When beginning the restoration of a
classic car, the enthusiasm is high and the optimism is in abundance,
but often can be the case when time and money tend to become the
“Certified Car Nut’s” enemies! In this segment of Hemming’s Garage,
Sam and Dennis look at “restoration in perspective,” offering
some wise advice on how to successfully manage the restoration
of your classic car.
As this episode begins, we find Sam and Dennis admiring
a pristine 1963 Ford Falcon Futura Convertible. This car belongs
to Dennis’s wife, and soon enough, Dennis tells us about the process
of restoring the vehicle. The project began when the back window
on the convertible top needed to be replaced because it had become
opaque through the years. Even though this task could have been
accomplished by only replacing the window, Dennis and his wife
optioned for a complete new topa white one. Yet how would a new
top look against that old, yet still functional paint? The issue
came to be, “What do we need to do first?” With that question
in mind, the answers, and the options, began to present themselves.
Next, Dennis said that he began to notice that the
bright work just “wasn’t that bright,” so re-chroming and re-plating
became the next step. Fresh paint became the next priority, and
then new glass was installed all around. Finally, the interior
was restored from the seats right down to the carpet, and that
new white top was installed complete with a clear and safe rear
window! As Sam and Dennis step back to admire the finished product,
we can all see that it was a job well worth the wait! If you would
like to see photos detailing the restoration process on this vehicle,
check them out on the website at www.myclassiccar.com
One of the main things to remember about auto restoration
is that is should remain fun! Keeping your project in proper perspective
in terms of time management and financial considerations and that
will make the job even more enjoyable. Also, just as knowing when
and where to start is valuable in terms of what you want to accomplish,
it is also wise to know when to stop and enjoy the vehicle for
what it isyour classic car! Good luck!
Also, don’t forget, when it comes to questions about
these parts, or for any other parts for your restoration project,
check with us at www.myclassiccar.com,
and remember, when buying or selling anything automotive, look
to Hemming’s Motor News at www.hemmings.com.
Good luck and Happy Motoring!
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