Truck Restoration Tips
If you are new to truck restorations, there are certain precautions you can take to make this project easier for yourself. Here are six general but helpful tips to keep in mind when restoring a truck.
Do Your Homework Ahead Of Time
This is one of the most important things you can do before beginning a truck restoration. You should look up what tools you need to restore a truck (impact wrench, pain stripper, air compressor, dent puller, etc.) and how to use them. It may also be a good idea to know which materials are the best fit for the truck parts you wish to upgrade, including mechanical components such as the engine.
Budget Your Time And Money
As with any other type of project, setting goals and limits is a key part of the planning process. Most full vehicle restorations take hundreds of hours, so it’s important that you set a realistic deadline to complete your project, especially if you work full-time and, therefore, know you may not have time to work on it every day.
The same is true for your budget. Do not plan a restoration that is worth $10,000 or more if you cannot viably afford to spend that amount of money. Set a reasonable limit that fits well with your timeline and stick to it as closely as possible.
Don’t Buy Everything At Once
Although you may assume that it makes sense to purchase everything you need before beginning your restoration, this is not necessarily the best way to approach such a project. Instead, try buying your truck parts immediately before you need them. This can help you avoid the risk of losing or damaging parts, and it also allows you to save up more money as you work on your vehicle.
Don’t Cut Corners
If you wish to save as much money as possible when restoring your truck, this is perfectly understandable. However, you do not want to sacrifice your vehicle’s quality by instinctively choosing the cheapest parts and materials available, as these may not necessarily be the most suitable options for your project. Do not take a “do-it-yourself” approach to every aspect of your restoration. Instead, ask for professional assistance with the more complex parts of the project.
Take Lots Of Pictures Along The Way
Take pictures of every part you remove from your truck during the disassembly phase (before and after removal). It is also a good idea to label everything by using tape and to put small items such as nuts and bolts in plastic bags. This can help you stay organized and save time. When you are finished with your restoration, you can even place all of your photos in an album!
Make Sure To Have A Workspace With Ventilation
Ventilation is important for vehicle restorations not only because it helps you stay cool while you perform manual labor, but it also helps keep your garage clean and smelling fresh. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you wear an industrial respirator for tasks such as drilling, painting, sanding, and grinding metal.
Ultimately, it’s most important to be patient and to seek professional help when restoring a truck. One desperate attempt to add or disassemble a part on your own can potentially affect your vehicle’s structural integrity in a negative way.
Work With The Truck Restoration Experts
Reach out to the professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia, for more information on truck restoration tips. At Robs, we understand that vehicle restorations and customizations are a passion rather than simply a hobby.
We have experience working with antique, classic, and vintage trucks and can always improve a truck’s performance without harming its functionality. We perform both frame and rust repair and can also replace exterior parts with higher-quality options. After working on the outside of your truck, we can move on to the interior and repair parts such as the glove box, dashboards, and seats (fabric or leather), which are an essential part of a truck’s comfort and visual appeal.
Call Robs today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online to receive a free truck restoration estimate.
