Finding a Great Project Car
Restoring a project car is a fun hobby and can be excellent for
relieving stress. Finding the perfect car can be a bit more of a
challenge. There are many very popular models and the most
popular can be hard to find at a reasonable price. Before you
start shopping for the perfect vehicle, set a budget for the
entire project. You need to take into consideration the cost of
the repairs as well as the price of the car.
Ideally, you don't want to spend a fortune on the vehicle
itself. You need to allow as much money as possible in your
budget for the actual restoration. On the other hand, you don't
want a car that is in such bad condition that it would cost a
fortune to fix. You want something you can reasonable expect to
restore while staying within your budget.
Start by determining the features you want in your vehicle. Some
may not be very important, such as the color. Others, like the
motor or the choice between an automatic or manual transmission
may be very important. You need to decide which features you
want. Make a list and prioritize these features from most to
least important.
Where to Look for a Project Car
The internet is becoming a popular place to buy and sell
vehicles. Several sites offer cars for sale. The most well known
is probably ebay motors. There are benefits and drawbacks to
purchasing a vehicle on the internet. The biggest drawback is
that you won't be able to inspect the car yourself. You will
need to rely on pictures and the vehicle inspection report for
information on the condition.
You can hire a mechanic to inspect the vehicle for you before
you commit to bidding. A certified mechanic can put the car up
on the lift and check it out thoroughly. If there is major
damage, you will have a better picture of what it will cost to
fix. This professional inspection can give you the peace of mind
you wouldn't get by bidding on the vehicle based on pictures.
The local newspaper is a traditional way people have used for
years to find a good project car. This can be a good source when
looking for a car. You won't have as much competition in terms
of price as you would on ebay. Only local people know about the
vehicle, so there is a smaller pool of potential buyers. Another
advantage is you will get to inspect the car before you buy.
Word of mouth is another way many people find their projects.
Friends, co workers or neighbors may know of a great car that is
sitting in someone's garage. Tell everyone you know that you are
looking for a vehicle. Your friends will probably be familiar
with the models you are interested in and may be able to steer
you in the right direction. Your automotive mechanic is another
good source of information. Many know people with cars that may
be for sale.
Checking Out the Vehicle
The first thing you should check is the vehicle identification
number (VIN). You want to make sure the VIN on the car matches
the VIN on the title. Also, check the title to be sure it is a
regular title. Junked cars are often issued a salvage title.
This may not be able to be registered as a normal car, even
after restoration.
Next, you want to evaluate the work that needs to be done.
Consider the number of parts you will need and the cost of the
parts. Check the internet for the price and availability of
parts for the model you are considering for your restoration
project. You want to be sure the vehicle is worth the price you
will ultimately pay and if you can do the job and remain within
your budget.
Inspect the interior. Look at the condition of the upholstery,
rugs, dashboard and inside door panels. A stripped down interior
will be very expensive to replace. Worn rugs and upholstery are
fairly easy to deal with, if the rest of the interior is in good
shape.
When you look at a vehicle, pay particular attention to the body
of the car. Heavy or extensive damage can be very expensive to
repair. Take into consideration the price you will pay at the
body shop before making the purchase. Look for damage from
accidents and rust damage. Check the trunk, under the rugs
inside and at the bottom of the doors for evidence of rust.
Paint is a large expense in a restoration project. The paint job
itself isn't too expensive, if there isn't much body work to be
done. Look at the bumpers, chrome headlights and taillights and
evaluate their condition. Replacing the lights can be costly, if
the lights are cloudy. You don't necessarily need to replace
them, they can often be restored.