When you begin to restore an old car, you will discover the sheer joy of bringing something back to life. All of the memories and dreams seem to reappear with every tightening of a bolt and every drop of paint. There is no thrill like it. Before you begin we must talk about relationships. Not husband and wife relationships, although this will possibly become strained, I am talking about your relationship with your desired project. Is the car one that you absolutely love, or is it a car that is a good “deal” and wouldn’t look that bad when completed. The reason for this relationship therapy is the fact that you are going to be spenging over 1,000 hours of man power on this machine. If you don’t love ‘her’ with all your heart, mind, and soul, you will never see the completion of her full restoration. When you have settled on that perfect car, than the planning can begin. 1. Make sure that you have a suitable work area. Many of a car has been fully restored under the weeping willow in the back yard, but more oft than not that is where they remain for the next 50 years. A suitable size is approximately a two car garage. This gives you ample space to spread out and store all of the parts and pieces that come off of your car. 2. Research your type of car. There is nothing more important than having all available information readily available. The best is to subscribe to specific magazines for that type of automobile. Not only performance magazines, but parts, aftermarket equipment and etc. At this point you can choose what you would like in performance and style. (i.e. engine size, color schemes, performance packages and etc.) 3. Finding the actual car. The local ads are some of the best ways to locate your restoration project. They also provide a unique way to become in contact with the past. There is something about knowing excactly who owned it, and the history of the car that will bring your restoration to life. 4. Purchase the original manufactures restorer guide. This was usually given to professional restorers and auto body shops. Will give you every nut and bolt, metal piece, upholstery options, and every minor detail. 5. Set goals. This is probably the biggest hang up for most weekend restorers. They are trying to restor the complete car at one time. Sit down and set realistic goals. This will allow you the pleasure of goal completion. Example: I am going to remove the hood and front bumper. After all once all of your small goals are completed the car will be totally restored. There are three main tools that are a must for any full body restoration. 1. A full car lift. Without this all of the ‘easy’ jobs are 100% harder. When you can walk underneath and survey the whole underside, everything become a little easier 2. A heavy duty air compressor. Many of a job gets placed on hold waiting for the air compressor to charge back up. With all of the heavy duty grinding, sanding, blasting, and socket work that is being done, a professional work shop air compressor is the minimum. 3. Most importantly the best tool that you can have is a quality push broom. This is important for cleanliness. It is much easier to work in a clean environment where you are not tripping over bits and pieces of every little metal part. Remember to have fun with it. This is the only hobby that allows you to climb into your work. Every nut and bolt, every seam and crack will be caressed by you. Take pride in it and give it your best shot, because there is nothing like rumbling down the street on a summer afternoon in your very own creation. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil