Claim Your FREE Beginner's Guide On How To Buy Your First Project Car

Welcome To The ROY Garage!

Since we love wrenching on anything with engines we wanted to send you our Beginner Guide to Buying Your First Old Project Car

If you are not into working on things with engines we will be sending updates on our projects, deals when we have new merchandise drops, and more!

Either way, we are happy you are here!

Beginner's Guide to Buying Your First Old Project Car

So, you've caught the classic car bug and are eager to embark on the journey of restoring your first old project car? Congratulations! Restoring an old car can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it's essential to approach it with careful planning and consideration. This beginner's guide will help you make informed decisions as you venture into the world of classic car restoration.

  1. Define Your Budget

Before you start searching for your dream project car, establish a realistic budget. Consider not only the purchase price but also the cost of parts, tools, labor, and any unexpected expenses that might arise during the restoration process. It's crucial to have a financial cushion for unforeseen challenges. A good budget can range from 1-5k for a decent vehicle. Remember, you may need to put in unforeseen dollars to get the vehicle running and driving.

  1. Research and Set Goals

Determine what type of project car you're interested in. Do you want a classic muscle car, a vintage European sports car, or a rugged off-roader? Research different makes and models, and set clear restoration goals. Knowing your project's scope will help you stay focused during the process. For us, we were able to get The Meano Camino in a trade and we knew it was drivable but had been sitting for almost 10 years. Our goal was to just get it driving again.

  1. Assess Your Skills

Honest self-assessment is crucial. Are you a seasoned mechanic, or is this your first foray into auto mechanics? Choose a project car that aligns with your skills and comfort level. Starting with a simpler project can build your confidence before tackling more extensive restorations. A lot of people ask if we will fully restore The Meano Camino and get it looking nice. We knew going into the project that bodywork was not a skill that we currently had so our focus was just on getting it running.

The basics to getting a vehicle going:

  1. Assess the body and frame. If you do not want to do body work then the body has to be in good shape or you have to be okay with the way it looks. Look under the vehicle and see how the frame looks. Does it have holes rusted in it? Our Yell Camino has some pretty bad spots rusted through the frame. The Meano Camino has almost zero rust on the frame. They both still run and drive fine but The Yell Camino could run into issues down the road. If the frame is really rusty you can use this to negotiate. Also, check the interior for rusty flooring panels and the trunk. If you do n
  2. Battery and the basics of how electronics work in a vehicle. Power comes from the battery and grounds to the frame to get back to the battery.
  3. Set Realistic Expectations

Understand that restoring an old car is a time-consuming and sometimes challenging endeavor. Patience is key. Don't expect to complete the restoration overnight; instead, set achievable milestones and enjoy the journey. One step at a time. It seems more often than not that something we think would take an hour or two ends up taking a couple of days or even weeks. It's not something you want to hear but with the right expectations you will enjoy the process more!

  1. Know Where to Look

Search for project cars through various sources, including online classifieds, auctions, local ads, and car clubs. Attend car shows and swap meets to network with fellow enthusiasts and get leads on potential project cars. Be patient and wait for the right deal to come your way. Be open-minded too, you never know what life has planned for you. Maybe a car you never thought you would want falls into your lap and you fall in love with it. That is what happened to us with our El Camino's.

  1. Inspect Thoroughly

When you find a prospective project car, inspect it carefully. Look for rust, frame damage, engine condition, and other potential issues. If you're not confident in your inspection skills, consider hiring a professional mechanic or restorer to accompany you or reach out to us on our social media pages and we would love to help out!

  1. Verify Ownership and Documentation

Ensure the car has clear ownership documentation. Check for a title, bill of sale, and any historical records. A car with a complete history is often more valuable. The last thing you would want is to buy a vehicle with no title, get it all done, and not be able to legally drive it.

  1. Negotiate Wisely

Don't be afraid to negotiate the price based on the car's condition and market value. Keep in mind that project cars often require substantial investments beyond the initial purchase price. Set your budget and be willing to walk away if you cannot get the vehicle for the price you want.

  1. Secure a Safe Storage Space

Once you've acquired your project car, ensure you have a secure, weatherproof storage space. A garage or covered area will protect the car from the elements and potential theft. Also, think about where you will be working on this new project. If you do not have the space yet, it's not a bad idea to wait till you do or make sure you have a plan and timeline.

  1. Assemble the Right Tools

Invest in quality tools and equipment for your restoration project. Basic tools include wrenches, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, and a jack. Depending on your project's complexity, you may need specialized tools as well. We buy tools as we need them.

  1. Create a Restoration Plan

Develop a detailed restoration plan that outlines the work required, the order of tasks, and the estimated timeline. Having a roadmap will help you stay organized and on track.

Example: The Meano Camino Stage 1 - Get Driving Again

  1. Get out of storage
  2. Get it running - Needed a new fuel pump - Installed An Electric Fuel Pump ($28)
  3. Rides super rough - Replace Rear Air Shocks and Replace Front Shocks ($100)
  4. Get new tires - Mounting New Tires On New Rims ($1000)
  5. Make sure all the lights work - Build A Rear Tail Light Harness ($150)
  6. Needed rear tail light fixtures - Installing New Tail Lights ($100)
  7. Needs a new rear bumper to legally drive it - Install A New Rear Bumper ($300)
  8. Fenders rubbed on the new tires... I got some wheels that were a little too wide lol - Rolling Fenders

This project started in January 2022 and we finally rolled the fenders in October of 2022. It cost a total of $1,678.

  1. Seek Guidance and Join a Community

Connect with experienced restorers and join online forums or local car clubs related to your project car's make and model. These communities can provide valuable advice, support, and resources.

  1. Enjoy the Process

Restoring an old car is a labor of love. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your successes, and savor the journey of bringing your project car back to life.

Remember that every project car is unique, and your experience will be a learning process. With patience, determination, and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform a neglected old car into a cherished classic that you'll be proud to drive and show off. Happy restoring!

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