How much does it cost to restore a classic car?

When you're about to embark on a restoration, you need to consider not only the cost of the parts needed but also the fact that in many cases, you really won't get your money back on the car. There's no point beating around the bush here, the majority of the time a classic is the second car, basically just a grown up's toy for the summer and not a money maker.

Each car is different so we like to see the car with all its defects in either person or in photos, to give a true estimate of the cost. But I suppose you're here to learn if restoring your car is expensive. It is. It's very, very, extremely expensive so don't be shocked when we break it all down for you

What are the steps in restoring a classic car?

Just so you know, there really is no such thing as a 'typical restoration', as every car has its own unique personal history. From the initial construction at the factory through the years of maintenance and repairs, each car has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. A lot of these cars were hand-built, so things like door gaps on similar models are more than likely different!

Initial Meeting / Consultation This is pretty self-explanatory, we need to know what we're expected to do! Taking something and making it look good is the essence of our workshop, we know design and what will look good. But, this is where you need to tell us what work you would like carried out, how you want the car to look at the end, and most importantly what your budget is. We can give our opinion and advise you along the way. Actually, before we go any further, you should read this piece on pricing and values. Inspection We'll check out the car and see what the condition is like. Is it original, what parts are missing, what needs replacing... 'The List' is made here. Dismantling Every major assembly component is carefully stripped, with individual parts documented and photographed. Sub-assembly parts are grouped and bagged ready for refurbishment or replacement. This is a fancy way of saying your car is completely stripped out, and every part that is removed is safely stored. Media Cleaning Careful media blasting to return any corroded areas on the vehicle back to bare metal. Careful is the keyword here. This is followed by an inspection of the structural condition ahead of any metal rectification. Once the bare metal is exposed, these sections are given an initial coat of primer to protect against corrosion. Bodyshell Rectification Next up is the cutting out of any corroded metal. Rusty bits be-gone! New genuine panels or our fabricated panels are used in replacement and all types of welding are utilised throughout to ensure an authentic appearance. Component Refurbishment We've already checked the condition of every part we've taken off, so it's just a case of unboxing all the new pieces we've ordered (it's honestly like Christmas). Anything salvageable is then refurbished. However, seals, bushings, rubbers, nuts, bolts, brakes, pipes and hoses are always replaced. Then it's down to the overall finish you want on the car. It could be anything from how shiny do you want it, to fancying an uprated suspension or brake set-up... the list is endless, but thankfully you have us to advise you on what to replace and what will look best. Paint We use a unique 11-stage painting process, developed solely for the restoration of classic cars. The cabin, boot, underbody and under-bonnet areas are all sealed and protected, while our clear coat is brought to a mirror shine. Final Reassembly Fun time! A shiny shell with brand-new parts bolted on - what could be better! Protective covers are fitted over the body with any trim parts covered, and then any safety-critical fixings are replaced, fluids filled, and suspension and lights aligned before the final torque checks are applied to finish the reassembly. Then it's the setting up of the fuelling system and ignition timing, followed by the electrical system testing and.... vrooom! Sign Off Mileage testing is then carried out. Look, we built it so we deserve to drive it... maybe to the shops... the cinema even. This is probably the most important part. We will drive the car to bed everything in and double-check everything is good to go. Following this shakedown, the vehicle is re-inspected, it gets one last clean and wax and then we say our emotional goodbyes the night before the handover.

Looks Like Rain Ted - Lyons Garages Classic Car Restoration and Servicing Specialists

It's been a fairly busy start to 2014 here in the garage, although we did manage to take one weekend off to head over on the ferry to go to the British Mini Club's Mini Fair in Bingley Hall, Staffordshire. A 2 am ferry crossing on a Sunday morning, oh the dedication..

It's a huge show, with a massive trade area with every part imaginable available for the mini. There were plenty of good deals to be found as well... a nod and a wink and "Don't look down boss, don't look down" ensured that we came home with a full Jeep. It's actually a great show to get ideas for different Mini builds, especially for our upcoming Convertible Mini.

Back at the garage, we're flat out doing metal work and getting the others into paint, but we're almost at the best part with them - the rebuilding. There's nothing better than putting brand-new/refurbished parts into a freshly painted bodyshell! We'll have some new photos up by the weekend.

Our own MGA is slowly moving along as well but the Mini's have taken priority for the moment. The 96 Sidewalk is getting prepped for sale at the minute, so if you fancy a limited edition Mini, give us a shout!

In news that is a little bit sad, our beloved MGB Roadster may be moving to a new home. But hopefully, its replacement will be just as impressive, if not more so!

As you can see, the website is now pretty much up and running and better than ever, we do have a good few new photos to put up for each of the cars, as well as adding a few more cars. The big news though is that The Shop is filling up nicely. The guys in the workshop will be looking slick!

Tea break is now over, must brave the rain and get back to the garage...

Make sure to check us out on Instagram, and on Facebook for more updates.

Looks Like Rain Ted

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