Some Tips On Car Restoration Essay example -- essays research papers

Some Tips on Car Restoration   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Whenever someone decides to take the initiative to restore a car, it requires a serious commitment. I have seen too many people begin work and never finish. The successful car restorer chooses a car that fits his/her personality and budget, and follows the job through to the end. One must have a love for the process as well as the product, or the project will be rushed and end up to be worthless. I learned this tedious process when I was just fourteen years old, barely able to perform the difficult and sometimes dangerous tasks that are required to complete a show car. I would not recommend taking the steps I did my first time, so I will outline the best method I have learned through experience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most restoration projects are simple vehicles to begin with, so it isn't very difficult to know what's what. For those of us who don't know all the tricks or don't like to write things down I think a book is very helpful. I recommend one from the Chilton's Automotive Guide series. These guides are available for almost any car, so finding one for your project should not be a problem. They feature blown up diagrams of the complicated systems of the car like the distributor, under-dash wiring, and engine internals. This can be very helpful in those frustrating times when there are parts strewn from wall to wall in no particular order. Mine was an integral part of the process on my 1969 Chevy project.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most people who are new to the project car scene tend to begin the project with cosmetics such as paint, interior vinyl and carpeting, and chromed accessories. This will not pay off in the end. The place to start is with the engine and suspension. In doing this at the beginning, you will minimize the chance of damaging expensive cosmetics and having to redo your work unnecessarily. For example, I was doing some major engine work after my car had been painted, and a slight shift of the hydraulic engine lift spelled disaster for a section of my newly coated fender. If the suspension components of your car are badly worn, consider replacement. A good way to check for broken or worn components in the front suspension is to lift the frame of the car until the front wheels leave the ground; then put one hand on each side of the tire and try and move it back an... ...ork you have done and it will transform the car's appearance drastically. Painting a car is an extremely delicate art, and equipment such as a spray booth and compressors are absolutely necessary to do the job right. After putting on a good set of tires and wheels that have been painted and polished and adding a few more personal touches, your project car is ready to drive. I went to a car show in Hershey, Pennsylvania and picked up a set of four 1973 Buick wheels that resembled the 1969 Chevy's. A little polish and touch-up paint made them look like new. If you buy used wheels, pay very close attention to the edges to make sure there are no irregularities to cause a vibration at high speeds. Common sense is the only thing you need to refer to when picking up used parts. If the time is taken to do each step correctly, the result is phenomenal. The work is never done, however. An antique is always in need of attention and maintenance, and you cannot afford to let your restoration work and money go to waste. These projects have proven to be some of the most rewarding hobbies in my life, as well as for countless other people who enjoy hands-on work and a thrilling driving experience.