We have over 30 years of experience with classic car restoration. These projects involve a comprehensive process of bringing a vehicle back to its original or near-original condition, requiring careful planning, a significant budget, and specialized skills. We are experts in planning and execution of all mechanical, and electrical aspects of these projects, and have partners to deliver bodywork and upholstery services for a complete project.

Range Rover -SUVLand Rover - classicLand Rover DefenderLand Rover DiscoveryLand Rover Defender
Range Rover -SUVLand Rover - classicLand Rover DefenderLand Rover DiscoveryLand Rover Defender
Range Rover -SUVLand Rover - classicLand Rover DefenderLand Rover DiscoveryMorgan

CLASSIC CAR RESTORATION PROCESS AND CONSIDERATIONS

‍Assessment and Planning: The first critical step is a thorough inspection of the car's body, engine, electrical systems, and interior to identify all issues, strengths and weaknesses,  missing parts and requirements. Planning involves setting a realistic budget and timeline.

‍Disassembly: The car is carefully taken dis-assembled, with all components labelled, photographed, and documented to ensure proper reassembly.

‍Mechanical Systems Restoration: The engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes are all inspected, cleaned, and rebuilt or replaced with high-quality parts to ensure the car runs reliably. Modern upgrades like improved brakes or power steering can also be integrated for safety and drivability.

‍Electrical System: Old and brittle wiring is a common issue and may require a complete replacement of the wiring harness and an update to modern components for reliability and safety.

‍Interior Refurbishment: Worn-out seats, carpets, headlining, and dashboard components are repaired or replaced using materials that match the original design.

‍Bodywork: This phase addresses structural integrity and aesthetics, involving rust removal, panel replacement or fabrication, sanding, and priming.

‍Paint and Finishing: The exterior receives a high-quality paint job, new chrome, and trim to restore its original glory.

‍Costs: The average classic car restoration can cost anywhere between £15,000 and £60,000 but extensive, high-end projects can exceed this range significantly. The final cost depends heavily on the car's condition, the availability of parts, and the labour involved.

‍Time: A full restoration can take upwards of 1,000 hours and requires 12 to 24 months.

Contact us to schedule a time to talk a car you would like to restore. We can help you to assess the car and develop a detailed plan, budget and schedule.
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Staff and mechanics in the shop with a Jaguar 1969 XKE

Classic Car Restoration

INITIAL STAGE - Evaluation

RESTORATION EVALUATION
Car Condition
Body, Mechanical, Rubber, Glass, Electrical, Interior
Frame-up restorationMG dashRolls Royce Silver Cloud
CONCERNS: ‍
There may be no greater feeling in terms of motoring, than the gratification you get driving a car that you have have owned for some years, or had it restored.

We understand. These cars have a connection that reaches beyond a machine. The lines, the sounds, the feeling when you turn the key and start her up... there is something about a classic car that is simply unparalleled in a modern machine. Metal, wood, glass, chrome, wool, rubber and paint (and the occasional bit of plastic) Restoring classic and collector cars to a high specification is a passion.

We have completed a great number of these projects.
It's what we are known for.
Frame-off Restoration
Engine BayFrame Restoration
CONCERNS: ‍
Frame off Restoration
‍The ultimate in perfection. You know that every bolt is right. That the paintwork looks good, even under the carpets, and the car is like it was when it was new.

COMPONENT PARTS 
We can rebuild engines, source and rebuild component parts. Our team are expert at finding the rare and often no longer in production parts that make the car. It takes patience and space. Very often a car is in the shop for months at a time without being moved. We have recently opened our facilities include the space of an adjacent shop to accommodate more of these types of projects.

We have a long history with the complete rebuilding of cars. Ask us about how we can help you to plan the process, so that you can savor the times in the car that you built.

Customization and Rehabilitation
‍From re-upholstering and bodywork to mechanical uprating - we can advise and help direct choices for customization, modernization and restorations. You may want o keep the car entirely original, or as original as possible. You may want to show the car at Concours exhibits. You may just want to improve the ride and handling... we are your partner each step of the way.
Component Parts Testing
DIAGNOSIS ‍
Engine Seal
How is the head Gasket integrity?

Is there a head Gasket Leak?
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CONCERNS: ‍
Noisy Alternator
How we test to determine if the alternator needs attention
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CONCERNS: ‍
Worn out or bent Hub
How we test to determine the status of the hub
Axil housing is evidently bent.
The Frame-Off Restoration Considerations
There may be no greater feeling in terms of motoring, than the gratification you get driving a car that you have have owned for some years, or had it restored. We understand.

