We manage your automobile investment with a carefully designed, proven, and continually evolving process. Every step is equally crucial, and we maintain an uncompromising standard throughout.
Before any project begins, we sit down as a team and map out what needs to be done. Then we jump into the design phase and lock in the vision. This process is similar for both smaller jobs as well as complete turnkey jobs. The outcome of every successful project is determined before it begins. Many times one or more of the following steps is developed during this stage: Engineering, Component Mockup and possibly Artist Collaboration.
Careful deconstruction of necessary areas begins in tandem with precise inventory and documentation for disassembly of vehicles for both custom builds as well as restoration projects. Visual inspections with outlines and supporting detailed photograph records are created. Historic research & parts research is also completed at the time before disassembly begins. This often times carries into the disassembly process as the layers are peeled back and more is discovered.
After all the components are disassembled, we determine if the vehicles panels will be hand stripped of old paint, media blasted or alkaline dipped. The vehicles condition along with what material the vehicles are made from will typically determine which stripping process would be ideal. For restorations many of the chassis’ components will be disassembled, sandblasted and restored individually. Sometimes components will need to be cleaned, partially rebuilt, and then reassembled. They will all be fully restored later on after the build / restoration process is completed.
The most visible portion of any project is the exterior and the line it creates. This is where our team of craftsmen demonstrate what differentiates our work from our peers. The level of accuracy and surface finishing to the sheet metal surfaces we create and restore is seamless. Often times even the experts can’t determine where the repairs or customizations begins and ends on a given project. You will find many machines dating from WWII regularly used mixed in with the latest technology driven equipment like 3D scanners and 3D printers. Our craftsmen have the unique abilities to use specialized equipment on the same project that is almost 100 years apart to get the desired results as efficiently as possible.
This is often done in conjunction with the metal work however it is as just important and needs to be noted. At this point all the mechanical systems are repaired, tested and fit together. This would be less involved for an accurate restoration in comparison to a custom build. Custom one off builds are often outfitted with similar modern amenities as your new car or truck These items may or may not include; power steering, power brakes, windshield wipers, heat and air conditioning, heated seats, custom gauges and controls etc. The sky is ultimately the limit with how much a vehicle can be custom tailored to the owner. If you are interested in performance, nostalgia or luxury we have the know how to keep your theme running consistently throughout your build.
Our main focus during this stage is panel fitment / body sheet metal alignment and making sure the body work is flat throughout. We want to make sure that there is limited panel dive from one panel to another as many vintage cars came with from the factory. If it is an accurate restoration care would be taken to determine if over restoration would be appropriate. For a custom vehicle we will be setting all the panels up to have them body worked together as a whole for the ultimate laser straight paint job. While utilizing the best materials available, all priming, blocking, color sanding and buffing brings things to life. From start to finish we will bring your vehicles final finishes to the level desired based around your specific budget and timeframe.
Our mechanics will inspect your classic vehicle and provide you with an inspection report with their findings. You will be given expert recommendations as well as options for what the estimated cost is (if available) as well as the pros & cons of each selection before any repairs are made to your vehicle. Not to worry, the same detailed care and attention are taken with our troubleshooting process while making necessary repairs to accurate detailed restored classics as the custom projects we also work on. If you are interested in a performance or suspension upgrades to your already hot rodded vehicle, we can assist you with that too.
Every specialty vehicle has different requirements and a style that is showcased in a vehicle’s interior. The type of leather, cloth and carpet can give you the feel of ultimate luxury, performance or look of originality. This is a department that is not a one size fits all mentality. We will work with you and your vision and create a beautiful palette that will have the perfect amount of tasteful elegance, contrast and continuity to ensure a classic look for years to come. For both our custom builds and classic restoration vehicles we work with specific craftsmen that specialize in your specific vehicle’s genre.
A white glove assembly procedure is based on the highest standards for all the final details of your build. From chrome and nickel plating to gauge restoration/customization. Each part is thoroughly inspected and fit before it makes its way permanently onto your freshly painted sheet metal. Even the hardware used throughout the assembly process is scrutinized for consistency and having the correct head types, lengths, grades and finishes for all the fasteners used throughout your project. We make sure your elegant automobile restoration, or your one-off creation will be guaranteed to beat your expectations and the attention to detail will be second to none.
