Your New Project Car: 6 Tips to Finding the One

When you’re starting a new project, there are a few points to consider before purchasing a project car.  If you already have a car that you’re restoring, then it is likely you chose it because there were aspects of the car that you liked more than the others out there.  Here are 6 tips to help you make sure you’re getting the right one for the right deal.

What do you want it to be?

This essentially asks, “How much do you want to spend?”  If you’re looking for a daily driver, it’s important to select a car that’s in fairly good working condition and able to be driven immediately. By doing so, you’ll be able to focus on the more cosmetic areas, add parts here and there, save time, and enjoy your vehicle rather than resent your decision to buy a classic because you’ve had to make major and often costly repairs before it’s even road ready.

If you’re looking to really go the extra mile and have that Sunday show stopper or track car you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll want to first find the car that fits the style and designations you want. From there, it’s important to plan and work on specific sections of the vehicle. Doing so will help you to stay focused, understand, and budget for what you’ll need in order to have that ride you’ve always dreamed of.

What are your own capabilities as a mechanic?

You are going to want to make sure you own the variety of tools that you will need to make restoring your car easier.  In addition, knowing the generalities of “how it works” with each major component of the car also can make the process move along faster.  If you would rather do the work yourself, you should know the basics, including welding and wiring.

What is the availability of parts?

It’s important to find the right year and model of car with parts and accessories that are readily available, so choose a car that was popular or sold well when it was introduced. In doing so, you’ll be able to easily find what you need, while saving yourself both time, money, and the hassle of searching for obscure and hard-to-find parts. Because Original Parts Group specializes in some of GM’s best-selling classics, searching for the right parts for your restoration will always be easy. With such a wide variety of parts over a large span of years, OPGI makes it simple and affordable to get the right part, with the correct fit for a complete and seamless restoration. Visit opgi.com to search through the large selection of parts that will make your dream car look like it just rolled off the assembly line.

Do you want your car to have a high resale value?

If you are planning on flipping your project car for profit, you would want to consider finding it for a lower price.  You also want to make sure that the major components of the car (steering, brakes, suspension, engine, and transmission) are all in good condition.  The poorer the condition the more you will end up spending to get the car to run like it’s brand-new.

Does the car you want need bodywork?

Most old cars will need touch-ups whether it’s to repair dents or rust in a few places.  You want to find a car for a good price that requires the least amount of bodywork.  If there is rust, dents, or holes in many places on the car, it will end up costing you more in the long run.

How much time do you want to invest in your restoration project?

Depending on the category you place your car in (Sunday driver, daily driver, or show car), will determine the amount of time you need and want to spend on restoring the car.  Whether it is a father-son project or a retirement hobby, months and years can be dedicated to the restoration.  The more time you have, the more ways you will be able to customize your dream car.

Original Parts Group, Incorporated’s large selection of parts—teamed with a long list of GM model-year muscle—can help you work faster and save money.  Check OPGI first before starting your next restoration project!