How much does it cost to restore a classic car?

When you're about to embark on a restoration, you need to consider not only the cost of the parts needed but also the fact that in many cases, you really won't get your money back on the car. There's no point beating around the bush here, the majority of the time a classic is the second car, basically just a grown up's toy for the summer and not a money maker.

Each car is different so we like to see the car with all its defects in either person or in photos, to give a true estimate of the cost. But I suppose you're here to learn if restoring your car is expensive. It is. It's very, very, extremely expensive so don't be shocked when we break it all down for you

What are the steps in restoring a classic car?

Just so you know, there really is no such thing as a 'typical restoration', as every car has its own unique personal history. From the initial construction at the factory through the years of maintenance and repairs, each car has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. A lot of these cars were hand-built, so things like door gaps on similar models are more than likely different!

Initial Meeting / Consultation This is pretty self-explanatory, we need to know what we're expected to do! Taking something and making it look good is the essence of our workshop, we know design and what will look good. But, this is where you need to tell us what work you would like carried out, how you want the car to look at the end, and most importantly what your budget is. We can give our opinion and advise you along the way. Actually, before we go any further, you should read this piece on pricing and values. Inspection We'll check out the car and see what the condition is like. Is it original, what parts are missing, what needs replacing... 'The List' is made here. Dismantling Every major assembly component is carefully stripped, with individual parts documented and photographed. Sub-assembly parts are grouped and bagged ready for refurbishment or replacement. This is a fancy way of saying your car is completely stripped out, and every part that is removed is safely stored. Media Cleaning Careful media blasting to return any corroded areas on the vehicle back to bare metal. Careful is the keyword here. This is followed by an inspection of the structural condition ahead of any metal rectification. Once the bare metal is exposed, these sections are given an initial coat of primer to protect against corrosion. Bodyshell Rectification Next up is the cutting out of any corroded metal. Rusty bits be-gone! New genuine panels or our fabricated panels are used in replacement and all types of welding are utilised throughout to ensure an authentic appearance. Component Refurbishment We've already checked the condition of every part we've taken off, so it's just a case of unboxing all the new pieces we've ordered (it's honestly like Christmas). Anything salvageable is then refurbished. However, seals, bushings, rubbers, nuts, bolts, brakes, pipes and hoses are always replaced. Then it's down to the overall finish you want on the car. It could be anything from how shiny do you want it, to fancying an uprated suspension or brake set-up... the list is endless, but thankfully you have us to advise you on what to replace and what will look best. Paint We use a unique 11-stage painting process, developed solely for the restoration of classic cars. The cabin, boot, underbody and under-bonnet areas are all sealed and protected, while our clear coat is brought to a mirror shine. Final Reassembly Fun time! A shiny shell with brand-new parts bolted on - what could be better! Protective covers are fitted over the body with any trim parts covered, and then any safety-critical fixings are replaced, fluids filled, and suspension and lights aligned before the final torque checks are applied to finish the reassembly. Then it's the setting up of the fuelling system and ignition timing, followed by the electrical system testing and.... vrooom! Sign Off Mileage testing is then carried out. Look, we built it so we deserve to drive it... maybe to the shops... the cinema even. This is probably the most important part. We will drive the car to bed everything in and double-check everything is good to go. Following this shakedown, the vehicle is re-inspected, it gets one last clean and wax and then we say our emotional goodbyes the night before the handover.

Advice and Tips - Lyons Garages Classic Car Restoration and Servicing Specialists

Name: Lyons Garages Classic Car Restoration
Address: Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, V95EH27, Ireland
Telephone: 065-7084096

Classic Cars are a joy to have and drive. However, keeping them maintained and serviced regularly is vital to ensure its longevity and give your car its highest possible value.

