Classic Corvette Restoration: Five Jobs You Should Leave To The Pros

By Author: Joel Neuder
Total Articles: 17
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When it comes to classic Corvette restoration, there are just some tasks that you should leave to professionals. At-home enthusiasts can certainly do great work, but they often lack the equipment, experience, and know-how for the toughest repairs. If you want to make your antique Corvette look as good as new, you should find a reputable shop for these five types of classic car restoration jobs.1. Classic Car Paint and PrimerRepainting isn't the most technically demanding job, but it does require a great deal of specialized equipment. A good power-sander is necessary to remove the old paint before you even begin to apply the new coats. You'll also need a keen eye to spot tiny blemishes which can tarnish the final product. Once your car is prepped, you'll have to have the right spray guns to evenly apply the paint and primer.Most importantly, a quality pain job requires the right environment. Auto shops have plenty of clean, dry, indoor space - but the same isn't true for most people's homes. Painting outside will almost inevitably allow insects, dirt, and other debris to land between your paint and car body. Even if you do find ...
... indoor space, you'll have to deal with paint splatter and time-consuming cleanup.2. Body WorkFilling tiny dents is easy enough, but large-scale bodywork is a tough project to tackle. If you have a fiberglass body, then repairs are going to require that you mix, cut, and apply new sheets of glass. Not only is this process difficult - it can be dangerous because of the toxic chemicals involved.Steel is a little simpler to fix, but large projects still require a great deal of equipment and skill. Welding, precise cutting, and careful application are all important. Some repairs may also necessitate the use of loaders to move heavy pieces of metal.3. Frame RepairsIf there's one thing you can't afford to mess up, it's your Corvette's frame. Many do-it-yourselfers simply order new frames, but repairing a damaged chassis requires incredible precision. Most shops use special calibration devices to ensure accurate dimensions, as well as other tools for making precise, hairline adjustments. Even small imperfections in your frame can make it impossible to add other components.4. Style ConversionsBecause of the rarity of certain models, some restorers like to convert one type of car into another. For example, the coupe-to-fastback conversion for 1960s Mustangs is extremely popular right now. Overall, these are some of the most time-consuming and technically demanding projects you can attempt. They require modifications to your car's frame and body, as well as the custom fabrication of new parts. In the long run, it may actually be cheaper to leave this job to a qualified restoration service.5. Rust RemovalDealing with rust isn't simply a cosmetic issue; it dramatically impacts the safety of your car. If you plan on driving your classic Corvette - or even keeping it around for long - you should look into professional rust removal. At-home restorers can fix small panels with soaking solutions, but bigger areas need abrasive blasting. Sand and bead blasters can quickly remove large patches of rust and leave surfaces smooth and ready for painting. They can also reveal structural weaknesses by punching through thin or damaged panels.If you need difficult or time-consuming repairs, call for professional help now, but only rely on a shop that specializes in classic Corvette restorations, and can tackle almost any project you might have. Don't take any risks with your valuable classic car project.