Anyone who plans to attempt a restoration should first plan to obtain some education about automotive restoration in general and the specific car under consideration. No matter how handy you are with a wrench or a paint gun, each restoration project presents a unique set of challenges. Luckily, educational resources for the amateur automobile restorer have never been more complete or easier to obtain. Indeed, this website is a prime example of resources that were not available just a few years ago.
In fact, with the resources available to the amateur restorer, there is no good excuse not to take advantage of collected knowledge before you begin to restore your classic car.
Many people choose to begin with an Internet search - that may be how you found this site and this article. The Internet has a wealth of information about the restoration process and each make and model of car typically has at least one dedicated site where enthusiasts can come together for support and information exchange. Make/model websites may include some or all of the following resources:
Also available on the web are vendor sites for the parts and supplies you need to complete your restoration. Sites such as Eastwood Company (www.eastwoodco.com) offer a wide range of products to aid the amateur restorer. But in addition to products for you to buy, the site also includes educational resources including a forum, blog, and access to a schedule of classes offered at Eastwood’s Pennsylvania facility.
Numerous experts have created videos and DVDs to help educate others on the finer points of restoration. With the advent of high-speed Internet access, some experts and businesses are publishing streaming or downloadable video primers on a wide range of restoration topics.
Additionally, sites such as www.carestoration.com sell instructional VHS tapes and DVDs for a wide variety of topics. Even a topic as obscure as Porsche 356 engine work is covered in a set of tapes from the legendary “Maestro” of Porsche engines at www.hcpresearch.com.
By far the most common source for information and education is published books. Virtually every popular collector car has at least one book that details its peculiar requirements. These books are generally marketed as “Restoration Guides” or “Complete” manuals for the make and model. Many original shop manuals have been digitally scanned and are now sold on CD-ROM. Some of the most popular restoration models have spawned enthusiast magazines such as The Restorer, a publication of the Model A Ford Club.
But while websites, videos, CDs, and books are valuable tools, there’s really no substitute for genuine hands-on learning. In most areas, the local community college or trade school offers several useful classes. For example, most community colleges offer classes in automotive bodywork, painting, and basic auto repair.
Full-program training centers and technical universities generally focus on training professional technicians for new car repair, but may also offer courses in body and paint work that you can attend without signing up for the whole program.
But finding classes taught by local experts in your area can be challenging, which is another point in favor of joining your local make and model enthusiast club. Your fellow club members will know of classes in your area - and it is likely that the club has its own library of books, videos, and local contacts for further assistance. If your group does not offer these things, then you have a golden opportunity to become the founder of the club library!
Too often, people are ashamed to admit that they lack information or skills. But as one restoration expert remarked: “No one is born with the knowledge to do this work. Every one of us started from zero and learned to do this from others, or by making a lot of mistakes.” With all the resources available today, there’s never been a better time to get some schooling.
source: http://www.popularrestorations.com/Articles/Article110.htm
by Jeff Zurschmeide
Many people choose to begin with an Internet search - that may be how you found this site and this article. The Internet has a wealth of information about the restoration process and each make and model of car typically has at least one dedicated site where enthusiasts can come together for support and information exchange. Make/model websites may include some or all of the following resources:
- Background information about the model
- Tables of production data, serial numbers, and other statistics
- Photo galleries of original and finished cars
- Technical tips and how-to articles
- Contact lists for local enthusiast clubs
- Online forums or chat rooms where you can exchange information with other enthusiasts
| Hint... |
| An online community is great for exchanging information, but a local club will know what businesses to use in your area, and local club members can help you with difficult tasks. Your local club dues are well worth the expense. |
Also available on the web are vendor sites for the parts and supplies you need to complete your restoration. Sites such as Eastwood Company (www.eastwoodco.com) offer a wide range of products to aid the amateur restorer. But in addition to products for you to buy, the site also includes educational resources including a forum, blog, and access to a schedule of classes offered at Eastwood’s Pennsylvania facility.
Numerous experts have created videos and DVDs to help educate others on the finer points of restoration. With the advent of high-speed Internet access, some experts and businesses are publishing streaming or downloadable video primers on a wide range of restoration topics.
Additionally, sites such as www.carestoration.com sell instructional VHS tapes and DVDs for a wide variety of topics. Even a topic as obscure as Porsche 356 engine work is covered in a set of tapes from the legendary “Maestro” of Porsche engines at www.hcpresearch.com.
By far the most common source for information and education is published books. Virtually every popular collector car has at least one book that details its peculiar requirements. These books are generally marketed as “Restoration Guides” or “Complete” manuals for the make and model. Many original shop manuals have been digitally scanned and are now sold on CD-ROM. Some of the most popular restoration models have spawned enthusiast magazines such as The Restorer, a publication of the Model A Ford Club.
But while websites, videos, CDs, and books are valuable tools, there’s really no substitute for genuine hands-on learning. In most areas, the local community college or trade school offers several useful classes. For example, most community colleges offer classes in automotive bodywork, painting, and basic auto repair.
| Hint... |
| Before you sign up for any community college course, ask if you can audit the class. Auditing allows you to attend classes and participate as a student, but you will not receive a grade or course credit towards a degree. Audit students sometimes qualify for reduced tuition charges. |
Full-program training centers and technical universities generally focus on training professional technicians for new car repair, but may also offer courses in body and paint work that you can attend without signing up for the whole program.
But finding classes taught by local experts in your area can be challenging, which is another point in favor of joining your local make and model enthusiast club. Your fellow club members will know of classes in your area - and it is likely that the club has its own library of books, videos, and local contacts for further assistance. If your group does not offer these things, then you have a golden opportunity to become the founder of the club library!
Too often, people are ashamed to admit that they lack information or skills. But as one restoration expert remarked: “No one is born with the knowledge to do this work. Every one of us started from zero and learned to do this from others, or by making a lot of mistakes.” With all the resources available today, there’s never been a better time to get some schooling.
source: http://www.popularrestorations.com/Articles/Article110.htm
by Jeff Zurschmeide
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