Most people cannot afford to buy a completely restored classic vehicle, but they don't need to; they can find one cheap that requires a lot of work, and the result might be even more satisfying.

If just left to the will of nature, vehicles will degrade to a certain extent where they may be too far gone to repair. Some people try to “save” those vehicles regardless, and the process is costly.

The 1955 Pontiac Chieftain Catalina Hardtop was all new for the model year, as was a good portion of the General Motors line. The Catalina name denoted the pillarless design, and had been a part of ...