50 Times Trashed Cars Were Restored To Their Former Glory, Shared In This Online Group
By: Robertas Lisickis, Donata Ruzgaitė and Mindaugas Balčiauskas (Bored Panda)
The typical motorhead projects are well represented. I selected projects and restorations that are rather unusual. I mean, who restores a 1984 VW Rabbit?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
You know how taking up ceramics or yoga can be therapeutic after a long, hard day's work? This can be applied to a slew of hobbies and activities. And some folks do that with more long-term projects, like car restorations.
Just think about it: you’re alone, for hours on end, pulling apart a car that was never supposed to touch asphalt ever again only to put it back together with new and refurbished parts. And then you drive it off into the horizon… hopefully, not into the nearest light pole because you accidentally connected the brake pedal to the accelerator.
#3 1958 MGA Before And After
There might not be solid numbers showing just how popular car restorations are. But, the fact that everyone and their mother in the car industry keeps coming back to the topic—that alone is testament to how alive it still is today. Well, that and dedicated communities on Reddit.
While you might still see the classics on the road, today’s trends focus on more modern car models. It’s not so much the 1930s any more as it is predominantly the ‘70s, ‘80s, and the ‘90s.
#4 I Found A Rusty Morgunovka (SeAZ S-3A From 1960) In My Neighbor’s Garage, Installed A CVT And Made A "Candy" Out Of It
one (ish) is also the idea of backyard restorations. According to Rob Customs, an increasing number of people tend to turn to custom body shops and the like for help restoring whatever gem they’ve stumbled upon.
With that said, and considering the rich automotive history and the prevalence of the industry, folks now have greater opportunities and more options to take on car restorations. And it’s not just parts, but also expert opinion has proven to be invaluable with big projects that folks hope to drive one day.
#8 Nysa 522, Photos Shows The Restoration Of A Polish Car
But, unlike most mainstream hobbies, like table top games or crafts, car restoration demands dedication. And seemingly loads of it.
Dean’s Autoglass has a comprehensive list of things to consider before taking on something as big as this. And as is with most projects, this one starts off with a plan .
The plan determines your aspirations for the project, the budget (and how plausible that is), figuring out the time frame and plan of action, as well as other smaller, yet equally important details like location, tools of the trade and professional opinion.
There are a lot of variables and moving parts to consider, so documenting everything is key. A typical car has around 30,000 individual parts and you don’t want any of it to get lost in the works. Besides, you can document the progress and make a social campaign out of it.
#14 Just Over Two Years Ago I Started My First Major Project, A Non-Running 1967 Triumph TR4A. Here's A Before And After
Next up is the business phase. And by that, we mean you start work on the car. Stripping the interior, removing the wiring, taking out the gearbox, transmission and other necessary parts, removing external panels and windows—pretty much everything that won’t be painted on, or shouldn’t be painted as part of the main body. This phase is also good for keeping inventory and seeing what you are missing and need to order.
#18 Arkady Babich's Homemade Convertible "Leningrad" Has Been Restored
Before the engine goes back into the car, fire it up, see how it works.
And if that goes well, reassemble everything else: the break system, the fuel system, the suspensions, the wiring, the gearbox, the cooling system, the rubbers and pretty much everything else that you need and want your newly refurbished car to have.
#25 Before And After Of A Project I’m Very Proud To Officially Consider Completed
Arguably, the best part at this point would be the test drive . And that’s actually the last phase. It’s a reward for all the hard work you’ve done, but also a time when you can tackle any kinks in the car left over from the refurbishment process. The way it sounds, handles, accelerates—keep an eye (and ear… and other sensory faculties) on it.
So, what are your thoughts on any of this? Do you now want to take on restoring an older car? Share which one and your stories in the comment section below!
And if you want more car goodness, both of the old and new variety, then you’re in luck.
#45 My (Wife's) 1970 Fiat 500 L Before And After Restoration
#48 At The Ripe Age Of 22, I've Completely Restored A 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. What An Experience
Yep, anybody can restore Vettes, Novas, Camaros, and even Cougars (if you can find them) and heads will turn. But a 1970 Fiat 500? Who's gonna ogle a Karman Ghia from the 60s? Yeah, that Road Runner is pretty cool but man, oh, man check out that Triumph.
What sure as hell catches my eye is that "Leningrad" convertible.
I've never seen anything quite like that Leningrad. An old high school friend of mine had a 59 Corvette like the pic but he was a coke dealer and it was seized by the DEA.
Ohhhh, I would. Especially one that runs!
Me too. If anyone around here is really into classic and vintage cars (and boats) it's me - check out my Classic Car and Boat group.
Several TV shows on restoring cars, my favorites are Roadworthy Rescues and Graveyard Carz (cause it is all Mopar)
I love Graveyard Carz although Mark irritates the shit out of me at times. Seeing their work to bring these cars back to or near original condition is fun to watch.
He is too full of himself
He is, but at the same time, it's a part of what makes the show fun to watch.