Everyone who owns a classic car restomod should have a few key accessories in their arsenal. But how do you know what you’ll need? The options are practically endless, and trying to dig through online forums for advice is both confusing and exhausting.
To save you as much time as possible, as everyone is quite busy these days, I’ve put together a list of XX of the best accessories for classic car restomods. Some of these items are absolute must-haves and some are just plain handy to have, but whatever you need, you’ll find it on here.
1. Storage Lift
No matter what kind of classic car restomod you own, you’ll likely want to look underneath it at some point. In addition, your restomod may be taking up precious space in the garage.
That’s why car storage lifts are a great investment. They provide much more value than they are given credit for. There are two different types of storage lifts, a two-post lift, and a four-post lift.
A two-post lift, like this one, works by lifting the car up from the middle. As a result, two post lifts require less space in the garage. On average, a two-post lift will raise the vehicle about six feet.
A four-post lift, like this one, works by lifting the vehicle up from the around the wheels. While they don’t save any space, they have a considerably more wide-open design. And, that allows four easier access to the vehicle.
Ultimately, there are pros and cons to each lift. A four-post lift requires more space however, it can lift considerably more weight. Either is an excellent accessory for a restomod owner.
2.Car Cover
You might already know that car covers are a must-have for any classic car restomod. And, you have probably invested a lot of money, time, and sweat into your beloved car.
The benefits of this car cover, are many, even in heated storage. What I love about it is the straps and buckle at the bottom are windproof. It’s not often that we leave our restomods out in the elements. But, when at a car show and sudden storm pops up, along with strong winds, a paint job is a sitting duck. And, even when stored inside, the biggest advantage is the restomod will breathes far better and avoid trapping moisture.
3. Battery Tender
A battery tender allows you to leave the battery in the car for an indefinite period of time. The battery tender I recommend is the Optima Digital 400 (click to see the price on Amazon.com). This battery tender automatically maximizes battery life and performance with a built-in health mode.
This battery charger is a powerhouse and built for the avid outdoorsman. So, the battery tender can be used for a marine battery charger, on a motorcycle, or virtually any other AMG battery charger.
4. Digital Tire Gauge
Step into the 21st century with a state of the art digital tire gauge. The old school days of watching the measuring stick come out the end are long gone. super accurate, but you will really appreciate this device at night. The screen and nozzle both light up to make it super easy to use.
For the most part, though, you probably won’t need anything more expensive or bigger than this digital gauge, which measures up to 200 PSI.
5. Jack Stands
One of the cool parts about owning a restomod is that you do a lot of the maintenance on it yourself. As long as you have the right tools, this isn’t too difficult and is usually pretty fun. A jack stand, like this one, is one of the most essential of these tools.
The safety bar will lock the restomod at the desired height. You can safely lift a pickup truck, off-road vehicle, and regular and unibody cars and trucks. This is a flexible jack stand and it will handle a 3-ton load.
Technically, you could just use a wooden crate or something else strong enough to support your car but chances are good that you don’t already have that kind of thing sitting around. Plus, anything that’s not specifically designed to hold a car’s weight can break and cause damage to your restomod or yourself.
6. Hydraulic Jack
Whether your car is new or beat up, sooner or later, you will experience having a flat tire. To change it, you’ll need a hydraulic jack. Better have one, like this, in your car because asking for help from strangers would not be easy, and it would cost a lot to call roadside assistance (unless, of course, your insurance covers it).
When you got one of these jacks, practice removing and putting one of the wheels on your car so you won’t be spending an hour just trying to figure out where to put the jack and how to remove and put a tire onto your car.
I know what your thinking, I have roadside service and I am not going to do that. Well, I have seen many people wait hours for roadside service, sometimes on the side of a major highway.
Another consideration, when I’ve talked to folks in that situation, is why didn’t you just walk to safety? I asked the question because they reported being less than a mile away from a gas station. The response was we had too many valuables in the car. So, they chose to wait nearly three hours in 90-degree heat on a busy fourth of July, no less. Don’t be these people, this is a wise investment.
7. Car Dolly
One of the worst things that can happen to a restomod owner, with limited space in their garage – especially in the winter, is constantly having to move the vehicle. Moving a vehicle in and out of the garage can be maddening.
Getting car dollies, like these, are a cost-effective way to prevent this from happening. This car dolly has groundbreaking patented technology that allows it to be clamped directly onto the vehicle’s wheels. This means you can actually move the vehicle WITHOUT the tires on it if need be!
8. Tie Downs
Some classic car restomods aren’t even street legal. And, transporting a vehicle by truck is fairly simple to figure out. However, if you don’t already have them, you’ll need some good quality tie downs, like these.
You can use pretty much any type of tie-down you like; the main three categories are ratchet, soft, or locking. Soft tie-downs are a common choice among riders and tend to be fairly inexpensive, as well.
