What are some of the interior restorations our vintage and classic car and truck professionals do for our customers? Here are 8 of the many we do and why.

1. The interior of a classic car usually needs to have new life breathed into it as part of a restoration project. Restoring the interior is a journey into the life cycle of the vehicle. Our professionals blend artistry with craftsmanship, and we recapture the original splendor of your classic car.
2. To correctly restore the interior of a vintage car or truck, the professional you work with must understand the era of your vehicle and the style of that era. A quality restoration requires an understanding of the materials, styles and colors. We research what the car’s original interior looked like and use that as a starting point.
3. Before the project begins, we will assess the current condition and evaluate the upholstery, dashboard, door panels and carpeting. We are looking for signs of wear, tear or damage. Following the assessment, we prepare a restoration plan and let you know whether it’s possible to repair or refurbish the existing interior or if a complete replacement is necessary.
4. When it comes to interior restoration, the reupholstering is one of the most significant and costly parts of an interior project. We will match the materials and design of the era, or the owner can choose their own materials to use to give their car its unique flair.
5. So many vintage cars and trucks featured detailed woodwork and metal trim in the interior, and they can be restored if the vintage restoration shop you work with has the specialized skills and tools. Make certain you ask about the skills of the restoration pro.
6. Because the dashboard and its instrument panel are the focal part of the interior, it could require replacing the gauges, knob and switches if the current ones cannot be refurbished. Functionality is also crucial to this part of the restoration – the speedometer, for example, needs to work correctly.
7. The carpeting in a vintage car or truck typically requires replacement to improve the appearance of the interior.
8. Modern upgrades and electrical repair and replacement are usually part of the interior restoration project. Many classic car purists want to embrace complete authenticity, and if that’s the case, make sure the restorer you’re working with will work with you, as some restorers want to incorporate modern safety conveniences.

8 Vintage Vehicle Interior Restoration Steps

There are bound to be cost overruns and challenges in the restoration project because until the vehicle has been dismantled, the vintage vehicle restorer won’t know about that until they are in the trenches of the restoration.

The restoration of a vintage vehicle is a labor of love and could make a dent in your restoration budget. The reward of this project is knowing your vehicle is a source of pride and beauty.

 If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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It’s important to keep your vintage car in as good a condition during the winter months of vehicle hibernation as it is in the summer months when you’re taking to the highways and byways.

How To Store A Classic Car In The Winter: 7 Tips

The decision and the timeline to store a vintage vehicle or classic car for the winter months is a personal decision. Some owners opt for the “traditional” ending of summer – Labor Day. Other owners watch the weather and take advantage of the non-snow time to keep driving until ice and snow “force” them to store the car for the winter months.

When you own a vintage car, you need to understand that overwintering it is more than just backing it into a garage and bidding it farewell for a few months. Winterization of a classic car or truck is a responsibility that you should take seriously if you want your car to come through the storage season unscathed.

The time you spend now will help ensure that when you turn the key in your car next spring it fires up and the engine purrs like a well-oiled machine.

This list assumes that once you winterize your car, it won’t be taken out and driven on those occasional breaks of winter that Detroit, Michigan seems to enjoy.

1. Thoroughly wash, clean and detail your vehicle, inside and out. After you’ve gotten all the dirt and debris off it, wax it and polish the chrome. Don’t forget to clean the tires and treat them with a tire-dressing to keep them from drying out and cracking in the winter months. Convertible owners should clean the fabric, treat it and keep the top up during the storage to prevent the fabric from shrinking and potentially ripping in the spring when you start it up again.
2. Don’t forget to clean the interior of the car. Vacuum it. Polish the leather. Wash the windows, too. Add some silicone/desiccant to help prevent moisture (you can get this at a hardware store.) Make sure the vehicle is thoroughly dry after you’ve cleaned the interior.
3. Store the vehicle with clean oil. Perform a complete oil change because used oil is loaded with residue and contaminants that could damage the engine during storage. Top off all other fluids. The cooling system needs to contain the proper blend of antifreeze. Some car owners, who don’t have access to temperature-controlled storage, use an engine block heater. Consider changing the brake fluid if it’s a couple of years old.
4. Storing a classic car indoors in a temperature-controlled space is ideal, but storing it inside, out of the elements, even if it’s not heated, is better than leaving the car outdoors. The vehicle should be stored in a structure with a concrete floor, not dirt (because of moisture issues). Sweep the floor and lay down a sheet of plastic tarp; this acts as a moisture barrier between your car’s underside and the floor.
5. Remove the battery from the car, and if your car is stored in an unheated space, bring the battery indoors for the winter. You could also use a high-quality battery tender to ensure the battery retains a charge but doesn’t overcharge.
6. Top off the gas tank and add a fuel-stabilization fluid. The fluid protects the tank, fuel system and the engine from over-wintering corrosion. Plan to drive the car for about twenty minutes after you’ve added the fuel-stabilization fluid to ensure it’s circulated through the gas.
7. To protect the tires, put the vehicle up on sturdy jack stands. Resist the urge to store your vehicle on cement blocks, as this can, and will, damage the vehicle’s undercarriage. That being said, there is also controversy that storing a vehicle on jack stands can also place strain on the suspension. A solution some car owners choose is to remove the wheels or to help eliminate some of the weight when the vehicle is on the stands.

