Here are some quick tips for effectively and easily getting your vehicle ready for summer car shows.

Clean your engine and everything under the hood. People are going to want to look at your engine as well as the outside of your car. Doing this process first ensures dirt, dust and other detritus like grease won’t get on your freshly cleaned car. Use towels, sheets or newspaper to protect tires and windows from both grease and degreaser. Ideally, your engine will be so clean it will look like it just rolled out of a dealership when you’re done.

Wash and carefully dry your car. First things first. Get the dirt from recent drives or the dust from storage off of your vehicle by washing it. Rinse the car off with a hose and then a cleaner designed for your vehicle. Do not use dish soap. Use a sponge or special mitt that won’t damage or scuff the finish on your car, and start with the wheels. Once the wheels are clean, start with the roof and work your way down. Empty the water whenever it gets dirty. Use a chamois or high-quality microfiber towel to dry your vehicle. Look for any spots or other surface issues and carefully brush and buff them off. You may want to use a clay bar or an abrasive polish to get rids of these problem spots.

Wash your windows with automotive glass cleaner. Household cleaners won’t do the best job. They could leave streaks or other issues because they aren’t formulated for use on vehicles. You want your windows to sparkle and be streak-free when you’re done.

Wax your car. This is a project for in the shade, ideally in a garage or under a carport. The sunlight can dry the wax too quickly by heating up your paint. That can cause hazing, which will make your finish look imperfect and unattractive. Put the wax on small sections, in thin layers. Buff the area after application with a clean, dry towel. Apply tire dressing once the tires are completely dry.

Clean the inside of your car, too. This should include your trunk and even the inside of the gas tank door. Remove and clean your floor mats and any seat covers you use. Collect and dispose of all trash, including old air fresheners or insurance slips. Clean all the hard surfaces, from the steering wheel to the dashboard. Vacuum all carpeted and upholstered areas. Dust and air out the interior, and then add an air freshener to ensure your car is a pleasure to drive.  Replace the mats and cleaned seat covers.

Restore any parts that need attention. If your ride needs restorative work done before the summer car show season, we’re here to help. From paint to body work, our team will help you get your car into top shape for all shows this summer.

To learn more about Interstate Autobody and Truck or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, visit our website today!

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Pick an Auto Shop and Stick with Them

It’s amazing what a little bit of trust can save you money over time. Don’t be afraid to branch away from the dealership where you bought your car. They often push services you don’t need at costs you can’t necessarily afford. Ask your friends and neighbors which local auto body shop they take their cars to and how satisfied they are with the work. Once you choose a place to go, get to know the mechanics and the shop owner by name. You’ll see the more often you take your car to the same people, the more they will recognize you, your vehicle and your needs. As time goes by they will stand by you the way you have stood by them. They might even make house calls! Finding a committed resource for automotive and auto body repairs pays off as the relationship builds.

Give Your Car a Monthly Check-Up

Get to know your car personally, inside and out. Each month you should check the power steering, radiator fluids, automatic transmission fluid, brake and clutch fluids to make sure everything is at the proper standing. Replacement fluids for your car are pocket change compared to the amount of money you will have to fork up to replace a broken part due to low fluid levels.

Remember to include your air filter in your monthly check. Your air filter directly affects gas mileage and engine performance. Take it out and make sure it’s clean. If you don’t want to buy a new filter every time it gets dirty, use and air hose to blow the dirt away.

Follow the Manual for an Oil-Change and Maintenance Schedule

The car fanatic in your family probably told you to make sure you get your oil changed every 3,000 miles (and the sticker in your window conveniently placed in the upper left-hand corner of your windshield usually confirms that). Fortunately, cars today are being built stronger and better than the cars of the past. Be sure to review your Car Owner’s Manual for the exact make and model of your car. There should be a recommended maintenance schedule inside. Most new cars can go much farther than 3,000 miles before needing a change in oil. You could save up to $100 a year by cutting out unnecessary oil changes.

Switch It Up (Rotate the Tires)

About once a year you should have your tires rotated and balanced. Unbalanced tires can cause premature wear on the tread, wear down the shock absorbers on your vehicle and wreak havoc your suspension system. When you buy new tires for your vehicles many shops will offer free rotation services as long as you have the vehicle.

