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.

Two euro each or two for a fiver - Lyons Garages Classic Car Restoration and Servicing Specialists

BREAKING NEWS! Quite literally some breaking news. I broke my humerus bone. The wall came out of nowhere and long story short there are 2 metal plates and 14 screws. All are obviously well rust treated, but as the old master would say “To work on car, you must become car”. I might have taken it too literally.

We said adios to the Renault and the white MG B Roadster at the weekend. Awful sad lads, awful sad. What’s worse is that we’ll be saying goodbye to the 1981 Mini (in blue) soon enough as well. They grow up so fast. BUT! That means more projects and an excuse to order more parts. One word – bubble wrap. Yes, two words, but I’ve one hand so give me a break like.

With the career-threatening injury (I’m not one for exaggerating…) the floodgates opened and many an episode of Overhaulin’ and Fast N Loud was watched. As a great man once said – “Great to see”. So, after being in no way influenced… We have a loverly Mini Shell and a loverly MG B Roadster shell that I’ve sketched up a few ideas for. The Mini will probably come first but there are subtle modifications being made like countersunk petrol caps, and custom rear lights….Look I’ve said too much. But you can have a look at one of the sketches below, luckily it was my bad hand that got injured so it didn’t affect my drawing skills.

We took a trip to Laois at the weekend, and just for something different we went to a car show. Lads. An indoor car show in Ireland – Genius. Seriously though, there needs to be more of these as all the big expensive cars come out to play. There was a McLaren. ‘Nuff said.

Actually, did you see the cinematic reveal for the 81 Mini? If not why not? It took months! You can have a shnakey look at it here on the YouTubes.

I think I just spotted one of the lads trying to head for an early lunch. Is he joking? This isn’t a holiday resort at all. The only time they’re allowed near the swimming pool is when they have to clean it for me. Lads listen I’ll have to sort this divil out, go on and mind yourselves, there are walls out there that jump out of nowhere.

On a more serious note, if you’re interested in a Mini or MG that’s a little bit different get in touch, we’re on the phone or on the line anytime. (That was tough, I’m not suited to this being serious craic!)

Great talk. David over and out.

Two euro each or two for a fiver

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