[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/thinking-about-restoring-car\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/thinking-about-restoring-car\/","headline":"Thinking about Restoring a Classic Car?","name":"Thinking about Restoring a Classic Car?","description":"Knowing you have helped save an old vehicle and brought it back to life is one of the best feelings for any classic car enthusiast, however it can be easy to lose track of just how much such a mammoth project can actually cost. Let\u2019s break it down and see what savings can be made before you get started. Do you research This has to be the single most important part of any car restoration as this allows you to […]","datePublished":"2017-04-11","dateModified":"2017-04-13","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/car-restoration-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/car-restoration-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/thinking-about-restoring-car\/","about":["BLOG","CLASSIC CARS"],"wordCount":441,"keywords":["Classic car restoration","classic cars","restoration"],"articleBody":"Knowing you have helped save an old vehicle and brought it back to life is one of the best feelings for any classic car enthusiast, however it can be easy to lose track of just how much such a mammoth project can actually cost. Let\u2019s break it down and see what savings can be made before you get started.Do you researchThis has to be the single most important part of any car restoration as this allows you to see how others before you have got on with a similar project. Sit through plenty of tutorials, learn what you can, map out the build, join forums and try to track down the owner\u2019s manual for the vehicle.Protection from the weatherMake sure you already have some sort of garage, car port or shelter to work under to save your future purchase from the elements. You\u2019ll want to do all you can to keep the car in the best possible condition and having a large enough space to work in and store your equipment will make your restoration go much smoother.The right tools for the jobYou might have a whole shed full of tools, but chances are that you\u2019ll need one specific bit of kit that\u2019s missing from your collection. Don\u2019t be afraid to borrow things that you need from friends or fellow enthusiasts and try to figure out what you need beforehand – it really is all about the planning!The vehicle itselfIf you don\u2019t want to be too overwhelmed, perhaps look at picking up a smaller car from the 1940\u2019s or 50\u2019s to get you off to a good start. Whilst car hunting, although the initial cost will be higher, you might even be lucky enough to come across an unfinished project that has been started off for you.Getting partsYour budget will very much depend on how authentic you want the restoration to be. Car salvage companies may have parts from a a similar vehicle or you can get yourself a donor car. Specialists are likely to know how to track down rare parts for the best price or you can try going to a company that reproduces new parts for classic cars.Once you have everything in place, there is no reason why your project shouldn\u2019t be thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable. As long as you take things at a pace that suits you, your classic can be good as new with minimal stress and completed on budget.For specialist modified and restored car insurance, head over to Performance Direct and get a quote in minutes."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Thinking about Restoring a Classic Car?","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/thinking-about-restoring-car\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]