More often than that, be sure to check your tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is imperative. With well-balanced and inflated tires to keep your car moving along you can count on better gas mileage and a safer ride.

Avoid Short Trips – Run All Your Errands at Once

Starting up your car just to change parking spots wears down on your vehicle. Your engine uses the hot fuel to and combustion to get moving. When you don’t allow your motor to properly heat up, the oil starts to become sludge that collects in the bottom of your engine instead of properly coating the system as it moves along. Shorts trips also eat right through your gas mileage. When you are about to fire up the car, try to put many trips together: Knock out a few errands and spend the day running around town. Allow your car to feel the burn of a smooth running engine.

Use the Right Gas

Use regular gas unless your car manual instructs you otherwise. Most cars show little to no benefit to premium grade fuel. Even older cars can often be upgraded to accept normal fuel. You may find that you lose a bit of gas mileage in an older car when you downgrade your fuel level but the amount of money saved makes the switch worth it. The only exception is if you have a turbo-charge vehicle that needs special high-grade fuel. Yet a car that is designed to take in regular grade gas won’t perform any better with more expensive fuel.

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Important Factors in a Car Restoration Project

If you haven’t committed to a specific vehicle, you might spend some time researching which older model vehicles sell for the best prices in pristine condition but when they are in poor condition. Another important consideration is the cost of replacement parts and their availability. Will you have to order them from Europe? Will you be able to find them in a junkyard? Consider making a short list of potential vehicles and then spending time researching the expenses for each vehicle you are interested in, to see which will likely be the most financially reasonable.

Another thing to consider: Are you looking for a car with a vintage body, or are you interested in rebuilding the entire engine? This will definitely impact what kind of vehicle you’re comfortable with restoring. Older vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s have simple, straightforward engine designs, while cars from the 1960s and 1970s are more complex. Once computers became a part of the vehicle component list, the engineering in vehicles became very complicated. Make sure, before you start, that you’re comfortable with the type of vehicle you’re working on and have an idea of where you can locate parts in the nearby area. 

Assuming you have already picked a vehicle, there are few important factors that you should consider before committing to the project. First and foremost, how much work on the vehicle will you be able to do yourself? One of the biggest expenses in car restoration can be work that requires the hiring of an outside mechanic. If the vehicle is not one you’re comfortable working on, that expense could add up quickly!

Next, you need to sit down and determine your budget. If you can only allocate a couple of hundred dollars at a time, you can plan the project over a long period of time. That will also allow you to search online and at local junkyards for more affordable parts to use during the restoration project. If your budget is bigger, still try to be frugal when purchasing parts; you never know when you’ll hit a snag that will require substantial investment, such as the services of a professional mechanic.

Before you get started, you should put some thought into planning. Are you restoring the vehicle to drive in your local classic car crawl each summer? Do you want a loud and showy vintage truck for tailgating for your favorite sports team? Are you just looking to have fun? Do you hope to resell the vehicle when you finish? All of these factors will determine what you invest in and how the final project looks. After all, if your favorite color is puce but you intend to sell, perhaps painting the car a more classical color, like cherry red, is a better way to find an interested buyer.

So, Is the Project Worth It?

Depending on your skill level, restoring a car can be a major financial investment. Of course, finances have nothing to do with affairs of the heart. Regardless of what its market value may be after you finish your restoration project, some vehicles have values that can’t be measured in mere dollars. Maybe you managed to track down the actual car you owned in college, where you and your wife conceived your first child and which was later sold for a more family-friendly vehicle. Maybe you had a neighbor or mentor who drove a particular vehicle, which, in your mind, made that vehicle the most desirable kind of car in the world. Whatever the reason, if you have an emotional or historical attachment to a vehicle, sometimes the investment, while not financially the smartest, will pay you back in enjoyment and pleasurable memories in the future.

Regardless of whether you’re restoring a vehicle for sentimental reasons or because you view it as both a hobby and an investment, you should always do your research before jumping into a project that can end up being very expensive but even more rewarding. If you find a project vehicle that fits your projected budget and personal skill level, you could be embarking on your next great adventure!

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1. How have others fared at this location?

