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.

The New Normal #Staycations - Lyons Garages Classic Car Restoration and Servicing Specialists

Details: 06.Aug

Come in, come in! Can I take your jacket? Tea? Coffee? Actually, there’s no time for that, just make yourself at home there while I gather my notes. There’s water in the tap.

We have much to discuss my dear palaminos, muchos to discusso. Where to begin though? The start is probably as good a place as any I guess.

I have one word for you – “The New Normal”. No, sorry, I mixed up the pages there. I have three words for you – “Staycation”.

Have you guessed where I’m going with this yet? If not, may I direct you to your local second hand bookshop where you can find a copy of my last book “Feet Up & Rolling In It: A Guide To Getting Loaded”.

Life is slowly returning to normal (tHe NeW nOrMaL), and there’s still a little bit of the summer left, which brings me to the sentence I’ve all been waiting to say: Name a better duo than driving around Ireland in a super spicy classic car.

Yes Pal Pacinos, think about it. Actually, don’t think about it, you don’t want to hurt yourself so allow me to show you a picture I quickly sketched to help illustrate my point.

Unless you’re a bit of a lunatic / have absolutely no regard for anyone’s health and safety, you’re probably going to stay in Ireland and avoid holidaying abroad for a little while… which is where we come in!

As the self-appointed world’s greatest car restoration garage, we’re here to source, repair, restore, upgrade, and service a classic for you to take on a long weekend, or to enjoy for a week by the coast.

A top down, thumbs up roadster along the west coast to get that sea breeze to blow off the cobwebs that have been hiding in your barnet since lockdown… A GT to cruise through the cities and towns… An estate to load up with everything you need for a week holiday to Cork… We’ve got you wink wink.

Here’s the deal: You contact us, we sort you out with a car and do the necessary upgrades to give you a reliable car (electronic ignition, suspension upgrades, tuning, you know yourself), you take the car and go enjoy yourself! There’s even a couple of events that you can take your car to: Drive West is a classic car drive along the coast of Clare on the 23^rd August, and there’s also the classic car version of the famous Cannonball – Retro Cannonball which begins on the 7^th August. I know, real car things… ‘magine!

Here in our workshop we also have a few classics that are ready to be restored, they just need a new owner to adopt them. Hang on, I’m just walking around here while I type so I don’t miss any… there’s a couple of MGB Roadsters, some Minis, a convertible VW Beetle… With these you can have the final say on how they look and feel, just give us the nod and we’ll pass notes during class.

Anyway, I’m off. I need to amend a parts order here, I forgot that cars we build don’t need wipers. Sorry what’s that? Why? Oh it’s always a perfect day when you drive a Lyons Garages car.

As always, you’ll get the latest snaps on Facebook and Instagram. Feel free to send us a message and throw us the odd sympathy like. It means a lot and you never know, it might even help us achieve our dream of becoming famous influencers.

And finally, let us say that as the world’s greatest sports car restoration team here in the Malibu of Ireland, we welcome your feedback. We don’t take it, but we welcome it all the same.

Enjoy the rest of the week. We’ll keep the internet on in case you email.

Pedal safe.

The New Normal #Staycations

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