HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-04-12, Page 18Classic car restoration projects can
be very rewarding, giving restorers a
chance to bring life to an old car that
might once have appeared beyond
repair.
Though trial and error is an inte-
gral part of the vehicle restoration
process, there are steps first time
restorers can take to avoid some of
the many pitfalls that can pop up
when trying to get that ‘57 Chevy or
‘41 Buick back up and running and
ready to hit the road.
· Do your research and take your
time. You must first do your research
so you can choose a vehicle wisely
and ensure you get exactly what
you’re looking for. If you’re not quite
sure of what you want, several publi-
cations can act as strong resources
that can help you make a decision.
Also, before choosing your car, go
online and see what the car might
look like once you’re finished. If
possible, ask others you know who
restored the same model what you
can expect to pay.
Restoring classic cars is not a
hobby for those with tight purse-
strings, so knowing a ballpark list of
expenses beforehand is a good idea.
· Know from whom you’re buying.
Weekend classified sections in news-
papers are filled with antique autos
for sale, which increase your chances
of finding a car and getting ripped
off. Similar to most other big-ticket
expenses or jobs that will require you
to invest lots of time and money, get-
ting a referral is a great way to go,
even if it is difficult to find.
Oftentimes, sellers will tell you
only the great things about a car and
regale you with tales of how much
money their car can save you on
restoration expenses. It’s important
not to be too trusting, especially if
you weren’t referred to a seller.
· Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
A large investment earns you the
right to ask however many questions
you want. Make sure you ask if the
car runs, if the brakes work, if any-
thing is leaking, as well as other
questions you might have pertaining
to the vehicle’s condition.
One very important question to ask
is how long the seller has owned the
car. Beware of any seller who is sell-
ing a car after only owning it for a
brief period of time. This likely
means the seller has decided the car
is more trouble than it’s worth, or
finding parts for it is too problemat-
ic. Asking why the seller is selling
the car is good, too, as his response
can help you gauge how well he took
care of it while he owned it. If the car
runs, ask to take it out for a drive.
· Be prepared to spend just to get it
home. If the car runs, this shouldn’t
be a problem, as most states will
issue you temporary tags if the car is
not registered. The fee for such tags
is typically not very large.
Where you can expect to pay a
steeper price is if the car doesn’t run
at all. If you purchase the car partic-
ularly far away from home, trucking
costs can be expensive. Most
companies have standard fees of $1
per mile uncovered, $2 per mile cov-
ered.
Naturally, these fees can add up
depending on where you purchase
your car. But this shouldn’t dictate
where you look, as the trucking fee is
a one-time expense and you should-
n’t limit your search only to those
areas close to home.
PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007.Tips for first-time classic car restorers
CHECK OUR LOW PRICES ALL WINDSHIELD SALE PRICED
More Certified Used Vehicles
Donny's Bargain Autos
C
H
E
C
K
O
U
R
L
O
W
P
R
I
C
E
S
A
L
L
W
I
N
D
S
H
I
E
L
D
S
A
L
E
P
R
I
C
E
D
C
H
E
C
K
O
U
R
L
O
W
P
R
I
C
E
S
A
L
L
W
I
N
D
S
H
I
E
L
D
S
A
L
E
P
R
I
C
E
D
C
H
E
C
K
O
U
R
L
O
W
P
R
I
C
E
S
CARS
1996 Ford Crown Victoria LX, luxury equipped $3,950
1997 Buick Park Avenue, leather seating $6,950
1997 Olds Achieva, 4 dr., V6 $3,950
1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 2 dr., 4 cyl, auto 40 MPG $3,950
2000 Mazda Protege LX, auto, sunroof 38 MPG $8,950
2000 Chev Impala LS, 3800 V6 38 MPG $8,950
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited, sunroof 33 MPG $10,950
2002 Cadillac Deville luxury 35 MPG $15,950
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS,
leather 32 MPG $10,950
CARS
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GT, 4 dr,
