Beauty, for some people, comes in the form of a classic automobile. They love the look of classic cars, and they appreciate the clean lines of metal and the roaring of powerful engines that moved them down the streets long ago. The upholstery was often crafted by hand, and every part of the dashboard was designed for looks as well as function. Reviving a classic car is considered by many to be a work of art restoration.
Age takes a toll of most objects, and classic cars have a variety of ways they can fall into disrepair. People often park them in garages for years at a time, and the rubber components harden and disintegrate. Tires and window seals are usually the first to go, and even some of the fuel lines suffer from the drying process. Restoring them is difficult, but original working parts can be found if a restorer is willing to hunt long and hard.
Upholstery in classic cars was often made of leather, and replacing it is usually done with new leather that is crafted in a specialty shop. Each piece is stitched in the same fashion as the original, and color matching is necessary. Manufacturers of old often used their own secret blend of colors and stains, so it is a challenge to recreate them. After the seats and carpets have been recreated, they must then be installed without mishap to bring the interior back to life.
The power plant is the heart of any classic car, and original engine parts are becoming rare. If a restorer is lucky, they might find an entire engine still in working order. Many of them have parts manufactured in machine shops, and they often spend countless hours putting the engines back together so they can turn the key for their ride down memory lane.
