Q&A for How to Restore an Old Car

Any scratches that are deep enough to feel with your finger will likely need to be sanded down and repainted. Minimal scratches, such as wash scratches, can be buffed out.

It depends on what type of car and where the rust is. If the rust is inside of a rim or a wheel, for the most part, then you can use acid. If you use acid, you have to really know what you're doing because otherwise it could lead to more damage. If you don't know how or are not comfortable using acid, then don't even touch it and talk to a professional. For chrome, you can use steel wool and you don't have to use acid.

No, because it will not be as strong as before. What you can do is buy a donor car just for the body.

Yes, but that would be very expensive and would neither provide the satisfaction of doing it yourself nor be as much fun.

Yes, although individual cars may have some additional recommended steps.

A garage is not necessary, but some sort of shaded area can help prevent dirt and water from ruining the exterior further. As for money, old cars will need a lot of it. You'll be replacing many parts on the car, and it all comes down to what car you have and how much you want to do to it.

Work on the engine first. You may scratch up the bodywork hauling a heavy part out of the engine bay, or oil may spill on your fresh paint.

You should try to work on both, but focus on the inside first. It's easier to do engine work and interior work first, then redo the bodywork and paint the exterior second.

It depends on how bad the damage is, because Mustang parts are expensive. If it's merely surface rust (no holes), just use body filler. If the door is rusted through but the main structure is intact, you can get away with a replacement door skin or a patch panel. If the door's inner structure is rusted away, you will need a new door.