Feeding a sense of nostalgia and the itch to tinker in the garage, restoring vintage cars has become a business for some and a hobby for many. It’s a discipline that takes experience, patience and plenty of free time. But if seen through, a classic vehicle restoration can create a stunning showpiece out of something that may have otherwise been bound for the junkyard.  

Bob Gugino, owner of Bison Automotive & Detail Inc. in Buffalo, a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, has serviced and restored countless vehicles since opening his garage in 1992. But his personal pride and joy is a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.  

Gugino said the Trans Am was a car he admired as a youth. When the opportunity to acquire his own Trans Am came later in life, he jumped at the chance. 

“Part of the lure of restoring a car is actually buying it, getting it home, planning the project and chasing the parts. It’s a labor of love for sure,” Gugino said. “These cars are never finished, there’s always something more to do with them, whether it’s a piece of chrome or a sticker, who knows?” 

Like many classic car enthusiasts, Gugino takes his Trans Am to car shows, where vehicles are classified by the level of restoration. The highest restoration class, concours, requires pristine attention to detail down to the wiring, interior stitching and decals.  

But as the years roll on, this level of authenticity has become increasingly cost prohibitive, Bryan Jajkowski, AAA Approved Auto Repair Business Relationship Advisor, said. 

“The parts can be extremely expensive,” Jajkowski said. “A lot of times, you can’t just go out and buy one. And, unless you know how to install the part, there might be nobody around to teach you how to do it.” 

Customization has long been a tradition among car enthusiasts, especially with hot rods and rat rod projects. But more recently, the trend of restomods has caught on, where a classic auto is retrofitted with new parts built to fit in stock locations. These modifications often include modern transmissions, brake systems, suspension and tires. Air conditioning and entertainment systems are typically revamped, along with safety features that make restomods more hospitable to daily driving.  

“The car restoration hobby is all over the place and it’s a lot of fun. Now of days, with the technology of machining, you can do so many things. You can manufacture things that you just couldn’t get years ago,” Gugino said.  

Even if rarely driven, restored vehicles need insurance, too. AAA insurance agents can access policies from several top insurance providers while keeping your specific needs and budget in mind. Contact an insurance agent at 1-888-671-7044. 

In addition to insurance, anyone who drives a classic car should keep their AAA membership renewed in case of a breakdown. Whether you're on your way to a car show or driving to the grocery store, you never know when trouble could arise, especially with a project car.  

We've got you covered.

Insure your car and home with AAA, the same company that drivers have trusted for more than 100 years.

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Old Truck, New Parts 

Michael Doyle of Cuba, NY (and, yes, the author’s father) has always admired Studebaker trucks. After retirement, Doyle collected several unique vehicles, including a 1947 Studebaker M5. Rather than restore it to original specifications, Doyle revamped the truck with a Datsun 280z engine, power steering, power breaks, upgraded traction control and more. 

Doyle drives the truck for regular use and as a promotional vehicle for Sweet Meredith’s Fudgery in Cuba.  

"This is really an arts and crafts project in the form of a truck,” Doyle said. “I really enjoy the challenges of building and crafting this crazy, but really nice-looking truck.” 

 

Whether you’re driving a restored classic or a modern car, trust the experts at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Find your closest location today at AAA.com/AutoRepair. 

AAA Approved Auto Repair