Keep in mind that even if you have a heated storage space, critters will be looking for a home for the winter and will do what they can to get into your stored car. Use steel wool to plug engine intakes and exhaust pipes. Check the car occasionally to make sure no mice or squirrels or other furry pests have made your car their winter home. Look in the interior, trunk, under the car and even inside the engine compartment to ensure they’re not nesting there and destroying your vintage car or classic truck.

If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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For many classic car owners, when the leaves start falling off the trees, that’s an indication that tooling down the road in your classic car or vintage truck may be winding down for the year. Driving your car for only half of the year may make you yearn to move somewhere more vintage-car-weather-friendly, and the restoration and restomod professionals at Wrenchers LLC understand.

If you’ve been putting off winterizing and storing your car for the snowy months, you may want to give this a read before you put on the tarp and bid your car farewell until spring.

Can You Drive Your Vintage Car In The Winter?

Driving your classic car in the winter doesn’t have to be a no-go. But if you do decide to take your restored vintage baby out on the roads in winter, there are some precautions you should take.

You can take your classic car out for a spin, but do it with an abundance of caution and consider these tips.

1. Why do you want to drive it? Is it just because you want to get more miles out of enjoying it and don’t want to pack it away for the winter? That’s understandable. Remember, just because you’ve winterized your car doesn’t mean you can’t fire it up and take a spin, but you want to bring it out of hibernation slowly, and you will need to plan to re-winterize it after you’ve had it out.
2. Check the weather forecast. There are always those days or weeks when the snow melts, the sun shines and you’re yearning for a drive in your classic car, and why not? If the weather permits, take your car out. Remember, though, that even if there’s no snow, there is probably road salt, and you will need to ensure you’re cleaning your car completely – undercarriage included – once your drive is over. Road salt is the enemy of your paint job. Don’t wash your car if below-freezing temperatures are predicted because you don’t want water freezing and damaging the car or its engine.
3. Taking your car for a drive just might help extend the life of the engine – if you do it with care. Starting the car will send a film of motor oil through the internal engine surfaces, help keep them lubricated and protect the engine from corrosion and oxidation. Don’t just start the car; take it for a quick spin and turn it back off. Depending on the outdoor temps, it can take up to twenty minutes for the oil to warm up, burn off the gunk in the system and offer protection. Taking it for a short spin could do more harm than good.

If you’re determined to drive your classic car or truck this weekend, make sure you’re not revving the engine when it’s warming up. Just let it idle for a bit before you put it in gear and take it for a spin. Check the temperature needle, and when it’s in the “normal” operating temp, you’re ready to hit the road. You may need to bundle up for the drive because it could take about ten minutes for the interior to heat up.

Once you’re done with your drive – or drives – this winter, clean off the road salt and undertake the winterizing steps to protect your car until the next thaw or until spring arrives.

If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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Vintage truck and car ownership is rewarding, but you may find there’s a learning curve if you’re a first-time classic car owner. You don’t want to be a trial-and-error owner, so we think you’ll appreciate these tips. Our advice is also a great refresher for long-time vintage car owners.

