The massive project of restoring a classic car can be a never-ending shopping list and a rather dangerous experience . Replacing panels , gutting the interior, and doing the work needed under the hood can result in more tools than your garage can hold and serious safety concerns if you don’t keep things in the proper order. Since your safety is paramount, here are a few ways to ensure you are safe in your workspace .
Fire Extinguisher and Kill Switch
If your shop is connected to your home, a fire extinguisher may have been a no-brainer as soon as you started working on carefully removing parts of your classic car with a torch. However, many up-and-coming mechanics create their workspace without safety in mind. This can mean haphazard wiring, poor airflow, and sparks flying around exposed chemicals in uncovered bins. Keeping an up-to-date fire extinguisher around is necessary for any garage or workshop. Remember to keep the acetylene tanks for your torch away from open flame and always wear proper protective gear while working.
For those mechanics using a generator or fuse box, it’s vital to ensure that you have a clear path to the kill switch, as cutting off power in the event of an electrical fire can mean the difference between saving your classic car and losing it all .
Tool Boxes & Storage
Outgrowing your lift away or truck-bed toolbox can be a coming-of-age moment for aspiring mechanics . Still, it can be a dreaded pocketbook hit for those that have already spent a pretty penny on their classic restoration . Leaving the tools out isn’t an option, as this is hazardous and often results in losing tools to the mass chaos.
The concerns of which new toolbox to choose and how you can keep it organized will have you stressing over whether you might possibly lose another 10mm socket before you solve the problem . Thankfully, several retailers have payment plan options on well -known brands, so you can safely store your tools in a coveted Snap-On Toolbox if that ’s what you choose. Just be sure to lock the wheels once you have them in place, or it might roll into you and your car.
You also want to spend ten minutes at the end of every session carefully putting away your tools and any extension cords. You don’t w ant to be that person who broke an ankle just walking through your garage.
In conclusion
Restoring the classic car of your dreams can feel like a pile of money ready to go up in figurative (or literal) flames at any moment. Thankfully, taking the steps a bove will protect you and your investment while you’re busy making your dreams come true.
