Choosing to restore a truck is a huge undertaking as it requires a significant amount of time, effort, and money to complete. It’s therefore best to know what to expect each step of the way to ensure that you can commit the right amount of resources to the project before beginning — otherwise, you may find yourself with a half-completed truck in your driveway for far longer than you anticipated. This guide will help you understand what a truck restoration involves, the benefits of completing one, and how long a truck restoration takes.
What Does a Truck Restoration Involve?
Before you begin purchasing items for your truck, you’ll need to complete some research to determine the items needed and where you can find them. This can take very little time for a popular type of truck, such as a Ford, but may take more time if your truck is less common. You’ll also need to determine how extensive your restoration will be. Plan to spend several weeks conducting initial research.
Next, you can begin taking apart the truck, making repairs, and installing new parts. This process can take several months depending on what needs to be updated and whether you’re updating your truck solely for personal enjoyment or for competition standards. If you find yourself on a deadline for a competition, be sure to factor in shopping and shipping times. Once the body and interior of the car are complete you can paint your truck, which typically takes about one week.
How Long Does a Truck Restoration Take?
Truck restorations take about 1,000 hours of labor to complete. If you were able to work on the job eight hours per day, as though it were a full-time job, the entire project would take about four months to complete. However, because most people have jobs, social commitments, and other events requiring their time, experts recommend planning for a complete truck restoration to take about two years.
This may seem like an excessive amount of time for a car restoration, but it’s important to consider the amount of effort a job of this size takes. Research alone can take a significant amount of time, particularly if it’s difficult to source parts for your style of truck. Once all of the parts arrive, taking the truck apart and replacing each piece can be a tricky process, especially if this is your first restoration. It’s important to never rush when handling a vintage, classic, or antique truck, as the parts may be delicate. Spending two years restoring your truck, while a long time, increases the likelihood that the job will be done well and result in a beautifully restored truck.
Benefits of Truck Restoration
One of the many benefits of truck restoration is the enjoyment of the process itself. Many hobbyists find the research, rebuilding, and other tasks required to fully restore a truck to be fun and even relaxing. By working on restoring a truck, you can connect with other enthusiasts, who can share advice and share their stories about their own trucks. This creates a community of like-minded people, making the restoration process more engaging and enjoyable if you choose to take it on yourself.
Restoring a truck also connects you to a piece of history. Some people restore trucks with which they have a close personal or family connection, while others take on the job because they appreciate a particular era of history or car manufacturing. No matter your reason for restoring a truck, doing so can provide a strong connection to a period of personal or national significance, giving the truck special meaning and making it a centerpiece of conversation.
Finally, restoring a truck may allow you to compete in car shows and other events. While competition is not a priority for all restorers, some take great pride in their ability to meet competition standards and test their skills in a formal competition. Many competitions have high standards and strict rules, creating an extra challenge when it comes to selecting truck parts and installing them. The goal of competing can help keep restorers motivated if they find themselves losing interest while restoring the truck.
Seeking Professional Restoration Help
Speak with Rob’s Customs & Restorations for more information about truck restoration or to schedule a consultation regarding your unique truck’s restoration timeline. Rob’s specializes in custom body and paint jobs, car and truck restoration, and engine swaps for antique, vintage, and classic vehicles. The company’s team of experienced mechanics and restorers can help you find the right parts for your restoration or complete restoration jobs in house for those lacking the time to do it themselves.