Website design By BotEap.comIn the market for a classic car restoration? When you have a car that is considered a classic, you may want to take it to a body shop to have it professionally restored. The process involves more than just a new paint job, and involves it being put back to its original state, just as it was when new on the showroom floor. Not all body shops are equipped to handle a true restoration.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat is classic car restoration?

Website design By BotEap.comA classic car is defined by the Classic Car Club of America as a vehicle between 30 and 49 years old, while one between 50 and 99 years old is considered a pre-vintage, and cars 100 years or older, an antique. Not all vintage cars meet the definition of a “classic car.” What is crucial with classics is that they represented “fine or unusual automobiles” that were distinguished by “fine design, high engineering standards and superior workmanship.” Often expensive at the time, they often have other distinguishing features, based on engine displacement, custom coach work, and fancy accessories. Other motoring organizations have different criteria, while some states consider it a classic after 20 or 25 years for licensing purposes.

Website design By BotEap.comIs restoration really what you want or need?

Website design By BotEap.comRestoration means that the body shop may need to take the car apart to examine the condition of the components and restore it with original parts or find reproduction parts and install them authentically. If the car is updated or recreated to look like a fancy limited edition model, the job is not considered a restoration. Usually the reason people undertake a restoration is to create something of value for sale or to participate in a car show.

Website design By BotEap.comNot all cars are a good subject for restoration. The fact is that many old cars are just that: old cars. You may want to restore one and repaint it for your child, but the car may not be considered a classic. When looking for a body shop to work on an old car, you need to be clear about your objectives in order to select the right body shop. Every time you pay money to have a job done, you want the shop to do a great job for you. However, your standards for repainting a vintage car you love are different than if you have a car that meets the definition of classic that you intend to use as a classic car. Owning a 1947 Chevy is not the same as owning a 1947 Cadillac 90.

Website design By BotEap.comCan Your Body Shop Handle Classic Restoration?

Website design By BotEap.comMany body shops boast of doing custom work on classic cars. If you have a car that is a true classic, your standards need to be higher to ensure you have a finished product that is either show-worthy or capable of fetching a higher price. You need to ask some questions of the store. Specifically, you need to know:

• Website design By BotEap.comWhat do you consider a classic car?
• Website design By BotEap.comWhat have they restored?
• Website design By BotEap.comWhat guarantee do you offer that the parts you use are original?

Website design By BotEap.comIf you’ve found a good shop with a history of making vintage cars repairable and attractive, you may have a great place to take your vintage car that you’ll love, but unless the shop has had experience restoring your Alfa Romeo or your BMW 335, you may need to find a shop that specializes in the type of classic car restoration you need.