14 Essential Steps for Restoring Your Own Automotive Masterpiece

7. Tackle Rust and Address Body Issues

Rust never sleeps—and every old car has a patch or two (or ten). The battle starts with cutting out rusted metal and treating minor areas with converters or encapsulators. For serious corrosion (frame or floor pan rot), patch panels or professional welding may be required. Media blasting can reveal hidden trouble spots but demands safety gear and know-how. Use body filler only on minor imperfections—never as a substitute for real metal. Decide if a pro shop is needed for big stuff, but try small repairs yourself if you have the tools and patience. The cleaner and straighter the foundation, the better your paint and trim will look. Take your time here: bodywork can test anyone’s patience, but it makes all the difference when your ride finally hits the street.

8. Plan and Prep for Paint

This is where your vision starts to become reality. Painting a car isn’t just about spraying color—it’s every hour you spend prepping, sanding, and priming. Strip old paint with care, repair dings, and make sure every surface is flawlessly smooth before thinking about color coats. Choosing primer and paint types depends on your skill and workspace: modern basecoat-clearcoat finishes look great but demand careful masking and clean conditions. Some restorers handle paint at home, while others wisely hire a body shop for this stage. Even if you farm out the work, you’ll get better results by prepping the body yourself. Color matters: will you stick with the original shade or make a personal statement? No wrong answer here—just make it yours. The better the prep, the more eye-popping the payoff under show lights.