5 Tips For First-Time Classic Car Owners

1. Under the hood. On a scale of 1 to 10, how knowledgeable are you about the inner workings of cars in general and vintage and classics specifically? If you are a classic car owner, you know that these babies require more loving attention than many modern cars. If you’re at the upper end of the mechanic scale and can perform routine maintenance on your classic truck, then go for it. If not, we urge you to not be tinkering under the hood. Find a mechanic who is knowledgeable about classics and put your car in their capable hands.
2. Sourcing parts. When you own a classic car or truck, it’s inevitable that you will need to find replacement parts. When you buy your vintage vehicle, that is the time to start looking for sources for replacement parts. Don’t wait until the need is imminent and you’re feeling pressured to buy a part that you may not want or might not be able to truly afford.
3. You’ll be part of a vintage vehicle community. Owners of classic cars know that when they become the owner of one, they are also granted entrance into that elite club of vintage car aficionados. The other vintage car owners you meet may also be great resources for mechanics and sources for parts.
4. Set realistic goals. When you pick up a classic car that is in need of “some” restoration, be prepared for more restoration than you anticipated. When we get under the hood or behind the chassis, we sometimes find restoration items that can’t be seen until we take it apart. Restoring a vintage vehicle can be a costly hobby, but oh so worth it.
5. Get out and drive. If you’ve bought a vintage truck or classic car, don’t just leave it in the garage and admire it. Get it out and get it on the road. You don’t have to plan a cross-country trip, but take it out for a Sunday drive. Attend classic car shows and show your vehicle off. You’ve put so much time and energy – and money – into the car, it is meant to be seen, appreciated and enjoyed.

Owning and driving a classic car or truck is a feeling that cannot be described unless you’ve been there. If you’re searching for your first vintage car or truck or want to talk about an upgrade to your current vintage vehicle, give us a call.

If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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Keep in mind that many of the classic cars you see on television or even driving down the road have been restored and refurbished. Not all vintage cars are discovered in pristine, drive-ready condition. If you’re thinking about joining the ranks of vintage car owners, we want to help you make the best decision.

Pros & Cons Of Vintage Car Ownership

1. We can’t sugarcoat it. Vintage and classic cars and trucks can be expensive. Depending on the body shape yours is in when you buy it, a full-body restoration can make a dent in your wallet. That being said, there is nothing like the feeling of sliding behind the wheel of your newly restored vintage car.
2. Maintenance requirements. Not all cars are created equally, and that goes for vintage cars as well as new vehicles. As with anything you own, parts wear out. When it comes to vintage vehicles, the worn-out parts may be harder to come by and could cost you more than a replacement part for a newer vehicle. That being said… newer vehicle parts are not cheap.
3. The joy of driving. There is nothing like tooling down the highway in your vintage vehicle. Heads turn, and envious glances are tossed your way. You’re all right with that though, because you know how much love – and money – you put into that baby, and you’re now enjoying it to the fullest. When you get behind the wheel, turn the key and hear the roar (or hum) of that engine, all is right in your world!
4. Safety matters. Today’s cars are designed to keep passengers safe, especially from crashes. Airbags, seatbelts and other safety accessories help ensure you’re safe in the event of a crash. The vintage car you’re driving is not equipped with those safety measures. That means you need to be more of a defensive driver when you’re on the road. In truth, that might be why many vintage car owners are happy to stay close to home and show their cars off at classic car shows that are not far away.
5. You’ll find “your people.” If you want to make new friends, drive a classic or vintage car. Other vintage car owners will strike up conversations, and you can share stories about your cars. People who don’t drive or own a classic will come up to you and just want to talk about you and your car. Vintage cars and classic trucks are conversation starters for sure.

There are certainly more pros and cons to owning a vintage vehicle, and the experience is different for every driver, but we have never spoken with a vintage truck or classic car owner who is anything but thrilled with their road-worthy baby.

If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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Whether you’re new to vintage or classic car ownership or if you’re a long-time enthusiast and driver, you know that the UVA and UVB rays of the sun can damage the paint job. Sun can also lead to fading and cracking of leather seats and dashboards.

What can a classic car owner and driver do to protect his or her car from the rays of the Michigan sunshine? If you’ve just spent a tidy sum on your vehicle’s restomod or frame-off restoration, you will want to protect your car.

How To Protect Your Classic Car From The Sun

In addition to the sun damaging the paint job, here are a few other things that can happen to your vintage vehicle during the heat of the summer day:

1. The UV rays can dry out and damage the car’s tires.
2. The vehicle’s fluids could evaporate because of the heat, and you may find yourself with an overheating car on the side of the road.
3. Plastic parts can crack and fade.
4. Sunlight can cause the car’s headlights to yellow.
5. Under the hood, the heat can dry out hoses.
6. As mentioned, leather can crack, and seats can fade.

