14 Essential Steps for Restoring Your Own Automotive Masterpiece

5. Perform a Complete Teardown

Here’s where the real fun begins. Whether you’re going for a full frame-off restoration or just a deep refresh, method matters. Work system by system—pull the engine, drop the suspension, remove the glass and interior—rather than attacking everything at once. Keep hardware and big parts in separate bins or labeled boxes. Watch for hidden issues like rusty floor pans or makeshift repairs out of sight. It’s common to find more problems than expected; don’t get discouraged. Take plenty of photos as you go, and update your parts catalog. Each bit you pull brings you one step closer to the blank canvas you’ll build on. The more organized and detailed your teardown, the easier the climb back up will be.

6. Evaluate, Clean, and Inspect Each Part

With everything laid out, shift gears: every nut, bolt, and bracket gets a second look. Clean grime and old grease away—parts are much easier to inspect when they’re shiny (or at least not coated in fifty years of funk). Use plastic tubs and wire brushes, plus degreaser safe for different metals. Make three piles: what you’ll restore, what you’ll refurbish, and what simply needs to be replaced. Look closely for fatigue (cracks, pitting), wear, or outright broken bits. Some items—like wiring and rubber bushings—are almost always due for replacement. Document everything, and start a shopping list with the most important components first. Getting this right now saves second-guessing (and double spending) later on.