If you’re worried about theft, locking tie-downs have a built-in lock (hence the name “locking tie-downs”) and are made with heavy-duty, hard-to-cut material. Ratchet tie-downs are a little trickier to use, but they do provide an especially tight hold.
No matter the type, look for tie-downs that are long enough for your car and have a lot of break strength.
They don’t need to be super expensive, but anything that’s cheaply made will end up breaking, slipping, or fraying. These tie-downs are a high-quality, inexpensive option.
9. Detail Kit
A complete detailing kit is critically important when you want to make sure your restomod is properly detailed for a car show. This kit is perfect for restomods and includes 17 items high enough quality for the automotive professional.
Included with the kit is the torqx dual action polisher which is perfect for polishing paint, carpet cleaning, and spreading the perfect coat of wax.
The versatile 8 mmm dual action orbital throw is a perfect balance of power, fast action, and heat management to prevent burns.
10. Jumbo Starter/Personal Power Supply
For those stuck with a dead battery, with this handy little device, you will be able to give your car a jump without having to call roadside assistance. Not only can it jump your car or truck, but it can also power a smartphone, iPad, laptop computer or any other USB powered device.
I keep this jump starter in my regular vehicle, and then put in my 1969 Chevrolet Camaro restomod when I take it out. A bad battery can happen to anyone, and nothing is more frustrating than asking for a jump in your restomod. Well, except waiting for roadside assistance anyway. If there is one “must-have” gadget on this list, this is it.
11. Trunk Organizer
Your trunk and even the interior of your car could easily become disorganized, cluttered, and messy. Bottles of different types of car spray, books, tools, and other things could contribute to the mess. Gone are the days of a messy car. Simply unfold and load any items you desire.
Contain the mess, and get this a trunk organizer. It is an Eco-Friendly professional-grade, Heavy Duty Material trunk organizer with straps And, it’s handcrafted using premium highest grade Oxford Polyester material. This is one of the largest and most effective backseat organizers on the market. And, it has a clip and holds sub-divider, a middle sub-divider, rigid base plates and center that allows you to stay organized in your vehicle.
12. Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit
This roadside assistance kit may cover some important accessories and tools covered in this post. It may contain jumper cables, first aid kit, a multi-purpose tool, tire gauge, whistle, flashlight, emergency warning triangle, and a whole lot more. You can choose to have different tools, but the important thing is to cover the basics you’ll need in case of an emergency.
- Raod Assistance: Be prepared for the unforeseeable with this AAA branded Roadside Emergency Kit, the ideal accessory for every driver on the road – from your seasoned driver to your new driver.
- AAA Quality: With the backing of the most trusted name in the automotive industry, AAA, you know when you accessorize your vehicle with a AAA all in one auto kit you’re safe.
- 76 Essential Components. This is a top of the line road kit and makes the perfect gift for your loved ones to keep them prepared.
13. Vacuum
Despite being a prized possession, things do get spilled in a restomod. When they do, there is not a more popular automotive vacuum than, this one. I truly don’t understand how a vacuum of this quality, and popularity, don’t sell for double or triple this price.
Here are a few of the industry-leading features:
- Lithium Ion for long battery life and outstanding performance. And, it’s great for the entire car show season as it holds a charge for up to 18 months
- Smart Charge Technology uses up to 50 percent less energy
- Cyclonic action helps to keep the filter clean and power strong, translucent bagless dirt bowl easy to see dirt and empty
- Rotating slim nozzle for a variety of applications, removable, washable bowl, and filters for thorough cleaning
- 2 Year Limited Warranty
14. Cooler
A cooler is great to have in your car no matter what the season. During the summer, you can put some ice packs in it to cool your water, soda, or any of your favorite beverages. You can even get a travel cooler, like this, that you can plug into your car. That’s like having a personal fridge inside your car!
This portable cooler holds up to 12 cans, heat contents up to approximately 120 degrees with a flip of the switch, and the cooling function chills contents 40 degrees below ambient temperature. This neat little accessory eliminates the need for ice and creates more storage space. And, it plugs directly into a vehicle cigarette lighter power outlet with included 12 volt DC power adapter.
All you do is select cold or hot to activate the thermoelectric system. Then, while you’re showing off your restomod and not paying attention, this cooler is actually monitoring your vehicle voltage and automatically shutting off when low voltage is detected.
15. Tow Strap
Having a tow strap inside your car can come in handy in case of emergencies. There are different types of ropes you can put in your trunk but the one I focus on for restomod owners a tow strap People used to refer to these at tow ropes, and probably still do, but for the irrelevant price difference, I don’t see the point in buying anything other than a major league tow strap.
A tow strap, like this one, comes in handy if you’re ever sliding off your parking spot while at a car show, or other various times. While unusual, I saw it happen in Bay Harbor with a restomod worth well over $500,000. He was parked close to a hill and it just got muddy and moved a bit. Admittedly, saying it was sliding would be an exaggeration. However, it was moving ever so slightly and it was quite uncomfortable for the owner.
