If you’ve ever sought to restore a classic car, you’re in for quite the adventure. This process can be extremely exciting, although it is also lengthy and quite complex. Thus, it’s crucial to be as informed about this type of endeavor as possible so as to avoid making costly mistakes.
Let’s take a close look at the four levels of classic car restoration and how they contribute to the project as a whole.
The Four Levels of Classic Car Restoration
Before anything else, It’s important to understand what a classic car is and what the term “restoration” means. A classic vehicle is typically defined as one that is at least 20 years old and that can be preserved and collected. Examples of popular classic cars include the Chevrolet Corvette, the Ford Mustang, and the Porsche 911. Restoration refers to the process of entirely disassembling and rebuilding a car until it is virtually identical to when it first rolled off the assembly line. This is different from “refurbishment,” which refers to the act of making only partial improvements to a vehicle (i.e. repainting, straightening the frame).
In 2017, Global Industry Analysts predicted that the worldwide Automotive Aftermarket will be worth more than $1 trillion by 2022, largely due to the number of operational automobiles and the rising average age of cars. Each of the four commonly accepted classic car restoration levels is designed to help give new life to your vehicle.
Driving (Condition)
This level is intended for cars that are completely operational, although they may need certain parts replaced or components adjusted.
In order to properly get a car to this condition, a full inspection is often recommended. This can help you more easily identify all necessary repairs and estimate their cost. A car lift can also facilitate an inspection, so don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to a local garage.
Street Show
A car is widely considered to be in “street show” condition if it lacks major cosmetic problems. Once a restoration expert has evaluated your vehicle, it should land somewhere in the 80-89 point range on the 100-point universal scale utilized to rate an automobile’s condition. A parts catalog is often helpful for obtaining accurate and decently priced components for your specific model.
Show Car
You should definitely seek help from a professional for this level. An experienced car professional would likely rate a show car between 90 and 95 on the universal scale. Again, it is also highly recommended to peruse your car’s manual, which can usually be found either at a library or online.
Concours
This is widely viewed as the highest possible restoration level. A considerable amount of work required for this level is typically put in to display vehicles in auto shows or in private collections. Cars restored to this level should not be driven.
In the end, one of your primary goals when restoring a car should be to extend its lifespan as much as possible. This means routine maintenance is essential. According to a 2015 report compiled by the NPD Group, a market research organization, older car owners (those who owned vehicles for 11+ years) are approximately twice as likely to regularly perform maintenance work (changing the air filter, oil, spark plugs, etc.) than those who have owned automobiles for three years or less. Older vehicle owners are also more likely to spend more on maintenance and repairs in a given year.
Work with the Experts at Robs Customs & Restorations
Speak to the professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia to learn more about the four levels of car restoration and how to plan out this process according to your budget. We have experience working with classic, antique/vintage, and muscle cars.
Our team will always begin by aligning and straightening your vehicle’s frame so that you can drive it on virtually any road without any major issues. We can also offer comprehensive body modifications and custom paint jobs if you believe these services are necessary. We will then move on to take care of the interior (wear and tear on seats, mats, etc.).
At Robs, we are dedicated to ensuring that your unique needs and concerns are met. Call us today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online for more information about our services or to receive a free estimate. You’ll hardly find a more reliable car restoration business in Virginia.