All posts tagged auto restoration

5 Key Components to Restoring Your Old Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/11 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off on 5 Key Components to Restoring Your Old Truck

Restoration can be very time consuming, not to mention somewhat costly. You should always make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort before deciding to do something, such as restoring your old truck. Restoring a truck is not only about bringing it back to life, but shows your passion and the talent you possess in creating something unique. The make and model of your truck will play a huge role in determining how much time and money you will spend in restoration.

MONEY

Money plays a key part in the restoration process. The price to restore your old truck can vary greatly. It would be wise to focus on restoring certain aspects of the truck first. If there is something you really want to restore now and if it is within your budget, you might start with that particular part or area and only focus on that aspect of your truck restoration until that particular area is completed. This will allow you to stay focused and help you manage your finances for the project all at the same time. It would also be wise to set a budget for each step in this process to secure that you stay on track and to help you see if fixing the truck is really worth it or not.  

TIME

The process of restoring your truck will also take a lot of time. You will be rebuilding your truck and depending in what kind of shape it is in, it can even take years to complete. Not to mention that it might be difficult just to find parts needed for your truck. Also, if you ever heard the phrase, “time is money,” then you understand that the less money you have to invest in restoring your truck, the more time it will take.

REPLACE WORN OR DAMAGED PARTS

Many people will take their truck to a restoration company to secure that necessary components such as the body and engine are done properly. One major issue that can slow down the restoration process is rusted or frozen bolts. If this is your first time restoring a vehicle, it might pay off in the long run to have professional s handle the vital restorations.

NEW PAINT JOB

Sanding and a primer should be done to smooth the truck body before paint is applied. The key paint ingredients for your truck are pigments, binders, and solvents. You can even add some flames or stripes going up the hood. Choose your color carefully and make sure you read all the instructions and warnings included with the paint.

INSTALL UPGRADES

Upgrade your truck by installing a new sound system or a USB cable for IPods, IPhones, etc. Get some new rims for your tires, maybe ones that light up. Upgrades are great, but make sure the truck is safe and workable before spending money on accessories.

Remember that deciding to restore your truck is an important decision that shouldn’t be made on a whim. You need to consider things such as cost and if you have the time, dedication and passion to put into your truck. Is it worth it?

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie was inspired to write this article by 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd., who specialize in truck parts and repair.

5 Tips to Help You Make Your Old Car New Again

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/29 in Auto Maintenance with 1 Comment

Is your old vehicle starting to feel a tad bit outdated? Contrary to popular opinion, you do not have to shell out thousands of dollars for a new vehicle. There is no need to toss your old vehicle to the side if it is still in relatively good mechanical condition. Here are five tips to make your old car new again. The upgrades that we’ll be talking about will not only make your drives are more leisurely, but safer as well. 

Clean the headlights

A set of faded headlights can ruin the entire curb appeal of a vehicle. Although you could purchase a brand new set of headlights, the most cost-efficient approach would be to clean them yourself. With a tube of basic toothpaste and a few soft rags, you can remove virtually all of the oxidation from the headlights. Not only will this increase the aesthetics of your car, but it will also make driving at night much more safe based on increased visibility. 

Update the electronics

Technology is advancing faster than ever before. If your vehicle is more than five years old, the electronic features are probably already outdated. With a budget of around $500, you can install a high-end car stereo and navigation system. Not only will your daily commute be more pleasurable, but the cockpit will also look so much more modern and sophisticated. There are systems out there now that can sync up with your smart phone, ipods etc.. Some of these can obviously get a little more pricey, but will definitely make your drives more fun and entertaining.

Install new shock absorbers

The suspension system is one of the most neglected components on a vehicle. After taking abuse for thousands of miles, the wear and tear eventually begins to take its toll on the shock absorbers. You can easily find a quality set of replacement shocks for less than 300 bucks. If you really want your car to deliver a more inspiring on-road performance, you can opt to install a sports-tuned suspension system. With suspension systems, whether they’re after market or stock, it would be good to consult with a professional before replacing or upgrading.

Upgrade the Wheels & Tires

The combination of a good set of high-performance tires and sporty wheels will make your vehicle handle better than it ever did from the factory. The key is to find a set of wheels that enhance the exterior style of your vehicle without compromising the ride quality. Although chrome rims may look tempting, their extra weight can have a negative impact on the driving dynamics of your vehicle. Make sure that you consult a professional about your wheel and tire choice before purchasing though. Getting the wrong size, make or model, could cause problems in transmissions, differentials etc..

Replace worn engine components

Far too many car owners do not pay attention to their vehicle‘s scheduled maintenance. Your car’s performance could be suffering greatly due a set of worn spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors. Depending on the type of part, there are places that will actually provide lifetime warranties to the customers. Make sure to do some research online on those warranties, to make sure that you make the best decision when replacing parts. Doing this will also increase your fuel efficiency, and save you money in the long run when you’re filling up at the pump!

Do not waste your hard-earned cash on the purchase of a new vehicle. Your old ride is just a diamond in the rough that is waiting to be revamped.

Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing and lifestyle photography. She writes about anything from getting cheap car parts from DCP Online so that your car restoration isn’t too costly. Other topics include: paving your driveway, or how to properly fix your slice in golf. In her spare time she likes to take pictures, snowboard, golf, and play ice hockey.