16. Toolkit
Restomods often need maintenance, even out on a car show circuit or racetrack. while you probably already know that you’ll need a tool kit, like this one, to maintain your restomod but what exactly should you get? That’s the great thing about this kit, it takes the confusion out of it thanks to two durable wheels, this box can be smoothly and easily rolled from one place to another, saving effort and saving a lot of labor and time.
The rolling toolset includes wrenches, screwdrivers, universal joints, rulers, hammers, etc. This practical toolkit set meets daily needs, is suitable for professional and amateur and makes working hours easier and more efficient
If the word “toolkit” makes you think of that rusty old box in your garage and the jumbled mess of screwdrivers and drill bits inside – well, I realize that that’s not the kind of thing you’re looking for. On the other hand, if your looking for something a little less expensive, then this toolkit, is a great buy.
The tool kit should have the following tools:
- Screwdrivers. Flat and Phillips screwdrivers in several sizes.
- Knife. A sharp knife or other cutting instruments
- Pliers. Needle-nose and wire-cutting pliers are highly recommended
- Wrenches. I recommend several adjustable wrenches
- Open/Box Wrench Set. Open-end or box-end wrench set in common sizes, so that adjustments can be made to brackets, distributor, etc. Here are a few relatively inexpensive options.
- Voltmeter. A voltmeter is handy and has served me well.
- Connectors. Lengths of several gauge-size wire and crimp connectors.
- Hammer. I recommend a small hammer. Sure, you can slam wrenches on things but that usually just adds to the frustration when you hit your finger…
- Misc. Assorted hose clamps or nylon tie-wraps come in handy
Your toolkit accessories should have some of these specific items:
- Flashlight. A portable flashlight that plugs into a cigarette lighter and runs on batteries.
- Duct Tape. A roll of high-quality duct tape can come in handy if a small coolant hose has a leak. Or, if there is an issue with a windows seal in a rainstorm.
- Spark Plugs. extra spark plug and a tire repair kit. There are some great toolkits on Amazon that are already put together for you. You can also assemble your own pretty easily, especially if you already own some of the things you’ll need.
- Wire Hangers. It’s amazing how these can hold up an exhaust temporarily until you get to a shop.
- Jumper Cables. There are occasions when some restomod owner has a little too much fun with their car audio system and run their battery dead. For a quick fix, you can purchase a set of jumper cables. For a longer-term solution, read the article I wrote the five key car audio mistakes to avoid with restomods.
- Road Flares. These are a great safety item that can be placed at both ends of the car to warn traffic that it’s parked on the side.
17. LED Headlights
Automotive LED lighting is one of the best safety and efficiency innovations of the past decade. Its really just a matter of time before even the most basic cars have LED headlights. The reason is that LED lights are safer and brighter. LED bulbs are also much more efficient, using less voltage to produce more light and less heat.
What many people don’t know is a kit, like this one, is very reasonably priced. In addition, this LED set is one of the slimmest designs on the market so fitment is never an issue. The clearance is about the same as most of the factory bulbs that you are removing so there is no chance of incorrect fitment.
A lot of manufacturers use bulky cooling units at the back that have a hard time fitting in most headlight assemblies. However, this one has a somewhat unique aluminum fin radiators that encourage the optimum cooling of the unit.
18. Did Someone Say Subwoofer?
The car audiophile in me simply cannot resist talking about car audio as a restomod accessory, and this subwoofer is worth it. JL Audio makes some of the finest car audio products on the market. And, this sub. Well, let’s just say game over.
The 12W7AE brings serious performance to the table by combining the breakthrough of the long-excursion W7 design with a large 12-inch bore. The sub has been called “addictive,” “seductive” and “the new subwoofer reference”, by some of the world’s toughest reviewers.
If you’re looking for something a little less extreme but enjoy world-class car audio and crisp, punchy transient response. Then, this subwoofer is my go-to subwoofer. They are probably the world’s best shallow mount subwoofers. What I like about this subwoofer is it has an industry-leading shallow mounting depth making it easy to install. And, it can handle up to 600 watts which makes it able to be used in a solo capacity.
Lastly, if you don’t want a subwoofer that big, then go with the same shallow mount subwoofer, in the 10-inch variety. (I really can’t recommend anything smaller than a 10inch subwoofer. But, perhaps that’s like someone not recommending anything less than 500 horsepower to you?
Related Questions
The coolest restomod accessories are the dash camera, car jump starter, GPS tracker, hand vacuum, and a radar/laser detector.
AAA membership card, or other travel insurance card, copies of drivers license and car insurance card, flashlight with fresh batteries
Window breaker and seat belt cutter, matches or lighter, car maintenance log, and a tire gauge.
We recommend a trunk organizer to organize your restomod. Your trunk and even the interior of your car could easily become disorganized, cluttered, and messy. However, a trunk organizer will simply unfolding and loading of any items you desire.
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