CarBuilder Restorations- by Charlie Werger

A. How do restorations vary?

A total CarBuilder Restoration is high quality and results in a car of excellent performance and pristine appearance. A quality restoration requires the appearance as if it is new and correct, never been worked on, no visible evidence of repairs, no dirt, no grease smears, fingerprints, rust, or deterioration, and it performs and sounds as when new. Cost for a car with a quality restoration is way over what a used car lot can get for their partially restored cars, and therefore they cannot afford to do it. CarBuilder Restorations are for those wanting their long lost old car returned to them able to provide the joy it did long ago, done to be a timeless family treasure to pass on to the next generation. CarBuilder total restorations are top level winners in comparison to others at national competition. Hundreds of awards exist for CarBuilder customers to support this claim. CarBuilder Restorations produce fine cars beyond what the general public typically sees.

Restoration can be interpreted to mean a wide range of condition. Most cars referred to as “restored” are often partially restored or amateur craftsmanship and not in the same league as a CarBuilder Restoration. The partially restored cars are not in the condition they were when new and the quality of the restoration has a wide range from poor to exceptional. Quality of the restoration diminishes as the count of defects, damage, poor fitting parts, visible wear and tear increase. At best, many cars in the public called restored are just presentable enough to drive and look good to the general public. This level of restoration is typical for collector car used car lots, and local parking lot car shows. This is what restoration typically means to the general public.

Major national car shows attract totally restored cars. These events compare the restoration quality with critical eyes and discrimination. Awards at the highest levels are only earned by a few entrants. Of these type events, many top awards have been earned by CarBuilder Restoration owners.

The choice for a total restoration is often for those with significant ties to a particular car. The owner wants to experience the car as it once was, and will leave it to a family member as a family heirloom. All restored cars are eventually sold to or left to someone appreciative of the cars history.

B. How does CarBuilder restore a car?

A total CarBuilder Restoration project starts with a proven plan to build a new car from the old one. The car owner understands the aspects of total restoration and it is what they want. They are looking for an outstanding finished job.

Key points of the CarBuilder Restoration process:

2. Organized tear down documents part fits and fastener locations, and part condition.

4. Refinishing is performed using the appropriate type of paint. Parts that were originally unpainted (and left to rust) are epoxy painted, as are inside non-visible areas. Every part is prepared to last better than when new. No spray can materials are used as those are all non-chemically hardening short lived materials.

5. All parts to be reconditioned and those finished are stored in a clean facility out of the work area. Organization provides for efficient reassembly.

7. Work is sequenced and planned ahead so no pristine finished work is damaged by future work. This method is a big advantage that enables the high quality. The practice is unique since this contradicts what others commonly may do. For a couple of examples, we do not install engines in through hood openings, or install fixed glass and interior work before paint, or adjust bumpers and body panels to fit after the paint work.

12. Improvements that forego authenticity are often acceptable to increase safety, reliability and drivability. Adding seat belts, power brakes, updated wiring materials and using stainless steel brake and exhaust tubing are examples of some modifications. (These modifications are typically for 1950’s cars that can hide the changes that may be otherwise objectionable for true antique cars.)

C. How is CarBuilder service different than Repair Shops?

Why not use several Repair Shops and have each do their special trade? Take the car first to have the paint done, then the engine, then the transmission and brakes, then the interior?

You are not going to get restoration from Repair Shops, not ever. While it may initially be a low cost option, a repaired car is not restored. The appearance is not restored and the new condition is not restored. A specific problem is repaired and the car works a few more times before the next problem surfaces.

If one Repair Shop does complete excellent work, the next one may damage it. The business in a Repair Shop is based on fast work and volume. Time and care to prevent overspray, scratches, greasy fingerprints, body filler dust and filth is extra time and effort not in their process.

Repair Shop reassembly using incorrect or non-original fasteners is normal because it is faster than finding the lost parts, or getting the proper items. Leaving your cars idle parts outdoors in the weather, or inside collecting overspray and grinding filth while apart is normal practice for commercial shops without facilities designed to accomodate restoration scale projects.

Copyright 2008

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