Restoring a classic car can be tricky business especially if you have never done it before. You have lots to think about from where you can get the parts from to how it’s going to affect your classic car insurance.

The first thing to do when restoring your car is to make sure that you have enough room to do this. The best place for this is usually a garage because you are out the way, not taking up valuable space in the house and not making a mess of the house. To save space you can store parts like the engine, gear – box, doors and bonnet in a basement or shed while you are working on the car.

You need to be prepared that some aspects of restoring your classic car are going to be more involved that what you anticipate. For example, you may not be able to find the parts you need, get matching colours to existing parts and getting classic car insurance may take longer than you think. The reason why this can be difficult is because if you want to increase the value of your classic car then it is better to use as much original equipment as you can. If you are not sure about some of the work then it is best to go to a professional as it will save time and money in the long run.

Once people have restored their classic cars they tend to either sell them on or keep them for personal use. If you are keeping it for yourself then all you need to do is find somewhere safe to store it and get classic car insurance. However, if you are planning on selling it there a few tips which can help you get more money for your car.

Basic tips for attracting people to your car are to ensure its sparkling clean and change the oil. Another great tip is to service the car. This is because there is a lot to organise with a new car such as classic car insurance so if it doesn’t need servicing straight away then people will be more inclined to purchase the car.

Choose where you are going to advertise you car carefully in order to ensure that you get the maximum offer for your car. People who are devoted to classic cars are more likely to pay more money so it’s important to target them. A good place to start is classic car magazines as you wouldn’t buy these publications if you weren’t interested in cars. This is also helpful to people as they can find a car, parts for it and classic car insurance all in one place.

Taking your car to a car show or museum is bound to get it noticed if you are trying to sell it. Placing it near the venue’s entrance or exit is ideal as people are bound to see it. Restoring a classic car is great fun for car fanatics regardless of whether you are keeping it or selling it on. However, follow these tips and make sure you are careful so you don’t cause any damage to your pride and joy.



By: Derek Both

About the Author:

Tyler

You will find a wide range of car of all ages and all conditions. They are also a great place to find rare cars of all types. You will find that some classic cars will be sold for very high prices and often not sell at all. Most cars won’t sell on their first attempt because of the high prices and the classic car market is not all that large. This just makes thing easier for people that want a particular car and are prepared to spend the right amount of money.

To find good classic car auctions you will need to look around, as they are not that many around. A good place to find where the best classic car auctions are is to look in the most popular classic car magazines and try attending any classic car functions that you can find. The classic car world is fairly tight knit and you will need to be in the know to get on too the good deals. That doesn’t mean that you will need to be an expert but you will need to know what you are looking for and be prepared for the high prices and lack of selection.

If you are prepared to do a lot of hunting around and a lot of leg work you can find some very rare cars in very good conditions for a very good price. Not all classic cars are expensive you can find car that are old but not all that rare so the price won’t be so high. Just because the car is not are that does not mean it not worth buying. If you are looking for a classic car then most likely you will know exactly what you want but trying to find it will be the hard part. It’s also a good idea to attend a few too get a feel for what you be up against and find out how it all works.

When you do find the perfect car at the perfect price be prepared for a bidding war. The fact that you like and want the car means that there will be most likely a lot of other people that are thinking the same time. Always remember to watch what you are buying, as there are a lot of replicas out there and all may not be what it seems. I wish you the best of luck in you classic car buy adventures and hope you find what you are looking for.



By: Marc Lindsay

About the Author:

Marquis

It is easier to spot a classic car than to know how much it is worth. You may know that the Oldsmobile Cutlass hanging out in your garage is a real sweet vintage ride, but you might have a difficult time deciding how much to sell it. Or maybe you have spotted that Cutlass, but do not know whether the price is worth it.

Worry no more, as here is an easy guide on how to estimate classic car values.

1. Research on Market Values from Dealers

Classic car values are almost always fluctuating, as all car values are. By researching the market value of a classic car sold by professional dealers, you can have a clear marker as to how much a vehicle in a certain condition is worth.

However, remember that this is a dealer’s price, so expect that it is overpriced from 10%-20%. There are many other determinants of price that are oftentimes not covered by dealer-based values, such as your own preference and the demand for that car. Nonetheless, market values from dealers are still a good marker.

