When starting a new classic car project, there are a number of choices to make. Some owners choose to restore every nut and bolt to factory spec, ending up with a vehicle that looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Jeromey Campbell, of Huntington Beach, California, was looking for something more distinctive when he started work on this 1991 Camaro Z28 convertible.

One of the biggest draws of classic car restoration is the nostalgia factor. There's something truly awesome about finally being able to own that car you always wanted in high school, or being able to buy back the vehicle you wish you never sold. For most of us, these classic cars are more than simple transportation, they're the fulfillment of our dreams. That's why we knew exactly what Michael Lara meant when he said this '72 Firebird is his "lifelong love".

As much as we love seeing the end result of a full vehicle restoration, it's equally interesting to see where it all began. The process becomes even more special when you're able to talk to the builder whose blood, sweat, and tears turned an unloved shell of a car into something beautiful. In the case of this 1968 Nova, Aram Ayvazian is that builder, and the man who brought this iconic muscle car back to life.

As classic car enthusiasts and restorers, our cars are often much more than simple machines or forms of transportation. Over many years, our cars take on personalities of their own and become irreplaceable parts of our lives—almost like members of the family. The '67 Pontiac Firebird seen here became a member of Tim Woolard's family back in 2000, during the midst of a stressful time in his life. Tim was acting as a caregiver for his ailing, elderly parents, and the restoration of his rusty old Firebird gave him an outlet for his near-overwhelming levels of stress.

If you owned an auto restoration shop, how would you advertise your skills? Sure, you could spend big bucks on billboards, TV commercials, and print ads, or you could cut to the chase and build a vehicle that shows off what you can really do. That's exactly what Edgar Hernandez did to promote his business, Starlite Rod & Kustom Shop, in Torrance, California. The slick customized '72 GMC C30 dually seen here is the result of his efforts. Even better, it's not just a show vehicle. It also serves as the parts hauler for the many restoration projects he works on.

If you imagine a muscle car, odds are that you picture something with wide tires, a loud exhaust, a huge motor, and aggressive styling cues. Although this traditional interpretation is undoubtedly cool, there are many ways that the idea of a muscle car can be interpreted. Here at Classic Industries, we love muscle cars of all shapes and sizes, and that's why Jack Petitt's refined take on a muscle car is so appealing to us. Jack restored this deep blue '69 Nova with the help of his daughter, and together they created a car that's as sophisticated as it is powerful.

One of the things we love about classic cars is their wide range of variation in shapes, sizes, and styles. Some classic cars appear aggressive and muscular, with wide flared fenders and gaping grill openings, while others appear poised and refined, with intricate chrome ornaments and sweeping lines. If we had to use a single word to describe this 1964 Plymouth Valiant, that word would be cheerful. The wide-set round headlights, bright red body, and peppy 318ci V8 would put a smile on anyone's face.

Up through the 1960s, GM trucks were famous for their smooth sculpted lines and aerodynamic curves. Even though the 1967-72 models were a slight departure from the curvy styling with their beveled beltline, the C10 trucks still retained their sleek look into the early seventies. Then, in 1973, everything changed with the introduction of what soon became known as the "square body".

The perfect set of wheels is an essential element of any classic car build, but choosing wheels isn't always as easy as it might seem. There are many technical variables that must be considered, including bolt pattern, diameter, width, backspacing, and offset. Once you've established the wheel specs you need, you'll have to shop for an appropriate set of wheels with an appealing design and finish. In this article, we'll provide some info and diagrams to help you answer the question "what are wheel backspacing and offset?"