Step One: Make Your Car Look Good

Spend a little more time on your car than just the bare wash and rinse. Routine cleaning is one of the most beneficial jobs you can do for your Classic. Invest in a good quality car shampoo and soft sponge for washing it. Always try and wash the car in the shade and make sure you pre-rinse. Wash a little at a time and rinse off the suds, slow free flowing water is best, as it prevents the soap films from drying. Dry you car with a chamois, starting from top to bottom. Little details will make your car stand out also preserve its body work. Polish your car to remove any tiny scratches in the paint and to bring back its original shine. To maintain the gloss of you paint, and also protect it, invest in a good quality car wax; the difference in your paint finish will be noticeable immediately. Keep your chrome polished, and treat or add a preservative to rubbers. A glossy black tire looks impressive, and a tire dressing will help preserve your tires also. These steps, applying wax, treating the black trim, chrome and tires are optional but the small amount of time you spend on these areas will reward you with a crisp, brightly detailed shine that really sets your car apart.

Step Two: Servicing Your Car

Preventative maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your vehicle, and ensuring your safety and enjoyment on the road. Booking a regular service with us is one way to guarantee that your Classic stays trouble free. There are a number of simple things that you can do yourself. For example; a lead additive to older cars will help prevent any corrosion to your engine caused from unleaded petrol. Check your oil level regularly and top up when needed, but make sure to have it changed according to your Classic’s directions. Coolant is vital for a Classic Car; always ensure that this is full. Keep an eye on other reservoir levels (clutch, break) also. Check air filters for cleanliness, and tire pressure. We advise to book your Classic in with Lyons Garage for a full check up.

Step Three: Winter Storage

Wash all road grime and salts from the undercarriage as well as body parts. Give the entire car a good wax and don't buff off chromed surfaces until you're ready to remove the car from storage. Lubricate all rubber and vacuum and clean the upholstery; you don't want any hidden food crumbs that might entice critters. Grease or Vaseline can protect your chrome over the winter!
Once you have your classic parked for the winter, change or drain fluids.
Carefully fill the universal joints with fresh grease, if your car has lube fittings. Pack the front wheel bearings and apply clean grease on all of the steering and suspension fittings.
Bleed the brake system. The best insurance against break deterioration is to drain your system of old fluid and refill with fresh.
Drain the fuel tank if you are going to store your car for more than six months. Once you have drained the tank, start the engine and run the rest of the fuel out of the lines. Old fuel will clog carburetors and cause valves to hang up.
Drain the cooling system completely and leave the radiator cap off so air can circulate. Disconnect the heater hoses and drain the heater too.
Remove or disconnect the battery and store it carefully if you want it to survive. Wash it down with a solution of water and baking soda, and then top it off with distilled water. Store it on a shelf in a dry place, not on concrete.
Raise the car and place jack stands under the suspension points. Remove the tires and stack them in a corner placing cardboard between each one and cover.
Depress the clutch and lock it in position with a 2 x 4 pressed against the clutch and the front of the seat cushion or seat frame. Clutch plates often stick together in storage.
Before you encase your classic in its winter cocoon, the last things to do are;
- Roll down your windows to allow for circulation
- Place opened boxes of baking soda in various places to absorb moisture
- Put a plastic bag over the carburetor to keep moisture out
- Stuff an old rag up the tailpipe to keep vermin out.
Now you can cover up your classic car. The most important consideration when choosing a cover for your car's winter nap is selecting the right kind of fabric for your specific storage application. Cotton flannel fabrics breathe and allow air to circulate through them as well as being soft and easy on your cars paint and wax. Cotton/polyester fabrics have poor fluid resistance and trap heat and moisture. Plastic films should be avoided because they don't breathe.

If you would like to find out more, or are interested in an estimate for repair or servicing for your vehicle, contact us today, either by telephone on (086) 2604658 / (065) 7084096 or email us at info@lyonsgarages.com

The Garage

Classic Sports Car Specialists

For decades we've been at the heart of automotive excellence in Ireland. Hundreds of cars have been lovingly restored in our home by the sea, with even more being expertly serviced. Don't hesitate to contact us by emailing info@lyonsgarages.com, or by calling 065-7084096. Lyons Garages in Spanish Point, Co. Clare - Your home for all things classic cars.

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