For some auto enthusiasts, the best cars come from the past. Thankfully, through restoration efforts, antique cars that have been taken by time can have their luster restored and brought into the modern age. If you’ve recently bought a vintage model and are looking to bring it back to its original glory, the following guide will get you started.

How to Plan an Antique Car Interior Restoration

1. Set a Budget

For many people, their car is one of their most prized possessions—and this is especially true when it’s a classic. This makes it easy to pour lots of money into it and get carried away. To make sure all the changes you make are smart investments that build the vehicle’s value, set a budget before starting. 

The budget can be broken down into categories with different amounts for the upholstery, dashboard, console features, and other components. It’s also helpful to set a range and give yourself at least a few hundred dollars of leeway to work with.

2. Do Research on Parts & Materials

One of the more exciting aspects of restoring antique cars is recreating the past just as it was. To do this, you’ll need to find out what materials were used in your model year.

If you don’t have the keen eye or encyclopedic knowledge to identify materials just by looking at them, consider visiting the auto manufacturer’s website or car shows to see how authentic vehicles of the past are supposed to look. Vinyl, leather, nylon, and velvet are all common upholstery materials in classics, while dashboards can be made from options such as vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, or wood.

3. Consider Replacements 

Don’t forget that restoring a vehicle isn’t always about salvaging what’s already there. In some cases, it can be better to simply replace entire sections than to repair them.

For example, say a seat is ripping and tearing on the front, back, and underside; it may even have damage to the cushion and springs within. It may be faster and cheaper to simply find and install a new seat.

If you’re a fan of antique cars, make plans to visit the Charlotte AutoFair in Mecklenburg County, NC. For over three decades, auto enthusiasts have gathered for four days at this biannual auto show featuring 10,000 spaces across 150 acres. Whether you’re searching for collector cars or individual parts for restoration efforts, look no further. To ask questions or rent a space, visit them online or call (704) 841-1990.