2. Check the Condition of the Car

The condition of the car is usually the biggest determinant of its value. Most classic car enthusiasts use a five-point rating system, as follows:

Excellent: A car in perfect and near-mint condition, usually drivable.

Very Good: A car with some very minor scratches or engine and mechanism faults, but is still almost perfect and drivable.

Good: A car with some very repairable damages, but still needs little effort to restore and is still drivable.

Fair: A car that needs a lot of restoration work, with signs of abuse such as dents, scratches, and rust. If a car is not drivable because of engine, brake, or other mechanical failures, but has a solid exterior look, it will fall in this category.

Parts car: A car that cannot be plausibly restored because of heavy damage. A parts car, as its name suggests, is usually bought only for its reusable parts.

A car in an excellent condition could be sold for twice or thrice its original price and collectors will still buy it. Cars in the good or fair condition are the usual ones that you will see in the market.

3. Customization is a Minus

A classic car with an A/C unit, a fuel-efficient engine, and soft seats may be convenient, but these modifications often bring down the value of a car. Customized paintjobs may look cool, but they still decrease the possible price. The reason for this is simple: original parts are harder to find, and maintaining them are more difficult too. Expect a car with almost all original parts (including the wheels) and paint color to have a really large price tag attached to it.

4. Rarity is a Plus

Classic Dodge Chargers may be valued highly, but Chargers with a Hemi engine is a gold mine. This is because Hemi engine-equipped Chargers were made in very limited numbers. If you have one in your old man’s garage, you may want to reconsider that engine change.

5. Original Options are a Plus

Turbo and superchargers might increase a muscle car’s values, given that they are original parts. Because the ‘61 Bullet T-bird is used as a pace car for Indianapolis 500, it has some original era modifications which increase its value.

Remember, when buying or selling classic cars, consider the condition, the originality, rarity, and the added options. Put this side by side with the market value from dealers, and adjust as needed.



By: Peter Grizzly

About the Author:

Tianna

Buying and restoring classic cars is a popular hobby for many car enthusiasts but is rarely a straightforward task. Although it is very rewarding, it can be expensive especially if you don’t know what to look for. From searching the classifieds to finding cheap classic car insurance read below to find out the right way to do this.

One thing is for sure which is that there is no shortage of classic cars for sale. You can find adverts in local newsagents, specialist magazines, the internet and online auction sites. You should be able to find everything you need from these sources from cars and car parts to cheap classic car insurance.

Firstly, you will need to think about what storage facilities you have. An old car is not going to take kindly to being kept outside or even under a covered area. Even worse would be to have it sat on grass or with a plastic sheet on it. As damp rises it has nowhere else to go other than to settle on your corroding underside if you have something covering your car. If you have to keep your car parked outside then also consider where you can park it as your neighbours might not be too happy with extra cars clogging up the street.

The next advisable step is to decide what condition of car you wish to buy. If you’re more than capable of welding, then your options are greatly increased as you can do a lot of restoration work yourself. However, if you haven’t got a clue what you are doing then it’s best to go for a car that needs little or no work unless you know someone who can do it for you.

When buying an old, classic car be aware that body parts can be tricky to find.

One of the most important aspects of buying a classic car is to make sure that you trust the person you are buying from. This is especially important if you are going through a private seller as it is extremely unlikely you will ever see them again if you break down on your way home. The best time to arrange a viewing is during the day so you can see the car properly. It will be easier to spot any scratches and dents in natural light than it would be in a dark garage. If possible take someone with you who knows a lot about classic cars as they will know what to ask and what to look out for from rust to whether you will be able to find cheap classic car insurance for the vehicle.

A few quick and subtle tips you can try are walking around the car to see how it sits, is there any sagging and do the panel gaps line up nicely? Check the body all over for rot, popular places for this are the headlamps and arches. Many people make the mistake of relying on the MOT certificate which is a good indication don’t rely on this alone.

Try to see the engine start up from cold – if it is already warm the vendor may be trying to hide cold – starting problems by getting it started before your arrive. When the car is started listen for any knocks when the engine starts up or clouds of smoke from the exhaust. It sounds obvious but don’t forget to take the car for a test drive to see how it runs.

However, do take into consideration that the car you are looking at may be over 30 years old so the chances of it still being in its original state are very slim. Service items such as brake shoes, batteries, tyres and clutches are likely to have been replaced over replacement over the years.

