Classic Car Interior Repair: Best Practices for Vintage Car Interior Restoration

So you've finally done it! You finally fulfilled the promise you made yourself back in high school to one day buy and restore a vintage car of your own. Take a moment to enjoy your new purchase: you've just entered the world of classic car restoration and ownership, and the real work is about to begin!

In previous articles, we provided you with a quick rundown of the different types of upholstery materials and explained how the reupholstering process works. Now we'll expand on the topic of classic auto interior restoration in Orange County by taking a look at the other things you need to consider when renewing an oldtimer's cabin. Read on.

How do you restore the interior of an old car?

First, let's make one thing clear: unless you're a trained mechanic with prior experience in auto restoration, it's probably not a good idea to attempt to DIY an interior restoration, especially not if it's an extensive one.

To prevent costly damages or sub-par restorations, you should create a comprehensive list of items that need to be replaced and items that can still be repaired. Once you've done that, you should outsource the actual work to experienced auto technicians.

Here are the different elements involved in an oldtimer interior restoration:

• Floor is usually the first item to be restored because it requires seats and carpeting to be removed before it can be inspected and repaired. Normal wear and tear can be fixed with sandblasting, while rust damage will likely require you to weld in some metal patches.

• Carpeting almost always needs to be replaced entirely. This is also an excellent opportunity to install under-carpet padding, which will lessen heat and noise levels within the cabin.

• Headliner and door panels usually need to be replaced if they're damaged or worn down, but sometimes all it takes is a good cleaning to freshen them up.

• Upholstery will have a major impact on how the interior of your restored car will look and feel to ride in, so make sure to pick a material you're happy with. Pay close attention to the original upholstery if you're looking to preserve a true old-timey look.

• Dashboard may or may not need a new surface, depending on how many cracks, scratches, and other damage it has suffered over the years.

How long will it take to restore a classic car interior?

Since no two interior restorations are the same, it's impossible to provide a reliable time estimate. Some car interiors are in great shape and use parts that are easy to locate and purchase. Others have suffered extensive damage and require an almost complete redo.

There's also the model of the car to consider. For instance, vacuum lines, amplifiers, and canisters found in some older-model Cadillacs, Buicks, and Lincolns tend to be extra difficult to restore, so that can prolong the process as well. Your best bet is to consult with the experts and ask them to provide a time estimate.

Where can I schedule a high-quality classic auto interior restoration in Orange County?

Few things in life are as enjoyable as cruising along the Capistrano Beach in your beloved classic car while the sun sets over the ocean. Before you can get there, however, you first need to make sure your vintage car restoration project goes off without a hitch.

That's where Chimera Motors comes in! From regular maintenance to complete custom frame-off builds, we're ideally equipped to attend to all your classic car needs. Visit our shop today, or give us a call if you'd like to learn more about why we're the best classic car repair shop in Orange County.