ALT-2 Automotive Restoration Digital Photography Tools
Using digital photography as a project tool makes an old trick easier and faster. Using it during a car restoration project has the potential to increase the overall worth of your project. The more records you have on a classic car the more potential value you have. Accurate VIN numbers, original parts, etc increase classic car value exponentially.
From the budding mechanic, to the seasoned veteran; visual records have been used for many years for various reasons. Long term projects like a car restoration can take months or even years. Even a seasoned vet could use some help putting something back together that was taken apart last year.
Years ago, long before digital cameras, a friend of mine was completely re-doing a 4X4 Ford pick up. He definitely had some mechanical skills but was far from being a mechanic. He painstakingly took pictures of every step of the removal with an instamatic camera.
Since this was a project being done in his spare time, it took several weeks from start to finish. The pictures were invaluable when it came to replacing the parts. He had that old Ford for many years and never had another problem with the four wheel drive.
Taking digital pictures has improved the process a hundred times over. No more getting pictures developed and trying to keep them organized. You have the benefit of instant pictures that can be stored on a memory card or directly on a computer. Nearly all digital cameras have a zoom feature and many have automatic light adjustment.
The pictures you will get using digital photography can show so much more detail with clarity. Between the features on the camera and the options you have on a computer to enlarge and lighten you can create a picture with astonishing clarity. You'll see details you've never seen before.
Many mechanics have computers in the garage in today's computerized world. Special precautions are taken to try to limit the amount of dirt and grease that can get in by simple (and inexpensive) things like a plastic keyboard cover. Having a garage computer isn't out of reach for a weekend warrior.
Project information, parts numbers, various contact information for parts distributors and such can be at your fingertips. Most of us have more than one computer around the house. Take the oldest model for the garage computer. Back up your information on a pen drive and you'll have easy access to all your information wherever you are.
Having detailed information is critical for an accurate car restoration project. As I mentioned earlier, it can significantly increase the value of your project. You'll have concrete evidence of hidden components to show their originality and condition. In the end, it could add thousands of dollars to the value if you were to sell your classic. It will also help you and your insurance agent determine the value for insurance purposes.
Include a digital camera in your tool box. You'll soon find it as indispensable as your wrench set. Digital photography is the way to go in car restoration!