leather, sunroof 38 MPG $11,950
2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE 1, 4 cyl.42 MPG $10,600
2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT, 6 cyl.42 MPG $11,600
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 40 MPG $13,950
2004 Chrysler Intrepid ES, sunroof 36 MPG $11,950
2004 Ford Taurus SEL, sunroof 35 MPG $13,950
2005 Pontiac G6 GT, leather, sunroof 42 MPG $15,950
2006 Ford Focus ZX5 SES, loaded 42 MPG $15,950
2006 Dodge Charger 3.5L, HO, 6 cyl.35 MPG $20,000
VANS
1998 Chev Astro Van, 8 pass.$4,450
2000 Chev Astro AWD, 8 pass.24 MPG $8,950
2004 Ford Freestar SE, V6 29 MPG $11,950
2004 Pontiac Montana , 8 pass. 56K 36 MPG $12,950
SUVS
2001 Ford Escape XLS 4x4 31 MPG $8,950
2002 Dodge Durango SLT 4x4 23 MPG $11,950
2004 GMC Envoy SLE 4x4 27 MPG $18,950
2004 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4
3rd row seat 26 MPG $18,950
TRUCKS
1997 Ford F150 XLT Ext, 87000 km, V8 $9,950
1998 Dodge 1/2 Ton Reg Cab 4x4, V8, auto $8,950
TRUCKS
1999 Ford F150 XLT Supercab, V8 23 MPG $9,950
2000 Ford F150, 6 cyl., auto 26 MPG $7,950
2001 Ford 250 Super Duty Ext DIESEL 4x4
$17,950
2002 GMC Ext. 4x4 SLE 22 MPG $17,950
2002 Dodge Ram SLT DIESEL 4x4, Quad Cab
$26,950
2002 GMC Sierra Reg Cab, V6, auto 26 MPG
$9,950
2003 Chev Silverado 3/4 Ton Ext 4x4,
6.0L V8
$18,950
2004 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab 28 MPG $13,950
2005 GMC SLE 4x4 Z71, 5.3L V8 24 MPG $23,950
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab, 27K 35 MPG $20,500
2005 Dodge Crew Cab Hemi Sport 4x4 23 MPG $29,750
264 Huron Rd., Goderich 519-524-5398
Donny's
Bargain Autos
CHECK OUR LOW PRICES ALL WINDSHIELD SALE PRICED
2006 Buick Lucerne CX
Full size luxury sedan,
3800 V6,
air conditioning,
tilt wheel,
cruise control,
power door locks,
39 MPG.
ONLY
$20,950SAVE
T H O U S A N D S
O V E R N E W
On a heavy duty Dodge 1 ton
chassis. Fully equipped including
trailer tow pkg. Immaculate!
SUPER SPRING SAVINGS
TRAVELING?
CAMPING?
1997 ROAD TREK
190 VERSATILE
2000 Buick Regal LS
3800 V6, air,
tilt, cruise,
pdl, alloy
wheels.
38 MPG.
$8,950 NOW $7,500
1995 GMC Suburban 2WD
6 passenger, 5.7L V8,
trailer tow pkg.,
air, tilt, cruise,
pw, pdl.
Excellent
condition,
great body! $7,950 NOW $6,500
2004 Ford Crown Victoria LX
Leather, power
seats, 4.6L V8,
traction
control.
32 MPG.
$14,950 NOW $13,500
2004 Ford F150 XLT Supercab
5.4L V8,
pw, pdl,
alloy
wheels.
21 MPG.
$16,950 NOW $15,500
C
H
E
C
K
O
U
R
L
O
W
P
R
I
C
E
S
A
L
L
W
I
N
D
S
H
I
E
L
D
S
A
L
E
P
R
I
C
E
D
C
H
E
C
K
O
U
R
L
O
W
P
R
I
C
E
S
A
L
L
W
I
N
D
S
H
I
E
L
D
S
A
L
E
P
R
I
C
E
D
C
H
E
C
K
O
U
R
L
O
W
P
R
I
C
E
S
R & S
ALIGNMENT SERVICE
ALIGNMENT - SUSPENSION SERVICE
& TIRES
519-357-1230
Hwy.86 West,R.R.3 Wingham,Ont.N0G 2W0
389 Queen St.,
Blyth 519-523-9725
Now is the time to
rid your car of win-
ter grit and grime!
Our tokens
make great
gifts!
& Detailing
Carter's
West End
Garage
& Body
Shop
215 Huron St.,
Clinton
519-482-9363
or if busy
519-482-3534
For all your
Spring car
needs!
(MF) — Experts say poor mainte-
nance of a vehicle’s tires is a risk no
motorist can afford.
Maintaining their tires to help
avoid uneven wear, poor perform-
ance — or even blowouts, which
may result in loss of control of the
vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration estimates tire
failures or blowouts contribute to
more than 400 deaths and 10,000
injuries in the U.S. each year. Yet,
statistics show that some drivers
don’t follow the basic tire mainte-
nance guidelines that can help pre-
vent tire failures.
According to the Car Care
Council, 26 per cent of the vehicles
inspected at checkpoints during Car
Care Month 2004 had low air pres-
sure in one or more tires.
“Although today’s tires are more
technologically advanced than ever
before, regular visual inspections
and maintenance are critical to
enabling tires to perform at their
best,” said Doug Herberger, GM
North America vice president and
general manager of service and parts
operations.
Underinflation is the leading cause
“Specializing in on-the-farm-service”
Bruce Willits
456 Ross Street, Lucknow
519-528-2103
ALL MAKES OF
PASSENGER TIRES,
LIGHT TRUCKS,
MEDIUM TRUCKS
AND FARM
Maintain tires for safety’s sake
Continued on page 19