Here’s how to protect your vintage vehicle from the ravages of the summer sun:

1. Park in the shade. Be aware of parking under the shade of a tree that is prone to dripping sap or that might be home to a flock of birds.
2. Wash and clean and apply wax to your car’s exterior. Washing removes bugs, dirt and debris. Wax and other sealants can protect the paint job.
3. Use window protectors and sunshades to keep the sun from streaming through the windows and fading and damaging the interior.
4. Cover the vehicle. This will protect the exterior and interior, but unfortunately won’t do anything to protect the hoses from cracking or fluids from evaporating. Consider using a car umbrella. Yes, it’s just what it sounds like – a portable umbrella to cover your car.
5. Park in an air-conditioned garage or storage space. This may not be a feasible option for everyone, but if you can park in air conditioning, we urge you to do it.
6. Check fluids and tire pressure before you hit the road to ensure your vintage vehicle is road-ready and that you won’t have any unwelcome surprises along the way.

If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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Open and honest communication is crucial in any relationship, and it seems to be even more important when it comes to major financial investments. And making the jump into a vehicle restoration project, whether a frame-off restomod or other upgrade, can bring a substantial price tag. In fact, some vehicle restoration projects can cost upwards of $25,000, and in many cases, the price tag is substantially higher.

The Power Of Communication When Discussing Car Restoration Plans

While we certainly aren’t passing ourselves off as financial gurus or marital counselors, we do know that heated discussions can ensue when one of the people in a relationship doesn’t have any idea of just how much a vehicle restoration project can cost.

Here are some tips for bringing up the dollars and cents conversation of getting your beloved vintage car or truck back in show-worthy shape.

1. Don’t hide the fact that you’re taking the vehicle in for a restoration. If you’re unaware of how much the project can cost, you certainly don’t want to be blindsided when you receive the estimate. You also don’t want to try to explain the dent in your bank account after the fact.
2. Weigh the costs. What other financial obligations do you have? Is there a savings account set up for “fun money,” and could the vehicle restoration project fall into that? Are both of you on board with the project?
3. Is the cost of the vehicle restoration feasible? There comes a time when you need to weigh your sunk costs and decide if it’s worth it to keep putting money into the car. Sure, it could be the car of your dreams, but how much do you truly want to spend? Ask yourself, what rewards will you reap from the money you’re putting into the restoration? If this is a project you’re both on board with and your aspiration has been to have this car of your dreams to use on cross-country road trips when you’re both retired, then that could be your reward/return on investment.
4. Be financially transparent. The talk about the cost of the vehicle’s restoration could open the doors to other talks about money, how you’re spending and how you’re saving it. Don’t walk into the restoration project “blind” and with the idea that you’re going to be writing a blank check to the restoration professionals. It might also make a lot of sense to let us – or whomever you take your vehicle to – know just what your budget is. If you have a $10,000 budget, but the work you want done will cost in the $50,000 range, it’s best to scale back your expectations. We can walk you through what you can get for the money you have set aside. You may decide that this restoration project will be done a little at a time, and you will want to focus on what can be done to make it as usable as possible and then work on the aesthetics later.

Bottom line: Regardless of what you’re doing with a shared bank account – especially if you’re looking to have your vintage or classic car or truck restored, it’s best to get your financial house in order first. Once you do that, we’re here to help get the car of your dreams into your hands!

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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1. Get there early. If there aren’t any designated parking spaces, you can grab the best parking space and get your vehicle ready to be seen!
2. Make sure your car is ready. Before you get on the road and attend a car show, make sure your own vintage car or truck is in tip-top condition. Wash and wax it. Top off the fluids. Clean the interior until it’s gleaming. It might make sense to bring a clear car cover or use a clear car bra when you’re traveling to keep any bug detritus off the car.
3. Research the best car show for you and your car. Remember, not all vintage car and truck shows are created equally. There are small, local shows; there are model-specific or even decade-specific shows and there are those that are nationally recognized on the vintage vehicle circuit. Know what’s best for you and for displaying your car.
4. Get to know the crowd. Meet the organizers. Make small talk with the other vehicle owners. What better place to discuss your passion than with other vintage vehicle lovers and collectors?
5. Above all – have fun! A car show is not only a great way to show off your car and all the restoration you’ve put into it, but it’s an ideal place to make connections and build relationships. Relax. Have fun. Get the most out of the chance to display your car or truck.

Taking Your Vintage Car To A Show: 5 Tips

Here are a few more tips that are great for people who are new to the vintage car show circuit or a great reminder for long-time vintage car pros.

1. Capture the memories.
2. Bring something comfortable to sit on – the days can be long.
3. Don’t forget snacks and drinks.
4. Sunscreen and a hat and sunglasses should be part of your traveling accessories.
5. Be willing and excited to talk with other car enthusiasts about your car and ask questions about theirs.

Now is the best time to pull out your calendar and plan your summer vintage car show schedule. If you live in Michigan, summer is short, and you don’t want to miss a day to show off your car.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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