There is no one-size-fits-all method for a classic car or truck restoration. Before you begin, you need to research. Are you going to restore the car to drive yourself, sell it or take it to car shows? This determines the types of parts you’ll need to buy, what paint to choose and even the type of restoration process to walk through. Here are some of the most common levels of restoring cars.
Show Car Condition
This is a high-level of restoration that requires professional assistance and attention to every detail so that you can score between 90 and 95 at a car show. When purchasing used truck body parts and any other items, you’ll want to consult with your auto shop to make sure it’s the exact part you need for this high-quality restoration process.
Driving Condition
If you’re hoping to do it yourself without having to impress anyone else, this may be the restoration level you’re aiming for. You want it to run and you want to enjoy driving it, which means you can use reproduction parts, you can modernize the interior and you don’t have to stress about every detail.
Concours Condition
To create a piece of art, you need an artist. This is the artwork of the car world and restorations need to be done by a professional car restoration artist. The only aim is perfection. The final product may be shown at national levels or bought by collectors who want pristine condition vehicles only. They are only for show, not for driving.
Street Show Condition
If your dream is to restore a classic car yourself, it is possible to get it finished at the street show condition level. At a car show, your aim is to score between 80 and 89. This car will be in working condition with no major cosmetic issues.
Planning a car restoration can be an exciting adventure, just make sure you pick the level that suits you, without adding extreme stress to your life, so you can enjoy the ups and downs of the process.
