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Considerations
 Classic cars tend to fall into
three categories:
- Original, un-restored
condition - exhibiting well cared for, but used
patina.
- Perfectly restored,
thoroughbred machinery.
- Something in between
1 &
2.
 Unfortunately, it is
important to understand that no matter how
vehemently someone tries to convince you that a
car is "original", if it has a fresh coat of
paint on it, it isn't. Even more unfortunate, is
that in most instances, that fresh coat of paint
was applied because the car was rusty, in poor
condition and/or the owner did a quick makeover
for resale. Be careful!
 If a car is truly a
"1", then it is critical to
correctly maintain, preserve and upkeep the car
ensuring it continues down its path of graceful
aging - for as long as possible - hopefully
indefinitely. Remember, once this wonderful
patina is lost, it can never be regained.
If a car falls under the "2" umbrella, it should
be serviced, maintained and cared for - which
should include regular use...remember cars are
machinery, and machinery needs to move in order
to work properly! Shows, tours, rallies and
weekend drives - any and all of the things that
make this hobby so rich. If you balk at the
thought of driving your perfect restoration,
consider this - Pebble Beach Concours - the
place where the rarest, most coveted cars on
earth are displayed - reward the cars that go on
the tour the day before the show!
 Condition
"3" is where most cars lie - and is
where, unfortunately, the toughest decisions
must be made.
Full vs Partial vs Repair
It is important to understand that doing a
series of "partial restorations" is not the
same, nor will it net the same end result as
starting out down the path of a full
restoration. Bringing a car through a complete
restoration is an interrelated, well thought out
process. Since all cars have "layers" of
mechanics, it is difficult when doing partial
projects to not overlap and in some instance
degrade the efforts of a previous step. By
moving forward as a complete restoration, these
"project traps" can be alleviated - procedures
and steps have been refined through experience
so that no one procedure "steps on the toes" of
another.
 If restoration doesn't fit your goals - rather
maintenance and repair - you must be prepared
for the inevitable gremlins. Old cars break, and
although you might have fixed the wiring, it
doesn't mean that the charging system, or the
gauges or the switches will work perfectly. It
is critical to understand that mechanics don't
have emotions - when it is their time to "give
up the ghost" it is time (regardless of how much
money you just spent on other areas of your
car!).
 Another important factor to understand with
partial or repair work is that mechanics tend to
wear out together, in harmony. Meaning, if you
have your engine rebuilt, your well worn car now
has all new "get-up-and-go" - putting all sorts
of new stress and torque on parts that were
perfectly happy without this power. Don't be
surprised if brakes start to fail, transmissions
start to slip, rear ends start to whine, etc
(you are now driving faster and longer than ever
before, right?)!
We are prepared and happy to help you determine
which path to take - given your car, your
expectations and your budget.
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