Last year we introduced our first annual restoration guide. It turned out to be a complete success, so once again we're bringing the DIY guys tips and pointers for 2009. Planning the initial steps in a car restoration project is very important: make a schedule, budget expenses, and get started. We figured we would try to get you ahead on your project by showing you some of the newest products that will help you restore your soon-to-be classic cruiser.
For years the question about what a restoration really is has come up. It usually relates to older cars, but what is a true restoration? Where do you draw the line between restoration, fixing up, and modification? Is there a line at all in our market? Does one mean the other? The answers to these questions will be different depending on who you ask. Some people will argue that restoration is only restoration and that all other activities are just "fixing up." This definition of restoring, however, is too restrictive for us.
For most lowriders, we can all agree that car restoration in general is nothing more than taking a car apart, repairing or replacing rusted metal, repairing or replacing mechanical components, and then reassembling the whole thing after applying the appropriate finishes. Other hobbyists could consider this a resto-modification. This is what a number of lowriders are doing nowadays. It involves a full restoration but during the process major components are replaced with modern equivalents. A good example would be a classic Impala that has had the chassis beefed up-from the suspension to a 605 gearbox to a modern-day 350 or 700R transmission, plus air conditioning and other electrical changes, some even include disc brakes.
Ask a lowrider what they're doing to their ride and most likely the answer will be: "Fixing it up-performing any other repairs or replacements in the process of resurrecting an old car but short of taking it completely apart." There's nothing wrong with doing this kind of work, it's just not the same as car restoration.
Budget, time, and the ability to work on a car will dictate the decision used. Whether you're restoring, fixing up, or resto-modifying your lowrider or classic car, we put together a guide that should help you in your project. Remember from sheet metal to trim, we have what you need for the restoration or customization of your ride.
 Hubbard's Impala PartsStop...  Hubbard's Impala PartsStop trying to patch your old, rusty fenders. Introducing Hubbard's new '62 fenders for Impalas, Bel Airs, and Biscaynes. www.hubbardslowrider.com |  Original Parts GroupReproduction...  Original Parts GroupReproduction doorjamb sill plates for '64-'72 GM A-bodies are now available from Original Parts Group, giving enthusiasts and restorers accurate replacements for those well-worn originals. These exact-matching sill plates lend a high-quality finished appearance to any '64-'72 GM A-body. www.opgi.com |  Steele Rubber ProductsWeather...  Steele Rubber ProductsWeather stripping is now available in helping with the restoration of your '64 Chevrolet Impala and '76 Caprice. www.steelerubber.com |
 American AutowireThe '61-'64...  American AutowireThe '61-'64 American Autowire kit for the Chevy fullsize classic is the most complete system of its type, boasting 19 features including a new ATO fusebox that's compatible with most aftermarket accessories, cluster harness disconnect system, dimmers, headlights, ignition switches, and much more. |  Just DashesChevy's '78-'88...  Just DashesChevy's '78-'88 Monte Carlo and El Camino share the same dash pad. This huge pad is literally the entire dashboard of these vehicles, and age, weather conditions, and UV rays usually take a toll on the vinyl material. Cracks, fading, and material lifting are common problems. Since there are no reproductions available, and a quarter-century-old original will surely crack as well, a Just Dashes restoration is the best solution. www.justdashes.com |  Hubbard's Impala PartsHow...  Hubbard's Impala PartsHow many times have you stayed home so your car wouldn't overheat? Worry no more because Hubbard's original-style steel fan shrouds are made for your '59-'64 small-block or big-block Impalas and will help your car run as cool as it looks. www.impalaparts.com |
 Enkay ProductsEnkay Products...  Enkay ProductsEnkay Products polishing kits include everything needed for a buffer or bench grinder to polish a variety of materials. They are available in 6-, 8-, or Deluxe 10-inch kits that include buffing wheels and polishing compounds to polish virtually any material. www.enkaypolishing.com |  Just DashesHard plastic interior...  Just DashesHard plastic interior parts restoration can bring your dash back to like-new condition, along with your door panels, dash pad, head rests, and arm rests. Check out Just Dashes restoration services, including plastic chrome-plating, gauge restoration, and custom dash pads. www.justdashes.com |  Original Parts GroupThese...  Original Parts GroupThese '78-'87 El Camino rear window moldings are just like the originals. They use brand-new tooling to duplicate the factory moldings with the same manufacturing process that GM used, producing these authentic rear window moldings with all the correct bends and creases. Available in anodized finish or a durable powdercoated black finish. www.opgi.com |