How to Restore a Chevy
- 1). Obtain handbooks, guides and magazines detailing the restoration process of Chevy vehicles. Join a Chevy enthusiast group in your neighborhood to find others who can offer advice or help. The more information you acquire, the easier it will be to successfully restore your Chevrolet.
- 2). Set up a clean work space that can accommodate your Chevy once it is disassembled. You will need extra space for additional lighting, equipment and storage bins. Keep your work area organized. Secure a tarp to a section of the floor to organize larger parts. Store small pieces in labeled containers.
- 3). Lift your Chevy with the jack, then secure with jack stands beneath the frame. Remove the bumpers, hood, front grill and doors. If you are restoring a car, remove the trunk lid. If you are restoring a truck, remove the tailgate. Remove the headlights, taillights, wheels and axles. If excessive rust makes removal difficult, use grease and a rubber mallet to assist.
- 4). Disconnect the engine and its components, then hoist these parts out of the body of your Chevy. Lay all parts onto your tarp. Store screws and small items in labelled containers.
- 5). Disassemble the interior of your Chevy. Remove the parts and components of the console, then dismantle any interior trim. Pull up the carpeting and discard it. Remove the seats. Use a Chevy specific re-upholstery kit to restore the seats and interior paneling. Remove the fenders with your ratchet and socket set.
- 6). Survey all parts and components that you removed. Clean and restore each part individually, and replace all damaged pieces. Replace all metal components showing signs of rust. Purchase replacement parts through Chevrolet dealers, restoration parts merchants and auto parts catalogs.
- 7). Check for any damage along the main body, frame, hood, fenders, doors and floorboards. Ensure that the body of the your Chevy vehicle is straight and smooth. Use a MIG welder to repair holes, erosion or rusted areas. Wear protective gear, then solder healthy pieces of metal onto these damaged sections.
- 8). Sand the exterior smooth, then reattach the fenders. Check to make sure the Chevy's panels are aligned, then apply a thick coat of primer to the exterior. Once the primer has dried completely, paint the exterior of your Chevy vehicle.
- 9). Restore power components, such as the engine, transmission, radiator, alternator and carburetor. Check the axles, driveshaft, starter and brake systems, and replace if necessary. Use a hoist to place the engine's parts back into the Chevy, then install them. Be sure to work slowly and carefully to prevent damaging these delicate parts.
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Check all electrical components, and replace damaged wiring. Install the headlights, taillights, brake systems and bumpers. Attach the windshield, mirrors and any windows. Use a kit to re-chrome any trim on the exterior. Secure new wheels to the wheel assemblies, then disengage the jack stands and lower your Chevrolet to the ground. - 11
Install the interior by laying down fresh carpet and installing the recently re-upholstered seats. Maintain your Chevy's authenticity by using original colors and materials. Install the door handles, console, all controls and any interior trim. If all interior components are operational, test drive your Chevy to make sure it runs properly.
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