If you’re a lover of old cars you aren’t alone. Antique car shows all over the nation display vintage cars.  Crowds gather to admire these charming vehicles.  Owners who display their cars have a great deal of pride.

Many people who own vintage cars have restored them piece-by-piece, literally. It’s not just that they have rebuilt the vehicle; they have restored it to its original state.

It is simple to differentiate between rebuilding and restoring a car.  A car that has been rebuilt has new parts.  A restored car is made up of parts that are authentic to its year and model.

The process of restoration encompasses the body of the car and the mechanical components.  It is amazing to some people that the actual parts must be original to the year and make of the vehicle, but this is necessary for a true restoration.

The restoration also includes the vehicle’s interior.  The upholstery should be repaired whenever possible.  It can be nearly impossible to find the exact upholstery for a car’s year and make.  If this is the case, you need to get as close as possible to the original.

The restoration of a car is a labor of love, but well worth it.  There is no greater satisfaction than turning a piece of junk into a beautiful classic. Make sure you have road service with any car, but especially an antique.  You don’t want your beautiful gem stuck on the side of the road.