Overhaulin'

I Want to buy a Classic Car to restore what should i look for and ask?

I am looking for buy a classic car to restore and look good in. I know it will take some TLC but at the same time i don't have a lot of money. If anyone can help in telling me what i should do, look for and ask i would greatly appreciate it!

Public Comments

1. First you need to set a realistic budget. It sucks to sell a basket case car that you spent all sorts of time and money on because you ran out of funds. You need a good solid foundation. An old rust bucket from the north is not a good choice to start with. Much of your budget will be spent replacing rusted panels. Also, if you need to replace rusted panels, how good are your welding skills? Do you have access to a welder and a place to weld? You are better off if you can find a rust free car from a location with a dry climate away from the salt. You need a place to do the work. A well equipped garage. Know what the finished car will be worth. I have seen people spend $25,000 and 1000's of hours restoring a car that is worth $20,000 when finished. Some cars cost more than others. 2 door 50's and 60's Chevy's cost a lot. 60's MOPARs are catching up fast. However 60's Chevy’s are some of the easiest to find parts for. On the other hand a similar model Pontiac, Buick or Olds will cost less to buy than a Chevy. However parts may be less available. If you don't have a lot of money, you may consider a less than perfect Pontiac, Olds, Or Buick. Get the lesser model. Instead of a GTO get a Lemans. Instead of a 442 get a Cutlass. Get a Malibu instead of a Chevelle. Etc. However, there are a couple of things to consider from my previous paragraph. If, for example, you get the LeMans instead of the GTO, less of your restoration budget will be spent on the initial vehicle purchase. But you could easily be the guy I mentioned earlier that spent $25,000 and over 1000 hours restoring a car that’s worth $20,000. One last thought. Sometimes you are better off ditching the idea of buying an old junker and fixing it up. You are better off looking for a decent but less than perfect car, only spend a little money fixing it up, and simply enjoying it. One thing about a car like this. If you take very good care of it, it will hold its value of if you keep it long enough it will gain in value. The other guy who answered this question mentions insurance. Stat away from the conventional car insurance companies. You will end up paying top dollar for minimal insurance. Go with one of the collector car insurance companies instead. Hagerty or Grundy are the most popular. With these you insure the car for an agreed value. You will pay a fraction of what a conventional car insurance would charge. And if the unthinkable happens and you get in an accident, you will actually get enough money to either repair or replace your baby.