Finding cheap classic car insurance can be a bit tricky and will go through the roof for modified cars so try to avoid this. If your car is modified you are likely to have trouble selling it on later anyway.



By: Derek Both

About the Author:

Krista

Classic cars are worth being seen and owners of such cars are usually proud to display their most prized and valuable possessions. Antique car owners find the opportunity to display their beauties during antique car shows. The car shows also give classic car lovers the chance to see other types of antique cars. Finding unique car show venues has been made easy through the use of technology. Antique car lovers can easily obtain information of the various car shows online. In addition to the classic cars, attending antique car shows is a great way to have fun in the company of loved ones.

Those who want to see vintage cars should attend the Helderberg Mountain National Car Show. The event is held annually and begins in the morning until five in the evening. The event will present classic car enthusiasts a chance to see the most prized possessions that are available. During the car show, most of the awards will be given to classic cars that were made prior to 1980. Vintage cars made after 1981, will also be judged and awarded. The car show is the perfect time to spend with family and friends. Apart from cars, there will be a wide variety of music and activities to keep the visitors entertained during the show.

Antique Automobile Car Club, is known for hosting excellent car shows around the nation and nothing can be more special than hosting the regional Northeast show in Florida. This event will be held on 18 April 2009 at the Cecil Field runway in Jacksonville. To make this event successful and transparent, the winners of different categories will be decided by the spectators. They will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite classic cars. Those attending the event will also enjoy the air show displays that will be provided by the military.

For those who would like to commemorate the Memorial Day in style, then attending the Memorial Day car show will give them the opportunity to marvel at the various types of antique and classical cars. The event is held annually by Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club, in Norwich, New York at the Chenango County Fair Grounds. To make the occasion more memorable, those who attend will have the privilege of seeing classic military vehicles, vintage motorcycles as well as tractors. Registration is required.

The Odyssey Car Show is one of the most popular car shows in Illinois. It will take place on May 24, 2009 at Oak Park Avenue in Tinley Park. Those coming with cars will be required to pay an entry fee and as a way of appreciating them, people who attend will receive free presents. The car show provides an all day fun activity for the family. To ensure those participating at the car show are entertained, there will be music played by a professional DJ and there will be free coffee. The car show will provide the opportunity for antique car lovers to see the classic cars.



By: Bryce Stone

About the Author:

Dylan

Automotive enthusiasts know that cars are not so different from any other collectible. When it comes to the classics though, finding the right car can be difficult. If you are seeking the perfect classic car for your personal collection, rest assured that there are many places for classic cars to be found. In fact, some of the best finds are closer to home than you may realize. Finding a classic car requires more than a browse through the newspaper. Most of them are never even advertised that way. Get creative and consider checking out places that you would otherwise overlook.

The first place you should consider is your local auto wreckers or junkyard. You never know what hidden gem you may find amid the rubble. Often people will dispose of a vehicle without realizing the potential worth in it. Many would rather not invest the time and money necessary for the restoration of classic cars. That alone is a great way to get them to unload their classic on you. There is a good chance you will find an old car at the junkyard that has been left there due to age or missing parts. If restoration is what you plan, this can be a goldmine.

Try browsing online car ads for a classic vehicle. Use keyword terms to help you find something. Often people will be selling their car privately because they need the money, not because they want to part with a classic. As unfortunate as that is, it allows you to swoop in and nab a great car for a potential deal.

There are many great online car auction sites that may have just what you are looking for. Barrett-Jackson.com is a great resource that could open a lot of doors. If anything there will be a slew of great information. A Google search will help you be able to find more potential car auctions if the first ones you find do not help.

It does not hurt to post your own ad stating to others that you are seeking a classic car. This way you can list the make and model and even the year. If anyone with that car is trying to get rid of one, you may find yourself in luck. If you put yourself out there then at least you are making your request public. You might be surprised how often reverse advertising works for people.

Scope out some car shows in your area or neighboring cities in order to meet other car lovers, and discover potential vehicle sales. There are a lot of informed people that may know of a good classic car being sold. Asking around lets others know what you are looking for so speak to people and get to know local car enthusiasts. A connection can always come in useful later.

If all else fails, try talking to some dealers or mechanics. Quite often they come across various cars for sale. Leaving your name with them certainly does not hurt. Finding a classic car is not all that difficult. Of course, certain models will be harder than others. Keep your eyes open and be creative in your search.



By: Levi Quinn

About the Author:

Jaeden