These cars have a connection that reaches beyond a machine. The lines, the sounds, the feeling when you turn the key and start her up... there is something about a classic car that is simply unparalleled in a modern machine. Metal, wood, glass, chrome, wool, rubber and paint (and the occasional bit of plastic) Restoring classic and collector cars to a high specification is a passion. We do a lot of these projects. It's what we are known for.
• Upgrades from stock
• Rebuild engine, change or modify
• Drive train, transmission, differential
• Restomod vs. original
• Change a fallen headliner
• Replace and rebuild wiring
• Electrical components sourcing
• Doors, locks, windows
• Refurbish, Repair, tune or rebuild an engine
• On-board computers
• Swap a small motor for a big one
• Consider upgrades and modern options
• Air conditioning
• Climate Controls
• Brakes and suspension options
• Racing and Track options
1:  Assessment and Planning for a car rebuilding project
The professional team conducts a thorough evaluation of the vehicle's condition to identify all existing issues, including hidden rust or structural damage. A detailed plan is created, outlining the scope of work, budget, and timeline. This initial phase also involves sourcing any necessary rare or original parts.
2:  Is complete disassembly required? 
To do a restoration project to a high standard of reliability and durability, the entire car is systematically taken apart, with the body separated from the frame. Most every part, is carefully labelled, cataloged, and documented (often with photos) to ensure a smooth reassembly process and a thorough inspection. There are options for this process, but generally as the car is being taken apart, it is usually best to completely clean and restore everything to as close to new condition as possible.
3:  What is done with the frame of the car?
‍The bare chassis is stripped of all paint, rust, and contaminants, typically using media blasting or chemical dipping.The frame is then inspected for any structural issues like cracks or corrosion, which are repaired, straightened, and reinforced as needed.

Finally, a durable, protective coating (like powder coating or epoxy primer and topcoat) is applied to the frame to prevent future rust and corrosion.
4:  What body work and painting is required?
The body is stripped to bare metal to remove old paint and rust, which is a critical step in the process.Any dents, rust holes, or imperfections are addressed through meticulous metal work, including welding in patch panels or fabricating new sections to ensure perfect body lines and symmetry.

The body is then prepped with high-quality primers, sanded multiple times to achieve a perfectly smooth surface, and painted in a controlled environment to a flawless finish.
5:  Outline the mechanical components of a restoration
The engine, transmission, drivetrain, transmission, suspension, seating, doors and window operations, air controls, venting and climate controls and brake systems are all completely disassembled, cleaned, and inspected. Worn components are rebuilt or replaced with new, often upgraded, parts to ensure the car runs reliably and safely.

There are many options for this stage of work. We will discuss key components and their condition, with plans for how to proceed agreed in advance.
6:  What is done with the electrical systems
Electrical systems are often the most complex challenges. Many cars that are 30 years old have sophisticated computer controllers, actuators and relays that need specialist attention. The old and often deteriorated wiring harnesses are typically replaced with a new, modern, automotive-grade harness to support all electrical components and any added modern accessories. All gauges, lights, heating and cooling, windows, doors, audio, indicator and fuel system electrical systems as well as other electrical components are inspected, repaired, or replaced.
7:  What is involved in the interior and upholstry?
‍We do not directly restore interiors, but have a number of associations with key experts who will do this work.

Interior components such as seats, carpets, headliners, and dashboards are restored or replaced using high-quality materials that match the original look and feel.Attention to detail is given to all interior trim and chromeInterior components such as seats, carpets, headliners, and dashboards are restored or replaced using high-quality materials that match the original look and feel.Attention to detail is given to all interior trim and chrome.
8:  Reassembly and Testing - how long will you warrty the work?
‍All the restored components are carefully reassembled, utilizing the documentation created during the disassembly phase.The vehicle undergoes extensive testing to ensure all systems (mechanical, electrical, etc.) function correctly and safely.Final adjustments and cosmetic detailing are performed to achieve a showroom-worthy finish.

We will discuss the issues that may come up, and agree to the warranty period for any issues that are attributed to the work done. Typically we will repair and correct anything that comes up for a period of time that ranges from a 30 day period to several months, depending on the components and the issues. This will be agreed in writing in advance so that there are no surprises

CAR RESTORATION

Classic Car Club Classic Car Auctions West Coast Classics Auctions Gooding Christies Marin Car Club
142 Mill Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 457-1707
Hours:
Monday - Friday
9AM - 5PM
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We have broad experience with most makes of British automobile.
Particularly, with the marques listed below, our experience runs deep, in many cases where we have factory training, certifications and specialized equipment required.
Click on your brand of auto below for more information

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