If you are planning a classic car restoration, you may have several questions about this process. You may be wondering what types of tools you should use, how to set a budget, and the average duration of restoration. However, it’s also important to be aware of all the safety regulations that apply to this type of project. Here is a close look at this subject.
What Licenses Does A Classic Car Restorer Need?
The exact laws regarding the licenses required to restore and sell vehicles vary by state. For example, in North Carolina, you must have a license in order to earn money “on the sale or exchange of five or more vehicles within a 12-month consecutive period.” In Florida, a similar rule applies to anyone who restores and sells at least three cars within a one-year period.
Fair Trade And Consumer Protection
Consumer protection laws are designed to regulate the supply and sale of goods and services, which includes the supply of car parts and repairs. If you intend to restore a classic vehicle, you must verify that the correct parts are utilized and fitted securely. You should ensure that every aspect of the restoration is performed in such a way that guarantees the car is safe to drive on the roads. Regarding fair trade, you should always be completely transparent with all the customers you deal with.
There are also laws that protect your right to choose the replacement parts and service provider utilized to repair and maintain your automobile. Examples of such laws include the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 and the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act.
Hazardous Substances And REACH Regulations
Most car restorations and repairs involve the use of hazardous chemicals such as asbestos, manganese, and solvents (benzene, xylene, toluene, etc.). Exposure to such substances can lead to severe health issues, including malfunctioning organs, such as the lungs and kidneys. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you use proper protective equipment such as goggles and gloves.
Given the fact that custom auto body shops utilize hazardous substances, they are often subject to regulations collectively known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals). These regulations, which were originally introduced in the European Union in 2007, dictate safe methods for using such chemicals. REACH also sets procedures for gathering and evaluating information about hazardous chemicals and their properties.
Environmental Waste Disposal
Certain car parts can be significantly harmful to the environment if discarded improperly. These include batteries, which contain sulfuric acid and lead, and tires, which can be especially harmful when they are burned. You can also reduce oil pollution by routinely checking your vehicle for leaks. If you happen to notice any, you may catch the oil by placing buckets or other containers under your car to catch the oil. Once you have collected all of the used oil, you should take it to an oil-recycling center.
When in doubt about the safety regulations for classic car restorations, you can look up your state’s laws on motor vehicle repairs and sales of restored automobiles. It may also be a good idea to include an engine swap as part of your restoration in order to switch to a hybrid engine, (if possible) given the fact that this will lead to less air pollution. In California, five automakers recently finalized a deal with the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars despite the Trump administration’s rollbacks of Obama-era fuel efficiency standards.
Contact The Classic Car Restoration Experts
Reach out to the professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia, for more information on safety regulations for classic car restorations. At Robs, we understand that car restoration is not simply a pastime but a way of life. Therefore, we are always dedicated to providing customers with high-quality restorations while adhering to their respective budgets and meeting their unique needs.
The team at Robs has extensive experience dealing with several different types of vehicles, including classic, vintage, antique, and muscle cars. Our classic car restoration always begins with a frame alignment, as this is essential to allowing a vehicle to be driven openly on the road. We can then move on to restore your car’s interior, including the seats, dashboard, and center console. We can also perform rust repair, custom paint jobs, and four different types of engine swaps: LS, fuel-injected, Coyote, and Hemi swaps.
Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online to receive a free estimate on your restoration or to learn more about our work.