Restoring a classic vehicle is a fun and rewarding hobby. In fact, it is equally an art form as it is a real science. To bring back a car to its former glory, certain challenges need to be faced and overcome. Of course, you should always first understand the specific needs of the vehicle in question. Besides this, there are a handful of tools which will enable even the most difficult processes to be performed quickly and easily.

Tools of the Trade

Car restoration is usually performed in a number of individual steps. You will generally begin by tackling any issues within the undercarriage or underneath the bonnet. These very functional requirements are necessary if you desire your car to be anything more than a mere showpiece. Thus, essential equipment will include (but is not limited to) ratchet sets, screwdrivers, voltage testers and wrenches.

Car Movers

While the first step may be very obvious, let’s not forget that getting around a vehicle within a tight space can be challenging. If you do not have adequate mobility, the tasks themselves are nearly impossible. Also, more mobility equates to higher levels of safety; very important when working around equipment that can weigh into the tonnes.

Wax and Polish

Once you have finished the necessary mechanical adjustments, it is time to give your car the shine that it deserves. Thanks to a host of different cleaning products, you will be able to choose from a variety of waxes, buffing agents and polishes. Some are designed for interior use (such as upon leather seats and the dashboard) while others will provide a glistening shine to the paint job on the outside.

Airless Paint Sprayers

An airless paint gun will come in handy if there are areas of rust or scratches that need to be addressed. Also, these devices are great if you wish to change the colour of the car altogether. Most will work with both latex and oil paints and the even coat that they provide offers a professional finish. However, it is always a good idea to carefully read the instruction manual before attempting to use any such sprayer.These are a selection of the most important and useful tools that are required when restoring a vehicle. Within a matter of weeks, your hard work and dedication will certainly pay off!

Restoring a car can be a satisfying experience. However, these essential tools are necessary to help the restorer to bring the project to life:

Engine Hoist

Getting the engine out of large American muscle cars will require a quality engine hoist that can handle at least 2 tons. The restoration of any vehicle will make this essential, as complete overhauls cannot be undertaken with the engine in the chassis.The best hoists use a hydraulic jack to lift the engine, and also feature sturdy wheels and a moveable cantilever arm to enable easy manoeuvring in the workshop.The hoist will be useful later, as refitting the engine after the re-build requires the engine to be positioned correctly in order to ensure correct alignment of the mounting points and drive shaft.

MIG Welder

On any restoration project, it is likely that there will be some repairs to the bodywork or chassis required. A Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welder is a useful purchase, and these can be relatively cheap.Whilst the basic models of welder might be acceptable, a variety of current settings, a gas pressure control and variable wire speeds are desirable to cover any welding requirements on an automotive restoration. Such controllability also makes it easier for new restorers to learn how to weld!

Torque Wrench

When rebuilding engines, it is essential that mounting and engine head bolts are tightened to the correct torque setting in the manufacturers handbook. A torque wrench will apply the correct pressure to these important bolts by simply dialling the required torque into the handle gauge and applying pressure until the ratchet mechanism prevents the bolt being over-tightened.