Car restoration is one of the leading hobbies of car enthusiasts. It can be quite an exciting undertaking thanks to the work involved and all that you can learn from it. And aside from the excitement brought about by the process, nothing can compare to the joy you feel from attaining small victories and anticipating the outcome.
Of course, every classic car restoration project is sure to meet certain obstacles. According to a classic car restoration service in Dubai, these hurdles can be caused by the fast turnover of trends, which makes most restoration solutions inaccessible.
As such, if you are thinking of restoring classic vehicles, particularly from the sixties and seventies, expect the following bumps along the way.
1. Finding the right shade of body paint
If you have watched a restoration reality TV show before, then you’re probably already aware that restoring the body paint is one of the trickiest aspects of the job. A lot of old car paint hues are no longer available today. On top of that, very little information is available about the original colors that old cars came in 50 to 60 years ago.
Quite often, restoration experts go through countless trial and error processes just to find the exact color the car originally came in. They study the leftover paint on the body and search online for original pictures of the vehicle in the color that matches the old car’s. This is followed up by mixing colors and making sure that the true shade and finish do not morph under different lights and other conditions.
It truly is a lot of work. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a highly experienced car restoration shop that has the latest equipment or technology just for this single task.
2. Finding authentic replacements
Naturally, if an old vehicle has a lot of broken or missing parts, it can take a while to find authentic replacements. You simply cannot walk up to an auto supply store and find what you need. For expert restorers, this means checking out various online suppliers, reaching out to car collectors, and even scouring through junkyards.
Items like refrigerator door handles, for instance, are incredibly tricky to find; the same is true for old car stereos, steering wheels, and even upholstery materials. In some cases, car restorers have to reach out to original manufacturers for replacements to be specifically made, which automatically raises the cost of the project.
Perhaps the most challenging replacement part to find is a working engine. If you do manage to find one, a lot of work will go into making sure it runs well.
3. Ensuring functionality
If you want a full restoration, getting the vehicle to run like it used to is not going to be easy. Quite often, a newer engine needs to be used, and this naturally affects the way other parts perform.
Also, if restorers do get an old engine to work, it’s essential to come to terms with the limitations it will have. It’s worth noting that old models get replaced because of the necessary improvements to their performance. Therefore, the issues they were known for when they were new on the market decades ago will still be the same issues you’ll face after the restoration.
4. Yes or no to certain upgrades?
If you are not keen on having a full restoration done and wouldn’t mind using more updated integrations for better performance, you still have to decide which areas of improvement to tackle.
Remember, a car is a machine made up of different components. A single car part replacement will have an impact on the way another part functions. So, sit down with your restorers for their helpful insights on how certain upgrades will affect the integrity of the original parts that you wish to maintain.
5. Not having a definite completion date
As mentioned earlier, it isn’t very easy to establish a definite date for the completion of the project. When it comes to classic car restoration, there are always small issues or setbacks that could pop up as you progress from one task to another.
There’s no doubt that making a hobby out of classic car restoration is likely to test one’s patience and determination (and financial capacity, too), but many enthusiasts will agree that seeing the classic car once all the restoration work is completed is one of the best feelings in the world.
For a Love of a Classic
There’s no denying that a classic car restoration project comes hand in hand with unique challenges. However, you cannot ignore the fact that restoring a vintage vehicle is a true labor of love that makes for a fantastic lifetime project. It gives you something beautiful to look forward to.
Regardless of whether you will be using the restored car for your own amusement or you plan to make money off of it by joining car shows, your level of commitment to the restoration will determine how quickly the project can be completed. With substantial funds, a positive outlook, and the steely determination to overcome the hurdles listed above, you can lay eyes on the fruits of your labor sooner — and the success will be that much sweeter.
AUTHOR BIO
Ahmad Ramadan is a Managing Partner at Deutsche Technik Service Center, Dubai’s first and largest VW, Audi, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, & Lamborghini vehicle specialist and performance tuner. DT has also built an illustrious portfolio in classic car repair, maintenance, and restoration, as well as bodywork (accident repair, painting, and denting). DT Service Centre offers a full range of services: mechanical repairs, maintenance, servicing, etc.
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