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When it's time to
bring your vehicle home, time should be taken to properly prepare
your storage facility for the vehicle to be housed in. In this
section we will give you some basic information to consider when
storing and caring for your vehicle. These tips will help you keep
your vehicle looking tip top at all times, and can add years to your
vehicle's longevity. We'll begin with storage and then move on to
care & cleaning. Storing Your Vehicle
Storing your vehicle is a serious
matter for any new restorer. Often customers unwittingly do damage
to their new vehicles by improperly storing the vehicle in an
unfriendly environment. When planning storage of your vehicle, try
to keep these suggestions in mind.
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Indoor storage is always the best bet. Storing a
vehicle outside exposes it to weather, and every other element
that required it to be restored in the first place.
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Storage area should be very dry with light air
flow.
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Avoid storing vehicle under glass windows or
other areas where sunlight can be intensively focused on the
body.
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Wait at least six months after your paint work
is complete before you place any kind of car cover on your
vehicle. The paint can take up to 6 months to cure, and car
covers hinder that process.
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When using a car cover in damp weather,
routinely remove the cover and air off car to avoid a rain
effect underneath the cover.
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Do not store your vehicle in a garage filled
with un-secure items which could fall, slide or drop into the
vehicle.
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Get an alarm for your storage area or LoJack
your vehicle. Believe us when we say, it's well worth it.
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Avoid storing near any harsh chemicals,
especially thinner.
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With 6 volt system cars, a trickle charger
should be set up to preserve your battery life.
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If storing the vehicle for extended periods of
time, make it a point to start vehicle at least twice a month to
keep the seals and gaskets saturated and keep them from drying
out.
Caring For Your Vehicle
If you have your storage plan all
set up, it's time to discuss care of your vehicle. Restored classics
are not like normal cars and great care should be taken if the
customers wish for their vehicle restorations to remain in top shape
for years to come. here are a couple of tips to follow.
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Your car should rarely need to be washed with
water unless it is a daily driver. Instead use a final detail
product for interval cleanings and maintain your vehicle's
shine.
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Unless you actually know what your doing, don't
try to buff your vehicle yourself. You may end up burning
through your paint and permanently damaging it in the process.
Highly visible swirl marks are also signs of improper buffing.
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California dusters are great for removing dust
off the exterior, just keep them clean.
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Avoid wearing jewelry, metal belt buckles, or
accessories when cleaning on your vehicle. You may accidentally
scratch your paint without meaning to.
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Do not run your vehicle through an automated car
wash!
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Very fine terry cloths should be used when
cleaning your vehicle. these should be disposed of regularly to
avoid scratching the paint with soiled cloths.
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For more tips, talk to your shop today about
products and techniques for care.
Here is a list of items a good
detailing kit would include.
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Meguiar's Final Inspection detailing spray.
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Meguiar's Mirror Glaze rubbing compound.
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Meguiar's Vinyl & Rubber Protectant
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Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish
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Westley's Bleche White Tire cleaner
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Automotive glass cleaner (Aerosol)
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3M Fine Terry Cloths (2 packs)
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Very fine steel wool (1 pack)
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Leather Chamois
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Tire Wipes
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Small bottle of black touchup paint
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California Duster
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Small Toothbrush
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Castrol Super Clean (1 bottle)
Be sure to go over all the care
items that relate to your vehicle with your shop. Have them
help you get your own kit together so that you are able to care for
your vehicle on your own.
Now that you've finished the
"First Timers" tutorial, if you would like to begin planning your
restoration, click the link below to return to the home page and
then click on the "Restoration Plan" link. Thanks for reading this
tutorial and we sincerely hope this has helped.
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