Oldtimer restoration

Be oriented.

It is important to know what you are going to do before you start a job. You obviously want to know what to expect, how much time and effort the job will take. And also, of course, what you will need for the job. This not only makes completing the job more enjoyable, but it also makes for a more satisfying end result.

So do some good research on the Internet and read through some books. You may have connections that can give reasonable advice, and you can also use social media to ask around among fellow car enthusiasts.

Setbacks lurk.

Chances of a huge setback are always present, you do not necessarily need to prepare for this. The goal is, of course, to get the job done as smoothly as possible and to avoid a setback. But you do have to take into account that there is a chance it will happen. If you derive satisfaction from the job process in itself, you probably won't mind the chance of a setback. When the end result is finally there, it only makes you more satisfied. Then you can think, I did a great job.

Be prepared.

Make sure you read up, try to find a job space that meets the necessary requirements for your job. The order should also not be forgotten. And at the basic level, consider whether the original technology should be kept, or whether the car should come out of the restoration in its more modern form.

Long-term job? Suspend the license plate!

Do you have the idea of going for a long-term project? Then chances are that it will be some time before the car can actually hit the road. Then you may want to consider possibly suspending the license plate. This eliminates the road tax that would normally have to be paid. Some old-timers from 40 years have an exemption from road tax. In this case, the car no longer has to undergo MOT testing. You can then also stop the car insurance, or possibly suspend it. This is a very good option to consider, as it can save unnecessary costs.

How do you address the components?

Many are already collecting parts during the overall restoration process. It is wise for everyone not to buy everything at once. This makes a huge difference in cost. You have more time to look for a better offer, and perhaps some parts for your car will turn out to be useless in the end. You may be thinking, it is quite extraordinary if that occurs when you have thought everything out in advance. Believe us when we tell you that this happens much more often than you think.

It also saves an enormous amount of space in the workplace. When you are done finishing a particular part, it sits on the car and then there is room for other parts again.

Even a month makes a world of difference.

The year and month of construction is also very crucial to observe. Many make mistakes here or think too easily. Parts for the type of car can vary by year of manufacture and even month. Some parts do not work properly, and sometimes not at all to a particular car when they are from a different build month. So don't just focus on the type number, but go just a little further.

Also a checklist for the parts.

Just as you should make a checklist of the stages of the job, you should also make a list of the parts you need. Parts can be bought anywhere. There are special web shops for this, but also e-Bay and Marktplaats can often amaze you with what great parts you can find there.

What do you really need? Do you go for the used parts, or maybe go for the new ones. A car has so many parts, and everything has to be matched as well.

Visit a specialist store!

It is definitely worth visiting a specialist store. These can often give good advice for your project. Many bolts and should on an oldtimer will soon rust. When the tools are of poor quality, the job does not go as smoothly. With this comes frustration, and often worse, damage to the car that also costs money. So go for quality materials. Perhaps you have connections where you can borrow tools,

What exactly do I need?

What tools you need depends entirely on the job you are doing. What equipment and tools you purchase right away is entirely up to you. You can also choose not to purchase only parts one at a time, but it is also best to purchase the tools for certain parts that you need only for that.

So what is needed depends completely on the jobs done, do some more research on the Internet before your job, if necessary ask again for advice from people who are even more specialized in this than you. You will often come a long way with advice from specialists. Certain things like a standard toolbox, a tire pump, the right nuts and bolts, a jack set and a grinder are actually always useful. And specialized tools for other parts can always be purchased later if you don't have the money for these right away.

Appraisal is always helpful.

Have you finally finished fixing up the car after all this time. Is it finally time to get car insurance again and lift the license plate suspension?

Or are you going to resell the car and simply want to know how much it is worth now, or is this a request from the buyer?

In any case, it is always a good idea to have the vintage car valued after the completion of each project. After valuation you will receive a valuation report. With some insurers it is even an obligation to have an appraisal report drawn up by a certified appraiser.

With a major transformation, always have a report prepared!

When a lot of changes are made to a vintage car, chances are that an appraisal report will have to be submitted to the insurance company. This may be because the value of the classic car has gone up significantly, and in case of damage the insurer must provide a higher payment. So valuation is also important. As an insured of a limited-casco, all-risk or WA+ insurance you are often obliged to provide a valuation report.

This way a realistic premium can be calculated based on the new value of the car. Often a new report must be made every 3 years anyway. This is so because the value of a car, especially a vintage car can always change. If you do not meet these requirements, and thus have not submitted an appraisal report, you will be paid the current value instead of the new value of the vintage car.

A valuation report is not necessary if you only have third-party insurance. This only insures damage you cause to others.