Restoring an antique car is a labor of love. It doesn’t take long before projects can exceed your budget, so learning to reduce your spending makes the process more enjoyable. Fortunately, you can take steps to make your hobby more affordable.
Find used parts
You can find auto body parts used at salvage yards for lower prices than those offered by manufacturers and resellers. Shop around salvage yards looking for locations with similar cars, then buy the parts you need. You might find additional used components from other hobbyists who have restored similar cars.
Remember that many classic car parts are interchangeable, especially when working on a Ford or General Motors vehicle. Therefore, you can often put new pieces from the manufacturer into an older automobile and save more money and time.
Buy parts when you need them
Some car restorers think they need to buy everything at once, so they save money on a bulk purchase. Unfortunately, they end up with expired return policies and parts they don’t need. The budget-friendly choice is to buy parts when you need them. The only exception is if you get a great deal from a seller parting out a similar vehicle.
Only buy antique vehicles that are still running
Another money-saving tip involves choosing your project car. You can save a lot of money by only purchasing project cars that run already.
Antique cars that aren’t running are less expensive than those that are, but you have to ask yourself how much work you want to put into the car. Sometimes, you have to weigh the benefits of not taking on a headache-inducing project. Spending more upfront helps you spend less in the long run.
Sell or trade your old parts
You can save money by getting rid of the parts you aren’t going to use. Sell your old parts on car forums or other online marketplaces. Other car restorers might be willing to trade parts, so you don’t have to spend more money to get what you need. If you’ve got parts in good condition, someone will buy them.
Pay attention to shipping costs
Car parts are heavy, so they are costly to ship. However, you can save money by watching for shipping discounts. Shop around for the best shipping rates, as you could spend more to ship the parts than the cost of the parts.
Find an owner’s manual
Antique car owner’s manuals include plenty of useful information that can help you save money. You can find them all for free online and learn about the specific parts, parts numbers, and additional information you can’t find anywhere else.
Wrap up
Your antique car restoration project does not have to be a budget-busting adventure. Shop around for the best deals on parts and shipping. Find an owner’s manual, and work with other car restorers to find the items you need at an affordable price.