In this modern age, there are reviews for everything. Take a peek at the reviews and feedback of a location before committing. How have other people found them experience? How is communication with the shop while your car is being repaired? Additionally, these reviews may give you insights about other extra services that the shop may offer. Maybe they can send you photos of your car during the process or can text you updates. This may also serve as a warning for hidden fees or less than admirable repair work.

2. How long will the repair take?

This will likely be one of your first questions, but it’s worth mentioning. There are many factors that go into how long a repair will take, so ask the shop about their estimation. This time can vary due to the time of year (such as near holidays), the extent of the damage, or the amount of already existing jobs that must be finished before yours begins.

3. Are there rental cars available?

Being without your car is an inconvenience, being without any car is often impossible. Some auto body repair shops have loaner vehicles that you can use while your car is being repaired, and if not they may have a rental car agency in shop or nearby. Before you make any arrangements of your own, see if you can get a car through the shop.

4. What kind of paint will be used?

As you probably already know, you can’t just say to “paint it red” and expect the same shade of red to come out. Ask the repair shop if they have checked the paint code on the car (this could be located either under the hood, in a door jamb, or in the trunk), and if they are using the exact same color of paint. You don’t want splotches all over your car of paint that was “close enough.” Moreover, and this is a question that not everyone thinks about after a car repair, you need to be informed about when you can wash your car. The process is not quite over once you drive your car away from the shop. The repair shop may give you a clean car, but you need to check about when getting a car wash won’t damage the new paint.

5. What certifications does this shop have?

Auto body repair shops must prove their skills and knowledge in order to receive certifications. Check and see what certifications the repair shop possesses, such as I-CAR and ASE, in order to be sure that the shop can perform safe and reliable repairs.

6. What kind of coverage can I expect?

There are two parts to this question: warranty and insurance. Check if the shop has a warranty and ask about the details. How long does it last? What exactly does it cover? You should also separately ask about things like fire and theft insurance. You want to be assured that if any unforeseen accident were to happen to your car while it was in the shop, such as theft or damage, that you’re covered.

7. How do I pay?

Last but not least: payment. Arguably one of the most important questions, make sure to ask your auto body repair shop how they price out repairs. Some will charge a flat fee whereas others might have an hourly amount. Policies may also include different aspects, such as warranty information, labor rates and materials. Be sure to check on their acceptable forms of payment, to make sure that how you want to pay is available. Shops should have this posted, but make sure to ask to get full details. Don’t be afraid to ask for this information in writing, and when you later get the itemized bill, ask about any discrepancies you may find.

Your car is an important part of your life. It brings you to work, it drops your children off at school, and it takes you on road trips. Don’t drop your car off at any old shop. Assure yourself that your car will be well taken care of by asking these seven questions before handing over your keys.

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The Pros of DIY Restoration

• Great Support – There is a large community dedicated to car restoration and the Internet makes it easier than ever to communicate. When you have a doubt, concern or need for a rare part, it’s easy to find the answer.
• Quality – You can be sure that you won’t skimp on a quality job. All the long hours and attention to detail are part of the journey.
• Customization – You are the one calling the shots! You make all the decisions. If you want a custom color, accessory or even change the steering wheel shaft, you are the one with the power to choose.
• Personal Rewards – Choosing to take on a huge project and knowing you have completed it on your own is rewarding. It is also cause for a celebration and years of bragging rights!

The Cons of DIY Restoration

• Time – If you are not an expert in restoration, working on cars, and especially, if you don’t have an entire body shop at your disposal, it can be incredibly time-consuming. The amount of time spent searching for parts, putting in elbow grease or just sanding away can take away from time you need to dedicate to other projects.
• Cost – Searching out individual parts and specific high-quality materials can be costly. Even when participating in junk-yard events that offer discounts by letting you find and retrieve your own parts, you may not get the greatest deals. You might also have to factor in the cost of transportation if the car doesn’t run properly. And you may have to purchase more than one costly and job-specific machine. Will you use these tools again? Or try to sell them afterwards to earn some of your money back?
• Little Value – After all of the time, money and effort put into your car, you may not make a profit off of it. If the plan is to keep the classic beauty for personal enjoyment, the value is sentimental, but if the plan is to sell it, make a budget first.

Consider This

It is important to think about a few things before you get started.

