Frequently Asked Questions

American-Made Muscle from the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s summarizes our specialty. Currently, the muscle cars of the late 60's and early 70's are particularly hot. In addition, we have unique experience and proficiency with 1930s, 40s and 50s Cadillacs and Packards. We have also restored classic Rolls Royce's, rare Ferrari's and air-cooled Porsches.

If your vehicle has sentimental value, then the restoration is a judgment call that only you can make. We will work with you on a restoration plan and budget to help give you the very best information to make your decision. Very few cars are sold for a profit after restoration with some exceptions. If you have a rare car we can help you evaluate the likely market price after restoration and compare it to the cost to restore.

A frame-off restoration involves removal of the motor, suspension, rear axle, exhaust, brakes, fuel and brake lines, transmission, hood, front fenders, doors, interior and trunk lid. The doors of the vehicle are braced to protect the alignment of the body and it is then placed on a body cart. The frame is then bolted to what is called a rotisserie, which provides 360-degree access to the frame allowing for more complete cleaning, media blasting and painting. The process holds true for the body. With the body on the rotisserie we have easy access to the bottom of the car which allows us to perform all of the steps necessary like cleaning, media blasting, metal work, body work and prime/paint. At this point all the finish work is done and the bottom side can be primed and painted. The body and chassis are reunited and the rest of the vehicle is completed.

A cosmetic restoration is not as detailed as a frame-off or rotisserie restoration. The car is stripped to bare metal, and all of the old repair work is removed (patches, for instance). Any and all rust is removed and any holes are cut out. New replacement panels are fabricated and butt welded into place. Body work is then completed, followed by primers and sanding as necessary. Finally, the vehicle is painted, color sanded to a flat smooth surface, and buffed to a high gloss.

A restoration timeline can be highly variable based on a number of factors, including: the condition of the car when we receive it, the scope of the project, the level of restoration desired, complexity in obtaining parts, and the availability of customer funds. We recommend bringing the car to our shop or having our general manager visit you to inspect the vehicle and discuss your specific project and situation…a realistic estimate of the timeline can then be developed.

A great restoration would not be complete without a top-notch interior. We typically send out most interior work unless there are painted pieces. We welcome your input to choose an interior shop, or we will handle the project turnkey with our proven network of subcontractors.

Billing is sent out periodically with a detailed description of work performed and a breakdown of parts and materials purchased. Photos of your vehicle's progress will also be sent or can be e-mailed.

We complete minor motor repairs, disassembly and assembly work, most of the electrical and paint work on the motor here in the shop. Major repairs or rebuilds are subcontracted. We can use your preferred motor shop if you have one, or we will handle the project turnkey with our proven network of subcontractors.

Yes, workmanship is warranted for 1 year from date of completion.

Some of the stand-alone services we offer are sand blasting, custom fabrication, mig and tig welding, mechanical work, carburetor rebuilds (American made), pre-car show detailing.