So you've sunk a whole load of money into an old car with the intention of lovingly restoring it to its former glory. But it's only now that you've started looking for car parts that you're beginning to wonder what on earth have you let yourself in for. Whether you're in it for the money or for the sheer fun of it, any car you restore is only going to be the sum of the car parts you put into it. So before you start building from scratch, here are a few points to consider.

Cars aren't that complicated to understand, right? Well, there's a world of difference between replacing the odd car part here and there and refitting the insides of an empty carcass like a jigsaw. Before you commit financially to any project, be sure to ascertain honestly what your ability is, and also how much time and effort you're prepared to put into the project. A fancy paint job and new upholstery can be as much fun as installing the most basic of engine parts, if that is where your technical comfort level is. Consider what you're prepared to put in, before you start ripping those old car parts out.

Once you've decided upon the type of project you want to work with, be sure to wait for the right car with the right parts. Of course you can learn as you go along, and that might even be part of the fun, but don't invest in a car minus parts you haven't the interest in learning to find and fit. You might love that make and model at the time of purchase, but a few weeks of sitting in your front yard without the final missing part will be enough to sour your relationship forever.

If you are a novice, be sure to take an expert car parts man along with you when you view potential cars and parts. What might look about right to you might actually be along the wrong lines completely, and you could find yourself shelling out a fortune for a part that is completely unsuitable. Also bear in mind always how much money you are willing to spend on car parts, and what you plan ultimately to do with your restored car. An older part might be fine in a vehicle you hope to use for show purposes only, but a fully operable car will need car parts of the same standard.

Caution is the watchword when choosing car parts to put into your restoration job. Know what you want and stick to that, and if in doubt then save your money. Whatever your reasons for restoring a car, the parts you put inside need to be just right, so do the best job you can by waiting for the best parts.