Becoming involved in restoration

Press, 8 October 1987, Page 35

Becoming involved in restoration

Cutler Park, the venue for this week-end’s Swap Meet, is north-west of Christchurch Airport, on the way to Orana Park. From Memorial Avenue, turn right into Russley Road (which becomes Johns Road) cross Wairakei and Harewood Road intersections and then take: the next turn left to the McLeans Island Road.

An immaculately-res-tored vintage vehicle never fails to attract admiration. It is sometimes difficult, however, to know if the admiration is only for the restored object The thousands of hours of dedication which were sometimes necessary to achieve the final result deserve admiration also. There are many ways to become Involved in restoring a vehicle. A pile of parts, or even a complete vehicle, may have been inherited. A wreck, or remains of a wreck may have been found behind an old shed and the former owner was only too pleased to see the end of a pile of junk. Once the pieces, or whatever, are transferred to your own home the first job is to find an out of sight location to store them in the meantime. Pieces of rusty mudguard or old radiators lying around the front

lawn for six months are. unlikely to attract sympathy for your vintage car project from other people living in the house. It is probably best to start off by seeking advice from someone who has already successfully restored a vehicle. Better still, join a club such as The Vintage Car Club where it is likely you will meet numerous experienced people who are willing to offer help and advice. They can often help with spare parts and can introduce you to people who can do the odd professional job when necessary. It is possible to have an old vehicle professionally restored, but most vintage car people want to be in a position to say, “I restored it all myself.’’ The biggest investment which goes into the restoration is time. The work might take years to complete, but when it is finished, there is the pleasure of taking it out and motoring in real style.