If you have a classic car and a limited budget, you may be wondering where the best place to spend your money is. There may be fixes that you’d like to do, but also wish to protect your investment. So what’s the best and most economical way to raise the value of a classic vehicle?
The following are several easy ways to increase the value of a classic car.
Ensure All the Parts Match
The most valuable classic vehicles retain all their own original factory parts. A perfect-looking vehicle won’t matter much to the buyer that wishes all parts to be original. Ideally, a vehicle’s engine, transmission, rear axle, and other important parts should contain original part numbers.
If you’re going to spend money restoring a vehicle, look for original parts from the same make and model. This will ensure that when you sell the vehicle, you’ll catch the interest of collectors willing to pay the most.
Don’t Forget the Small Details
Buyers will look at not only shiny panels and pristine paint jobs, but small details such as the rubber around doors, windows and the trunk. These are relatively inexpensive fixes that will help the entire vehicle look perfect. While casual observers may not notice cracked or fraying rubber, buyers and collectors certainly will. In some cases, the rubber will need only a little TLC to restore the shine.
Replace the Tires
If the tires aren’t in tip-top shape, it’s a good idea to spend the money to replace them. For a classic car, it’s best to buy tires that are as close to original as possible and ensure there’s no damage to the rims. Finding original tires can add immensely to a vehicle’s value.
Be Sure to Engage an Expert
While it’s tempting to want to work with a “friend who knows how to repair cars,” if your goal is to retain or increase value, it’s important to engage a professional. Experts such as Innovative Restorations, an automotive repair shop in Wallingford, Connecticut, can help.
From timely, professional work on vintage automobiles to custom repairs for muscle cars and everyday vehicles – our technicians are car enthusiast too and treat your vehicle as if it was their own. Get in touch today to discuss your vehicle restoration needs.
