Auto Motive Precision, LLC

	Restoration Tips, Guidelines, Traps and Rewards Automobile restoration is a complicated enterprise with simple goals.  No matter what your plan is there are a few things to consider as you move forward.   Making decisions early and establishing your goals will help any project.
Andris Paza, President	You might consider some of these details that can save you much time and money.
Williamsport, MD (301) 223-5017	Take a look at some of our ongoing projects by visiting our Facebook page.

HOME		Looking for that special car?  After you do your research and go to purchase remember that a solid chassis will return the best value.  Items like chrome, glass, rubber and even mechanical components will be much less expensive, easier to budget, and more fixed than coach work. Its possible to refinish cheaply but the results show it.  High quality work from the metal on out has beauty that will last for decades.  Buy the best coach you can find even if it involves air fare!
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OUR SHOPS		Do you already own the car?  What kind of relationship do you have with the car and what kind of relationship do you want.  There are times when a slow transformation to a reliable fun car makes sense.  When driving it regularly you have the option of phasing in a restoration and/or seeking reliability.  Other situations occur when it has been sitting for a while. Know what type of work you want to do yourself.  Decide on taking it fully out of action and what time frame works best.  If a car has been inactive for a while it is always a good idea to get it running if possible so you can clearly evaluate its needs.
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		Know what you have to work with.  Whenever possible drive the car even if it is just around the block with a cell phone tether.  Put the effort in to get it ready to run if even for a short time.  You need to know what you are working with before you take it apart.  This will make it much easier to prepare a plan for your build schedule and identify suppliers.  In addition, as you document dissassembly a running car will help clarify what doesn't work and why.
		Take lots of pictures and create documentation.  Even the most optimistic among us should realize that it may be a long time before you see some of your parts again.  It is also possible that someone else may be doing some reassembly work especially if you choose to contract out specialized elements.  Be sure to lable and bag all parts to the most specific detail you can.  Don't throw things away!  You may often need the old parts to identify, create, or supplement new parts.  If you don't know, don't guess.  Keep those parts in the loop and research.
		Prepare with information and references.  While you should have extensive documetation from dissasembly be sure to gather support material.  This should include Assembly Manuals and Service Manuals often created by the manufacturer.   You should always have shop manuals on hand.  We find that multiple manuals support each other and improve clarity with different perspectives.  It is often helpful to have an operating manual to know how systems are supposed to work.  The "Original" series from Motorbooks International can be very helpful also.
		Do you want a show car, a go car, or both?  There are many subtle differences determining your priorities.  While all well restored cars are fully functional as intended by the manufacturer there are many elements that leave a lot to be desired by today's standards.  Brakes are an outstanding example.  While you may  be able to ultimately stop a classic car with original brakes, the effort may not enhance the pleasurable experience you were expecting from a relaxing hobby.  Consider how much you really want to drive your car and the upgrades you are willing to make so it will be reliable, safe, and drama free.
		Don't be seduced by "shiny".   Many cars are on the market with great curb appeal and recent "restorations".  A professional restoration bill should provide many pages for your review.  You will also find reciepts that identify most parts and services.  Often an unrestored car will have a history that gives you an idea of what stories the car has to tell.  Look closely for unusual contours on the frame and lower body.  Keep in mind that any deep repair or rust can be very expensive.
		The restortation process is yours to control.  You can pace a restoration or refurbish to meet your budget and time.  It is possible to approach individual systems like brakes or electrical individually and address each as time allows.  Additionally you can keep the car driveable for quite a while and continue to improve it.  At some point you may choose to address full repair of the chassis with paint and plan for the associated commitment and down-time.  Remember that the interior will need to be removed for this work so it probably should come last as "icing on the cake".  Keep in mind also that the patina associated with an unrestored car can be very satisfying and valuable so you may just want to put effort into renewing its systems and enjoy it as a survivor.  It is your choice after all.