The 4 Most Difficult Parts of Car Restoration | Crash Management Auto Body (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardest part of car restoration? ›

However, most people find that restoring the body and frame of a vehicle is the most challenging part. What makes this process difficult is the body's size and the damage it may have sustained over the years. For example, fixing a bent frame can be expensive and take a lot of time.

Engine Replacement

Greatly considered to be the most difficult automotive repair, replacing an engine is incredibly expensive.

The most expensive components of restoring a car are typically the bodywork and labor costs. However, if there is significant rusting to repair, metal fabrication could be the biggest expense.

A classic car is not just a hobby, it's a long-term commitment. You have to be prepared to not only hunt for the right car to restore but put the hours and the money into doing getting it back on the road. It can take as many as a thousand hours to restore a classic back to its former glory.

'Concours,' from the French, Concours d'Elegance, is the highest level of classic car restoration. At this level, the classic is restored to its factory condition.

Every car has a transmission system, and no car can operate without one. This vital piece of equipment is often considered the most complex aspect of a vehicle, and with good reason.

Brakes. One of the most neglected aspects of car maintenance is brakes and over time, the brake fluid becomes contaminated due to heat and cold cycles, affecting the safety of the vehicle.

What is the hardest part of restoring a car? ›

Rust and Rot- One of the most formidable enemies of classic car restorers is rust. Metal components corrode, leading to structural and aesthetic issues. Finding a classic car without any rust is a rarity.

The complete restoration of any vehicle is a lengthy and expensive process, with the basic turnkey restorations taking an average of 1,200 man hours. Custom frame off restorations can be 1,500 hours or more depending on the extent of the customization wanted.

If you plan to restore the car and then sell it, the process might be a good investment. Restored classic cars can easily sell for tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the make and model. If you want to keep the car for yourself, though, you won't recoup the money you spent to restore it.

A basic restoration project that focuses on addressing cosmetic issues such as a new paint job, interior upholstery restoration, and minor mechanical repairs may take around 6 to 12 months to complete.

The engine can be considered the heart of your vehicle and converts fuel to power so your car can move. As such, it is the most expensive car part to replace and repair, especially if there has been significant damage.