So how does a classic car owner seek out and find a good independent service provider to help them restore and maintain their cherished vehicle?

In a number of cases, the same way they found the right car to buy in the first place- through testing the waters, and preferably not at the deep end!!

Word of mouth goes a long way in these situations while other ways to source a reliable garage and/or mechanic is to attend classic car shows and similar events, preferably within a reasonable range where the car is being kept.

 Garage and mechanics often display their work at these events are always professional and reputable.

Another good channel is to join Facebook groups where other online communities – where the large community of classic car owners are happy to share reviews and experiences.

The first step in testing the water with a potential service provider is to send the vehicle  for a simple thing like an oil change.  The few pounds that need to be spent on such a job will be a good investment, if used to also take the opportunity to meet the owner or employees, check out the cleanliness and organisation of the shop, check the certifications and credentials of the mechanics working on the car.

If not entirely satisfied with any of these critical factors, then it’s reasonable to try another repair shop for another simple job like an oil change, tire rotation or cooling system flush.

An intrepid classic car owner will keep on trying until they find a garage and a particular service provider that fits the bill entirely.

Once such a click has been found, the trick is building and maintaining a strong, professional working relationship with a classic car restoration service provider. This relationship is essential to ensure high-quality results, minimize misunderstandings, and protect investment.

The good news is that there is a tried and tested approach to establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with classic car restoration and maintenance service provides, based on joint respect and trust.

These traits required in building the relationship do not come overnight and without consideration. Before fostering out any job and having over a valuable classic car for restoration and maintenance to a service provider for the first time, thorough research and due diligence must be carried out.

Check credentials and reputation, ask for reviews, referrals and details of previous projects.

It is a major advantage if the service provider has proven experience working with the particular make or model being restored or maintained.

 Don’t be afraid to ask to visit a potential service provider at their premises, not only to assess the levels of professionalism, but also to assess cleanliness standards, quality of tools and equipment in use, and whether workshop security standards are being adhered to.

If these standards are met, and a project is being awarded it is important from day one to establish clear expectations from the provider.

While the work is in progress it is important to communicate regularly with the provider, issuing regular updates, which can be weekly or biweekly. preferably backed up by a few digital photographs to show regular progress.

Even the most experienced classic car restorer or owner, once they begin to establish a regular working relationship with a service provider will have learned to be respectful of their levels of expertise while remaining involved.

Be open to service suppliers’ recommendations regarding parts to be used, and in what sequence the job should be carried out.  Once a payment plan has been worked out, it is important to stick to it as long as the service supplier is standing on their timetable, especially if milestone payments are part of the agreement.

In the event that disagreements arise, they should be handled professionally,

calmly and privately. All documentation relating to the project must be kept in a safe place so it can be readily referred to int the event of a dispute,

Every attempt should be made to agree on a resolution or compromise.

Both parties will be on the lookout  to establish long-term relationships and hopefully it can be achieved.