Generally, the restoration of a classic car is done in
three parts: engine, paint and interior. The order you do them in does not
matter as much as the quality of the restoration itself. For many people in
buying classic car restoration parts, the most important part of restoring the
old vehicle is the paint job. This is what everyone notices when the vehicle
speeds down the street or is being cooed over at classic car shows. However, a
great paint job on a muscle car doesn't happen by accident but it takes
planning and patience to achieve. Although aftermarket classic cars restoration parts such as carburetors, cold air intakes and even exhaust systems can add
much more horsepower to your classic car, they may decrease its value. In most
cases, classic cars are considered to be more valuable when they use higher
percentages of stock or original parts. If you need to make repairs on the
engine, and parts need to be replaced, try to locate new and original OEM
replacement parts whenever possible.
Below are the most commonly replaced items on
a classic car restoration project:
Engine
Few classic clunkers have a good working engine. The
quickest test of a good engine would be to check for signs of oil in the
radiator, antifreeze in the oil pan, and external leaks, especially at the
gaskets and freeze plugs. If those signs are present, it is likely that the
block is cracked from a blown head gasket and a replacement engine is
recommended. Other tests are recommended.
Transmission
If it is a manual transmission, you will also need to add
the cost of a clutch to your project. Assuming that the car's engine cranks and
the car is drivable. No movement is the best indicator that a new tranny is
needed. If it will move, does the transmission slip or take its time engaging?
If it makes a clunking sound when you shift into or out of gear or if it whines
as you speed up and the fluid smells burned, a replacement transmission is in
order.
Body
No restoration would be complete without replacing body
parts. If you intend to resell your finished project, classic car aficionados
will search for signs of painted-over body putty and want to reduce the sale
price if they find it. Painting an automobile correctly is also an art form so
prepare to take your time and do it correctly.
Interiors
Think seat covers, door panels and headliners. These are
available for purchase to look just like the original from restoration parts
specialists or you can have them custom made. If you intend to have custom
interiors, leave the covers in place on the frames. The upholsterer will need
to see how the finished product should look upon completion, understand where
all the wires and fittings go, see how the covers come off, and how they go
back into place correctly. Custom interiors could cost you more if this advice
goes unheeded.
There are a lot of considerations when buying classic cars restoration parts. Probably the biggest thing on your mind
is budget, and it should be. Restoring any car is an expensive venture and an
classic car restoration is no exception. There are many classic cars on the
used car market, but the condition of those cars is always a guess.

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