• What is the reason for taking on this project? Starting retirement or having loads of free time might seem like the perfect time to take on a project such as at-home car restoration. Did you see the car on the side of the road and now you want to buy it on a whim? Consider the situation carefully.
• What state is the car in and how much restoration is needed? If the car has been abandoned, unloved and left to rust in an old barn for decades, you must evaluate it carefully. Think logically about how much of a commitment you can make to this damsel in distress with your time and your money.
• Who gets to keep it? If your plan is to make this baby shine like new again and take her out for joy rides around town, well, that sounds splendid. If your idea is to work on this with a relative as a gift project and bonding time, that could work, too. If you want to clean it up and turn it out at an auction, carefully examine the current state and its profitability.

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In some instances, insurance companies reject a body shop’s estimated cost of repairs or will generate an estimate on their own, which a repair shop may dispute.

As a vehicle owner, these discussions may never come to your attention, as they largely occur behind the scenes. However, it’s important to stay informed about the condition of your car, the progress of repairs, and the process by which repairs are performed. 

Common Reasons for Disputes

Costs of Labor – Higher-end and specialized shops often charge a higher labor rate than what insurer is willing to pay.

Replacement Parts – Not all replacement parts are made equal. In some cases, automotive insurance policies will guarantee original manufacturer parts in repairs; other times, they’ll insist the shop use cheaper aftermarket parts.

Extent of Repairs – Some auto insurers will ask repair shops to try and repair cosmetic damage to car panels before ordering a replacement body panel in order to save money, but repair shops will often assess the damage and include replacement body parts in their repair estimate.

Errors in the Estimate – Rarely, an estimate will call for the replacement of a part that isn’t damaged, was damaged as part of another claim, or neglect to include a part that requires repair.

For a headache-free automotive repair experience, contact Interstate Auto Body and Truck. The leading auto body specialist in Central and Eastern Washington, Interstate can provide fast, professional, and worry-free service for insurance claims and restoration projects that match your budget. Contact us today for more information or to learn more about our process.

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Location

Whether you decide to use your own garage or use a dedicated shop to complete your project, the questions are the same: what can you afford and how versatile is the location? Until you’ve answered these questions and consulted with a mechanic to assess the scope of the project, you can’t really begin in earnest. Minor projects can generally be completed with few tools or commonly-found equipment, but large-scale restoration projects that involve painting, engine rebuilding, and detail work are often best left to a professional, well-equipped shop.

Investment or Endless Money Pit?

Of course, if your car holds nothing more than sentimental value, there’s probably very little reason to invest in a restoration project. Even if you consider your car to be valuable, it’s pretty silly to dump several thousands of dollars into a car that won’t offer you a return on your investment. Consult with online resources, trusted professionals, and experienced restoration shops to find out more about your classic car’s value before you make a large monetary commitment in its restoration. 

Finding the Right Partner for Your Budget

We all understand the financial realities of restoring a classic car, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t outsource some – or even the majority – of the work. Finding the right partner to help you with the more difficult aspects of the restoration without breaking the bank is crucial, so we’d recommend contacting several restoration shops and finding one with both experience and the ability to keep you abreast of any complications or problems that may impact your stated budget. 

Working Beyond Your Abilities

Just because you change your own oil doesn’t make you a seasoned mechanic. Keeping your car on the road and rebuilding an entire engine are two very different things and as such, require different specialties and equipment. Rather than pushing your own limitations and causing potentially catastrophic damage to your precious vehicle, trust a trained mechanic who specializes in vehicle restorations and keep your investment secure. 

Sourcing Parts and Accessories

The older and rarer your vehicle is, the fewer chances there are original or even reproduction parts and accessories readily available. In order to return your car to its original condition, you’ll want to get as close as possible to the factory elements as possible. With a vast network of resources at our disposal, Interstate Auto Body and Truck can quickly locate and order every part you need to restore your classic car to like-new condition. Contact us today to discuss your project and find out how we’ve helped hundreds of classic car owners bring their beloved vehicles back to working condition.

