The 1969-model Alfa Romeo Spider restored in this project had been stored for a number of years, and was in reasonably good condition for a car its age. Resting on old jack-stands, the car had a convertible top that was still operational and an interior that hadn't suffered too much damage. The engine was also in restorable condition. Levels of Restoration The first step in an automotive restoration project is to determine to what extent or degree you want to restore the vehicle -- and whether your budget will allow the level of restoration you're after. Here are some important definitions used in the realm of automotive restoration: - Councours -- The highest level of restoration. On a 100-point judging scale, this level hits the 100-mark of complete and pristine restoration. A car restored to this level can be deemed perfect in every discernible way. Cars at this level are show candidates, and are never driven. Achieving this level of restoration is a highly expensive undertaking.
- Show -- At the show level, the vehicle has been professionally restored and has no major flaws. These restorations fall within the 90 to 95-point range on the 100-point scale.
- Street Show -- At this level, older cars may show some slight wear, but are still highly presentable. These fall into the 80 to 89-point range.
- Driver -- A less expensive and less time-consuming restoration that the previous three categories, the driver level restores the vehicle to the point where it is close in appearance to how it looked originally, but is suitable for driving. Though not as stringent as the prior categories, a driver-level restoration is generally more affordable and is still quite rewarding. It is to this level that the vehicle in this series is restored.
Before You Begin -- Some Basic Auto Restoration Tips - Once you've determined the model you want to restore, and decided upon a level of restoration, you'll want to begin by formulating a budget. This will give you a financial overview of the entire restoration project, and may prevent you from getting in over your head or running out of money before your restoration is complete. There are software programs that will generate pre-formatted budget forms for you (figure A), or you can use the old-fashioned method of ledger-sheets and pencil.
- Once you've determined what model you want to restore, and how much money you're willing to spend, you can begin your vehicle search -- the process of locating and acquiring a restorable vintage vehicle for your project. One of the best places to start looking is in a regional car-locator publication (figure B) from your area. These are commonly available on newsstands around the country, and contain listings of older and restorable vehicles for sale in a particular region.
- At this preliminary phase of the restoration, you can afford to remain flexible . If you need to re-adjust your expectations with respect to the model you plan to restore, or the level of restoration, now is the time to make those adjustments. Once the restoration is well underway -- parts have been purchased, time and money have been invested -- it becomes more problematic to shift your focus and readjust your goals.
- At the earliest phase of your project, begin keeping a photo journal. This functions not only as a "before and after" record of your restoration (figure C) but, more importantly, as technical reference as you begin disassembly and re-assembly portions of the restoration. Over the lengthy course of a restoration, it's easy to forget exactly how individual parts were originally installed once they have been removed for cleaning, repair, etc. A photo journal can be useful for helping piece things back together properly. Conventional 35mm and instant-picture cameras (such as Polaroid) can be used for this, but there are great advantages to using a digital camera (figure D) for this purpose. Numerous digital pictures can be taken and cataloged without the need for film, and digital cameras generally allow you to preview your picture results instantly.
- Before you can begin any serious restoration, you'll need to be well equipped with suitable tools. Key among those tools are a high-quality and comprehensive set of automotive wrenches. You'll also need to have a suitable and safe way of lifting the vehicle off the ground for work that will be done underneath the body of the car. If you're not fortunate enough to have access to a hydraulic lift, you'll at least need a good heavy-duty floor jack coupled with some reliable jack stands (figure E). There are, of course, numerous other tools and type of equipment that come into play in a restoration project of this magnitude. Many of those will be shown and described as this series progresses. Be sure to incorporate the cost for any tools or equipment you'll need to purchase into your budgeted expenses.
- Consider the location where you'll be performing the restoration. Remember that this site will ideally be dedicated exclusively to the restoration project, and that the duration of the project may be many months. Space, convenience, logistics, access to electricity, safety and security are all factors you should consider. Will the space be used for purposes other than your restoration? Will the restoration take place in a garage where other cars are housed? Can you secure the building? Also, consider the need for additional insurance, or riders on an existing policy, to cover the project car.
RESOURCES :
Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your Alfa
Model: 0837607078
Author: Pat Braden
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Bentley Publishers
Alfa Romeo Spider: The Complete Story
Model: 1861261225
Author: John Tipler
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Crowood Press
Original Alfa Romeo Spider (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760311625
Author: Chris Rees, James Mann
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Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Essential Alfa Romeo Guilia & Giulietta Coupes & Spiders: The Cars and Their Story 1954-95
Model: 1870979591
Author: David Hodges
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Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Alfa Romeo: The Spirit of Milan
Model: 0750919582
Author: David G. Styles
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Sutton Publishing
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
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H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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