Deciding whether to get involved in a restoration project is always tricky. There are so many variables and so many hidden costs that you can very quickly end up paying many times what you paid for the car and not be able to recoup your money. I have seen it time and again.
On the flip side, with great advice, great engineers and great technicians, you can turn average examples into stunning, world-class, show-winning automobiles that make people catch their breath, even just to gaze upon them.
The trick is knowing which marques deserve the time and effort and which do not. There are far too many considerations to cover them all in any detail here, but I will do my best to give you a flavour of the kinds of things you should be looking out for.
Parts, Pieces, Metals And Magic
Restoration is a pretty broad term and, for those outside the milieu, it probably means to take something that is unrecognisable and turn it into a fine motor car.
To some extent this is true; however, there are much more subtle restorations that take place which only affect certain elements, such as the wheels, for example, and then there are the big, full-on jobs.
There are also delineations when it comes to the depth of restoration. Can you, for instance, find an exact part from the period to restore with? A badge or knob, or do you have to settle for a remake or replica?
Knowing what to use and when is a subtle art, one that even I would struggle to know on every classic marque out there. Suffice to say that, whenever possible, it is always preferable to use an original element salvaged from somewhere else. The next best thing is to use materials of the time.
I knew of a 1950s Mercedes which was being restored, and the owners could not find an original panel for the bodywork. Eventually they did find some 1950s aluminium of the same grade that was used in the manufacturing process. They used this piece to create a new panel and restore the vehicle.
This attention to detail adds significant interest to the car, keeps it in line with the manufacturing procedures of the time, and still keeps historical accuracy as close as possible.
If you cannot go to the lengths of finding aluminium from the 1950s, then you need to restore with as much honesty and integrity as you possibly can. The devil, as always, is in the detail. Simple but significant elements, like battery terminal leads, are a perfect example of how to restore well. Back in the day, the leads were black, there were no coloured leads; so ensure that you keep things as close to original as possible.
Likewise, when it comes to colour, try to mimic something from the period. Have a look at the palette of options from the manufacturer of the time and choose a colour that was originally available. These details ensure there is some semblance of historical consideration, even if you are using new materials.
Keeping to the original elements is what creates the magic when you restore. It may seem like there are better modern alternatives or simpler solutions than the older versions you may have to choose, but trust me when I tell you that those original elements, or as close to as is humanly possible, is what will guarantee you value when you resell or turn your car into a winner at an important Concours d’Elegance.
Beware The Bottomless Pit!
Some restorations can become works of infinite cost, destroying resale value and emptying your bank account. It begins with a seemingly simple job, which uncovers another job, which uncovers yet another. On and on it goes until there is nothing left, and you are spent emotionally and financially.
The key to avoiding this is to do some exploration work and be pragmatic when it comes to decision making. Once again, you must return to the head versus heart argument. You have to have some very strict rules about what you are going to spend and when to call it a day.
Again, if you are not sure what to do, when to do it, what to spend or when to call it quits, then get some help. It could save you an absolute fortune and even save your sanity!
