Setting Up the Garage for a Vintage Car Project

Here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we are proud to have a fully functional garage equipped to do everything from custom metal work to full engine swaps. But while our clients come to us for the major parts of a vintage car project, we understand that there are some things they may want to try on their own. After all, one of the beautiful things about restoring a classic vehicle is putting that love and individual touch into it.

If you plan on working on your vintage car project in your household garage, it's important to ensure the space is properly set up. The following is a quick look at some equipment you'll want to have beyond your basic screwdrivers and wrenches.

Setting Up the Garage for a Vintage Car Project

• Good lighting: During the course of a vintage car project, you may have to work in some pretty tight places. Doing that work properly requires good illumination. Outfit your garage with general overhead lights and shop lights on stands that can be moved and positioned to illuminate any area you may work on. Quality headlamps are a great investment for precise directional lighting.
• Torque wrench: Many vintage car projects require the use of a torque wrench. Your wrench should accommodate torque-to-yield-fasteners that must be tightened to a specific torque at a specific angle. It's important to follow manufacturer's specifications for your classic vehicle when completing these tasks, as lug nuts and engine bolts perform better and longer when they are correctly tightened.
• Multimeter: When redoing the electric system as part of your vintage car project, a multimeter is a must-have. Also known as a volt meter, this tool measures the electrical flow throughout your vehicle. It is essential when testing your alternator, setting up your sound system, or performing other tasks related to your car's electricity.
• Proper jack equipment: Always use a minimum of four jack stands to support your vehicle. Nearly 5,000 people are hospitalized every year due to jack failure injuries. When purchasing jacks and jack stands, find products rated for at least two tons. You can also consider outfitting your home garage with a complete lift. Good consumer car lifts can cost less than $2,000 and allow you to safely pursue vintage car restoration tasks that might otherwise feel impossible.

For the Heavy Jobs, Contact CHRA

Of course, you don't have to outfit your garage with a car lift to get underbody work completed for your classic vehicle -- you just need to come visit us at CHRA. We have the tools, equipment, and experience to take care of those heavy jobs of so you can focus on your favorite vintage car project tasks.