So you’ve got a car sitting in the garage…You’ve been saying for months that you’re going to fix it up, and now’s the time. Whether it’s your first project car or something you’ve had for years, getting stuck in can actually be a lot of fun once you get going. The key is to break it down, keep things simple, and tackle one thing at a time.
Start with the boring stuff
Before you get too excited about paint jobs or seat covers, check the basics. Look for rust, leaks, and anything obviously broken. If it hasn’t moved in a while, don’t just assume it’ll start. Give the battery a proper charge or replace it. Take a look at the fluids too. Old oil or dodgy coolant isn’t going to do you any favours. This might not be the most exciting bit, but it’ll save you time (and money) later on.
Don’t ignore the tyres
One thing people often forget when doing up a car is checking the tyres properly. If it’s been sitting around, they’re probably either flat, cracked or just completely useless. Even if they look alright, don’t skip this step. Getting new tyres sorted doesn’t have to be a hassle either. You can actually book a mobile tyre fitting service so they come to you. No need to mess about getting the car to a garage if it’s not roadworthy yet. Handy and saves loads of time.
Get your hands dirty
Once the essentials are out the way, now’s the time to get stuck into the fun stuff. Whether it’s sanding, priming or painting, don’t rush it. Take your time and do things properly so you don’t end up redoing it next month. YouTube is full of solid how-to videos if you’re not sure where to start. Even if you’ve never touched a spray gun before, you’ll learn pretty quickly with a bit of patience. The same goes for interior work like fixing seats or replacing the headliner. You’d be surprised what you can do with a few tools and a bit of determination.
Know when to call in help
Some stuff’s worth learning, and some stuff’s just better left to the pros. Don’t be afraid to admit when something’s out of your depth. If you’ve got electrical issues or the engine sounds like it’s about to explode, you’re better off getting a mechanic to take a look. You can still do plenty on your own, but knowing your limits will stop the project turning into a disaster.
Keep it realistic
This isn’t Fast & Furious. Don’t expect to transform a rust bucket into a show car in two weeks. Set realistic goals and chip away at them whenever you’ve got time. It’s easy to get fed up if it’s not all shiny straight away, but keep at it and you’ll get there.
And when you finally take it for that first spin, you’ll be so glad you didn’t give up on it. Most importantly, enjoy the process!
