We do it all... in-house
Many shops specialize in body or engine or interior. We specialize in full in-house restoration service that includes the research and re-creation of as near to factory specification as possible. In some cases we source aftermarket components but in many cases we fabricate from scratch using the original design, blueprints and drawings to as closely match as possible the automobile manufacturer's specifications. You receive your restoration as near to factory specification as is possible.
Automobile restoration is the process of repairing the degraded aspect of an automobile to return it to an overall "authentic" condition. Restorations are generally historically accurate as a representative example of the production model.
Automobile restoration is the process of repairing the degraded aspect of an automobile to return it to an overall "authentic" condition. Restorations are generally historically accurate as a representative example of the production model.
In contrast to preserving its historical artifacts through restoration or to conserve significant vehicles by keeping original surfaces and materials, some owners make changes or add modern upgrades during the restoration of their cars that may reduce or enhance the value of the vehicle. In the U.S. a non-original restored car may be termed a "restored."
A vehicle restoration is the process of reconditioning it from a used condition "in an effort to return it to like-new condition ... It can be refurbished using either original or reproduction parts and techniques." Many antique and rare cars may not be able to have a true to original restoration done because some parts may not be available to replace or to imitate fully, yet with the proper research, they may be restored to an overall authentic condition. The objective is to preserve the historical aspects of the vehicle, its components, and assembly. |
A complete restoration includes not only repair of the parts that can be seen – the body, trim, chrome, wheels, and the passenger compartment – but also the components that are not necessarily visible or otherwise evident, including the engine and engine compartment, trunk, frame, driveline, and all ancillary parts like the brakes, accessories, engine cooling system, electrical system, etc.
Repairs are made to correct obvious problems, as well as for cosmetic reasons. For example, even if a wheel is covered by a full hubcap and not seen, and is structurally sound, it should have the tire unmounted and any required repairs performed such as rust removal, straightening, priming, and painting.
Repairs are made to correct obvious problems, as well as for cosmetic reasons. For example, even if a wheel is covered by a full hubcap and not seen, and is structurally sound, it should have the tire unmounted and any required repairs performed such as rust removal, straightening, priming, and painting.
Engine & Powertrain
Engine blocks, engine assemblies, crankshafts, cylinder heads, connecting rods, camshafts and valvetrain components, pistons, and more. The entire engine and all related systems are inspected and what ever is necessary to get them into original presale condition is done. The engine and all of the ancillary components – starter, generator/alternator, radiator, distributor, carburettor and all others – is inspected & corrected to factory specifications. [READ MORE] |
Body & Coachworks
All of the parts showing wear or damage that were originally painted are typically stripped of old paint, with any rust or rust related damage repaired, dents and ripples removed and then the metal refinished, primed and painted with colors to match the original factory colors. Wooden parts go through the same meticulous inspection and repair process with reglueing, replacement of rotted or termite-damaged wood, sealing and refinishing to match the factory specifications. [READ MORE] |
In the case of vehicles, the term rolling chassis means the frame plus the "running gear" like engine, transmission, drive shaft, differential, and suspension.
A body, sometimes referred to as "coachwork", which is usually not necessary for integrity of the structure, is built on the chassis to complete the vehicle.
A body, sometimes referred to as "coachwork", which is usually not necessary for integrity of the structure, is built on the chassis to complete the vehicle.
Chassis & Driveline
The Chassis restoration consists of an internal framework that supports the body coachwork & drivetrain. It's all of the the skeletal frame, mounts, connectors and axles. The driveline consists of the parts of the powertrain excluding the engine and transmission. It is the portion of a vehicle, after the transmission and is what we are talking about when we say a "Frame up" resotoration. [READ MORE] |
Interior Trim & Upholstery
We create and re-create Interiors in-house at Catz, with consoles, carpeting, seats, steering wheels, dash pads, headliners, door accessories, and more. The interior of the vehicle is examined and repaired or replaced to match those that were available from the factory. [READ MORE] |