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Contact the Police

No matter how severe the accident, you should file a police report with responding officers. This will help sort out disputes that may arise down the road and negate any conflicting information between you and the other drivers when it comes time to settle up with the insurance companies. They’ll interview each driver separately and speak with witnesses, but the more information you can give them, the better. Be sure to take accurate notes to the best of your recollection and pictures of the damage, the scene, and every license plate in addition to writing it all down.

Exchange Contact Information with Other Drivers

It’s important you get current contact information from each driver involved and any witnesses that saw the accident first-hand. If possible, get their names, phone numbers, current addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate information, and insurance information from everyone. Remember, when communicating with other drivers, the exchanges may get heated. Try and stay calm and remember to never apologize for the accident – in doing so, you may be admitting liability for the accident even if you weren’t the one at fault.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Be sure to quickly contact your insurance company and explain the situation. Tell them the truth to the best of your ability and concentrate on facts rather than fault. Withholding information from your insurance company can land you in serious trouble. The police report will be your best resource in finding who’s at fault and if any traffic laws were broken that caused the accident.

Repair the Damage

To get your car back on the road and in safe, working condition, you’ll need reliable auto body repair work. If you’re in the eastern Washington area and in need of emergency or schedule repairs to your vehicle, Interstate Auto Body and Truck is the top resource for sandblasting, fiberglass work, RV repair, and auto body repair on cars and trucks no matter the scale of the damage.

Contact Interstate Auto Body and Truck today to discuss your vehicle repair needs and if you qualify for insurance repair work.

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The Initial Damage May Not Be the Whole Story

Rather than driving around with a dinged-up car and hoping for the best, it’s smart to take your damaged vehicle into the shop in case of repairs that aren’t readily apparent from the outside. Having your car professionally inspected for structural damage to the frame or engine can save you a lot of money in the long run, provided you catch the problem early.

Protect Against Rust

An early repair limits the amount of time your car goes without a protective coating of paint all the way around. During an automobile accident, paint can scratch off and exposure the raw metal beneath it, leaving the material prone to oxidation. The longer you leave it unprotected, the greater the chance of rusting – and the higher the cost of repairs will be.

Prevent Prolonged Issues

The longer you wait to perform repairs, the less likely your insurance will cover the total or partial cost of repairs. Keeping the claim high in their stack will help keep things simple and streamlined rather than waiting for months before you take the car in. Get it done early and you’ll save yourself hours of telephone calls and the associated headaches.

Your Car is an Investment – Treat It That Way

You spent a lot of money on your car. Unless you want to drive it until the wheels literally fall off, you should take good care to make sure it’s fully-functional. While cars that have been in accidents tend to draw a lower resale value, it’s nothing compared to the drop-off you’ll experience if you try to sell your car with damaged parts. While it might be a big financial investment to repair, you should get your money back when you sell it later on.

Ready to stop procrastinating and get your damaged vehicle fixed before it’s too late? Contact Interstate Auto Body and Truck today to get a free estimate on professional auto body repair service for your car or truck.

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Store It Properly

That means a protective cover (and we don’t mean a shoddy tent or blanket). Investing in a high-quality fabric carport or garage is a great way to alleviate physical garage space and avoid accidental damage, as many garages are considered multi-purpose areas. Don’t forget – critters like rats and mice can wreak havoc on your upholstery and wiring, so placing rodent repellent in the vehicle’s cab and hood will keep them at bay.

Don’t Drive Everyday

High-traffic and rush hour environments are a classic car owner’s worst nightmare. Whereas a slight scratch or ding on a modern car may be a quick and relatively inexpensive fix, repairs on a rare or custom classic car could rack up into the thousands. Treat your valuable vehicles accordingly and stick to the back roads and open countryside whenever possible.

Refinish the Interior and Exterior

A new paint job and interior is a costly investment, but nothing increases the value of an older or dinged-up car like a brand-new coat of paint. When performed correctly and professionally, a new paint job can make your ride shine for decades to come. Reupholstering the interior and adding new carpet to the flooring will help you and your passengers enjoy the inside of your car as much as the beautiful exterior, so don’t quit halfway through the project.

For a little extra help with your classic or antique car restoration project, give Interstate Auto Body and Truck a call today. Our expert team of car enthusiasts love working on old cars and can track down the necessary parts and accessories to perfectly restore your ride. Check out our work or contact us for more information!

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