that you make during the process will be different than those for people who are restoring a classic car for display. Individuals who would like their classic car to function safely and comfortably as a daily driver must consider a number of factors during the restoration.
Turning Your Classic Car Restoration Into Your Daily Ride
Some people choose to tackle classic car restoration on their own with occasional help from an expert, and others rely on a skilled and experienced classic car restoration shop. Regardless of which option you choose, you will need to think about each of the parts you select, as well as your options for maintenance and long-term function.
Pick The Right Car
Starting with the right car is a must if you would like your classic vehicle to serve as a daily driver. The right car for you may not be the right car for someone else, so take as much time as you need to consider your options. While it is important to select a car that you like and that you have always wanted to own, you must also pay attention to details such as the availability of parts and the overall condition of the vehicle. Daily drivers will serve you best when they already begin in good condition, with minimal rust and wear; otherwise, you may need to undergo extreme renovations and restorations in order to bring the car into reliable working order.
Evaluate If Full Or Partial Restoration Is Required
If you have selected a solid car that has only a few cosmetic issues, this will take less restoration than a battered and rusted car that may need a completely new body and many new parts such as transmissions. A full restoration is not necessarily a negative thing; however, it does mean that you must be willing to put more time, money, and effort into your classic car restoration. Typically, this occurs when someone has a very specific type or model of car that they would like to own and so they cannot be as free in looking for a car that only needs partial restoration.
Check Each Part For Potential Problems
If you want your classic car to serve as your daily driver, be sure to check each part of the car to evaluate its function. While classic car restoration is most often associated with exterior body work that restores the visual appearance of the vehicle, older cars may need additional work on the machinery that makes them function reliably, such as a timing belt, transmission, or exhaust system. Without tackling these problems first, your classic car may break down quickly in everyday conditions.
Make Modern Upgrades When Needed
Despite your desire to keep as much of the classic car’s original parts and features as possible, it is important to understand when a modern upgrade might be needed. A new brake system or even a different headlight option could provide greater safety since technology has come so far since your classic car left the assembly line.
Regular Maintenance Of Your Classic Car
As with any car that you drive regularly, a classic car will need to be rigorously maintained over time. Be sure to take it for frequent inspections, and understand the unique features of your classic car that may fail the soonest. If you play an active part in the car’s restoration, either by doing it yourself or by working closely with an experienced classic car shop, you will be intimately familiar with the strengths and shortcomings of your vehicle so that you can prepare in advance. Maintaining your car well is what will keep it safe to use every day and reliable no matter the weather or distance you drive.
Talk With The Classic Car Restoration Experts
As you consider how much of a classic car restoration project you would like to take on and how you can turn your vision for your car into a reliable daily driver, be sure to form a relationship and contact an experienced classic car shop. The experts can assist you with your project and ensure that your car is restored properly and comprehensively so that it is safe to drive every day. At Robs Customs & Restoration, we believe that a classic car project is more than just a hobby; it is a lifestyle. We would be happy to help you create a strategy for restoring your favorite classic car so that you can use it as your daily driver for as long as possible.