There are few things more satisfying than comparing a tired car with the same car after months of careful work. Good before and after photos tell the story of a project, help you remember what was done and make a car more attractive if you ever decide to sell it. Here is how to document a restoration or refresh properly.
Start before you touch anything
The most common mistake is to start working and forget the before photos. Before the first part comes off, take a complete set:
- The whole car from the front, rear, both sides and the four corners.
- The interior: seats, dashboard, headlining, door cards and boot.
- Problem areas: paint chips, rust spots, kerbed wheels, worn bolsters and leaks.
- The underside, if you can lift the car safely.
- The odometer and service records, for your own archive.
Keep the same angles
Before and after photos work best when they are taken from the same position. Note where you stood and at what height you held the phone, or mark the spot on the ground. Take the after photos in similar light, so the comparison shows the work and not a change in weather.
Photograph the process
The steps between before and after are often the most useful part for other owners:
- Take photos while disassembling. They show how parts fit together and help you put everything back correctly.
- Label parts and bags and include the labels in the photos.
- Photograph part numbers of anything you replace.
- Show the old and new parts side by side. This makes wear easy to understand.
Organise your files
Create a folder for each stage or area of the car and keep the date in the file name. A simple system saves hours later when you write your build thread or prepare documents for a future buyer.
Posting your story
Start a build thread in Photos & builds and post updates as the project progresses. A good structure is: the car as bought, the plan, each stage of the work and the final result. Add a short description to every set of photos, including costs and time if you want to share them. Always upload your own photos with the photo button and hide number plates if you prefer.
Be honest
Show the problems you found, not only the perfect result. Honest before photos make the after photos more impressive, and they help other owners understand what to look for when they buy a similar car.
We would love to see your projects. Share your best before and after comparison below.