Keeping it Real: 4 Tools for Original Car Restoration Projects

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/10 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Keeping it Real: 4 Tools for Original Car Restoration Projects

When it comes to planning and completing your own original car restoration projects, the first thing you’ll certainly need is the right set of tools for the job. After all, no two cars on the market, past or present, are ever the same. With each make and model of car that you restore, you’ll need a different selection of tools. However, with a bit of planning, you can easily have all the tools you need on hand to complete your restoration project. What follows is a list of some of the more commonly used restoration project tools.

3/8" Professional Air Ratchet

You’ll certainly need a professionally balanced air ratchet for nearly every original car restoration project that you undertake. The 3/8" model is capable of delivering a torque of up to 50 pounds. The slimmer, more portable 3/8" design is also especially handy because it will allow you to reach fasteners in crowded, inaccessible spaces that the regular impact wrenches simply cannot. This is one item that will definitely need to be on every car restorer’s list.

Dual Action Air Sander

Another item that no qualified car restoration expert can afford to be without is a dual action air sander. You’ll need a sander that employs dual action for the simple reason that sanding the body of your car is not a one time process that smooths down only one type of surface on your car. Therefore, you’ll need a sander that can handle varying surfaces, such as metal, fiberglass, and others, without causing damage to the body. A dual action sander will give you the best results in this tricky situation. Unlike larger sanders, this still gives you the quality and detail control without giving up efficiency.

Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit

A portable abrasive blaster kit is an excellent addition to your personal garage. This handy instrument is equipped with a blast gun, 15 ft. of hose, and a 50 pound hopper. It’s the ultimate tool for removing paint, rust, graffiti, and previous restoration errors! These tools might seem expensive for the scope of the project you’re working on, but spending months with a small sander trying to take the paint and bad welding lines off of your restoration project is also time consuming. Save your valuable time and get yourself a fun tool in the process. Even if you don’t choose to restore another car after you’re done, this handy tool is great for all sorts of home improvement projects, and could be lent out to help with community service projects, like an eagle scout project to remove graffiti.

2000 PSI Pressure Washer

Before you can really consider your car restoration project complete, you’ll need to clean it up. A 2000 PSI pressure washer is the instrument most restoration experts recommend to accomplish this goal. It contains the recommended amount of pressure needed to fully clean a newly restored vehicle in a safe and convenient fashion, perfect for most personal home garages. This is a must have before you paint. If you paint over shavings and dust from your sanding, it will destroy that coat of paint, and any additional layers you add to it. A pressure washer can ensure that the body of your vehicle is clean and dry before you attempt to paint.

Whether you are interested in learning more about these and other car restoration tools, or looking for a a good place to source affordable parts,  there are plenty of handy online resources available to you. YouTube has thousands of helpful how-to videos for repairs on all types of vehicles. Your car restoration project might not be as far away as you think, and it might just be the perfect excuse you need to stock up on some fun new tools.

Author Bio

Marlena Stoddard writes on antique cars and auto repair. Originally from Senoia, GA, Marlena lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband and 2 children. For help finding parts for classic restorations, Marlena recommends established sites like 99 Truck Parts.

Image credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Cars_Buses_and_Truck_g71-Vehicle_Engine_p31193.html

Six Repair or Restoration Tricks For Owners of Old or Classic Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/22 in Auto Parts with Comments Off on Six Repair or Restoration Tricks For Owners of Old or Classic Cars

Renovating and repairing a classic car is an exciting task to undertake. However, it’s not the easiest thing to jump into for the first time. You might consider the following recommendations before setting in on any project to fix up and restore a classic or used car.

Perform a Thorough Inspection

In a well-lit area, and using a flashlight, inspect the vehicle from the inside out and from top to bottom. Remember to look underneath. Get a close-up view of what the project will entail and if the renovation is worth the time, money and effort before proceeding any further.

Establish a Budget

On a major restoration, not everyone has the financial means to pay for materials and parts all at once. Grab a parts catalog pertinent to your vehicle, sit down with a calculator, paper and pen. Whether the refurbishing time line depends on time or money, make a complete list to determine a general idea of cost. If working on a budget, prioritize the list according to needs and desires.

Consult with a Restoration Expert

After creating a list of expenses, visiting with a specialist will let you know if the calculations are realistic. Perhaps there are considerations that you have overlooked or may be able to put off until later. You might also gain insight into money saving techniques or tips. Some cars can have incredibly difficult parts to find, and sites such as www.stlouisusedcarparts.com/ can help with that. You ought to seek out the right people and resources that can help you with your restoration process.

Choose a Restoration Level

Vehicle renovation projects typically range from basic “driver restoration,” which restores full functionality and minimal cosmetic repairs to “concours” that ensures the highest degree of refurbishment possible. In between these categories includes “street show” and “show car.”

Determine Structural Integrity

Closely examine the condition of the axles, floor and frame. While a little rust is easily fixed, extensive rusting compromises the stability of the vehicle and poses a potential risk. A vehicle having these areas intact also saves thousands of dollars and countless hours in replacement if deciding to progress regardless of the car’s condition.

Solo or Team Project

Whether choosing to complete the project alone, or opting to work with friends or family members, take the time to consider all of the scenarios. Do you or any of your cohorts have the knowledge necessary to succeed? Will a falling out with team members destroy the project? Do you have access to the right equipment or the voice of experience?

After taking these tips into consideration, the next step naturally progresses toward starting the renovation process. Once completed, keep your prized possession in top shape by performing regular maintenance.

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