Restoring an older car to its former glory requires a unique combination of craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into a cherished classic car or want to restore your everyday vehicle to its original condition, Eli’s Collision Repair specializes in body and paint restoration services for classic vehicles. From addressing body damage to revamping the paintwork, we provide expert solutions to make your car look like it just rolled off the showroom floor.
The Classic Car Restoration Process
- Initial Assessment and Consultation
- Our restoration process begins with a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle to assess the extent of wear, damage, and deterioration.
- We consult with you to understand your vision for the car, whether it’s maintaining its original authenticity or customizing it with modern upgrades.
- Disassembly
- To access all areas of the car, we carefully disassemble components such as doors, panels, trim, undercarriage, and bumpers.
- This step allows us to address hidden damage or corrosion that may not be visible during the initial inspection.
- Rust and Corrosion Removal
- Rust is one of the most common issues in older cars. If the rust is minimal, we use sandblasting or manual sanding techniques to remove it. If there’s a major rust issue, we sublet the vehicle to a center that uses a chemical dip to remove all of the rust.
- Damaged or corroded panels are repaired or replaced to ensure structural integrity and a flawless appearance.
- Bodywork Repairs
- Dents, scratches, and other imperfections are meticulously repaired to restore the vehicle’s shape and contours.
- If panels are severely damaged, we fabricate or source replacements that match the original specifications of the car. If available, we order parts straight from the manufacturer.
- Surface Preparation
- The entire surface of the car is sanded and smoothed to eliminate imperfections and create a uniform base for painting.
- This step ensures that the primer and E-coat adheres evenly..
- Priming and Painting
- A high-quality primer is applied to the body, providing a base for the paint and protecting against future rust and corrosion.
- Using advanced color-matching technology or custom paint formulations, we apply showroom-quality paint work.
- A UV clear coat is added for durability and a polished, glossy look.
- Reassembly and Detailing
- Once painting is complete, we do a full polish, and then the car is meticulously reassembled with all of the components aligned and secured.
- Trim, moldings, and other details are restored or replaced to ensure the car looks pristine.
- Final Inspection and Finishing Touches
- The restored vehicle undergoes a thorough quality check to ensure every detail meets our high standards.
- We finish with de-nib and finesse detailing to make sure your car shines like new.
Our Los Angeles collision repair center combines years of experience with a passion for classic and older vehicles. Whether you’re restoring a vintage car for shows or simply want to revive a beloved family vehicle, our team delivers exceptional results tailored to your vision. Our restoration paint work is known nationwide through competitions and the Concorde Classics Shows.