Classic Car Restoration Near Me [Locator Map + Guide + FAQ] (2023)

Restoring a classic car on average takes about 1000 hours. It’s hard to do all that work on your own and you may lack some of the technical skills and resources needed to get the job done right. If you need help with your project their are specialized shops that can help with vintage cars. Below I will share where to find a qualified antique car restoration shop, what to expect from there service, and how to use them to your full advantage. I will also share my experience with the classic car restoration near me.

Find a Classic Car Restoration Near Me…

If you’re searching for “Classic Car Restoration Near Me”, see the map below…

Restoring an antique car takes a lot of time money and skill. It also requires tools, workspace, finding parts, troubleshooting, and sometimes finding some help. This is what has led me in my life to seek out the classic car restoration near me. I sometimes start a project and stumble on an issue that I just don’t have tools and expertise for. It’s sometimes easier to pay someone who can be responsible and get it right the first time.

How the Classic Car Restoration Near Me Works

When I refer to a classic car restoration, I am not talking about your local body shop. I am talking about a place that specializes in vintage autos and can completely overhaul your resto from trunk to hood.

Theses are hardcore enthusiast shops with expert mechanic that specialize in different disciplines of restoration. This includes rust removal, structural body work, paint, welding and fabrication, automotive electric work, upholstery work, and more.

You can go to theses places and literally just drop off a car and get it back finished. Now of course that is going to be super expensive. What I really suggest is to use these places as a resource. Use them for advise, guidance, and one off issues you can’t do yourself. This keeps the project in your hands, but you spend money and your time a bit more wisely.

Why Get Help On Your Antique Car Restoration Project?…

I use to feel like doing a vintage car restoration project must be done by me and only me. Maybe the help of a friend or two to get the engine in and out. As I have gotten a bit old and smarter, I have learned to outsource tasks that I am either not good at or I simply hate doing. For example rust work!

It just makes more sense to outsource and pay for someone who specializes in antiques cars who has the tools and equipment to do certain things. The stuff I enjoy doing I would never out source like finding original parts, rebuilding interiors, and putting together the engine.

If you are thinking of trying to outsource some of your restoration project tasks here are a few to consider:

• Repair on the frame (so important the frame is solid and balanced)
• Rust removal
• Instrument & Gauge Cluster Upgrades (Good to get their ideas)
• Powertrain mods and upgrades (Good to get their ideas)
• Suspension mods and upgrades (Good to get their ideas)
• Paintwork (especially if you want something custom like flames or pinstripes)
• Headlight restoration on glass if it is extremely hazy or fogged
• Any frame off services
• Electrical work and diagnostics
• Performance upgrades (Custom tuning)
• Interior upgrades (Adding new technology)
• Chrome work on bumpers, grills, wheels, trim, etc.
• Interior upholstery work

Trying to do everything on your own wastes a lot of time. If you don’t do it right you can also waste a ton of money.

Word of Advice Before You Start an Antique Car Restoration

Before you even start a vintage car restoration find a shop to talk to. Ask them what services they do and what they specialize in. Some may do more paintwork then electrical work for example. Also get advise from them up front about what you are considering. They will know how hard it is to find parts and be able to help you frame your budget and expectations.

When You Call a Shop Be Specific About The Type of Restoration

Are you a purist who wants to keep everything original or do you want to inject some personality into the car?

You need to be very specific about what you want when you get outside help. When you put your vintage car project into someone else’s hands, they may be making important decisions on your behalf. If you want the car to look as close to the day it rolled off the production line then be very clear about it. A restoration with a focus on capturing the original will always get the most cash at resale. Imagine if you dropped off a muscle car for restoration and want it original and get back a chopped and modded hot rod.

My general philosophy though is…it’s your car. Do what you want and don’t let anyone dictate how you spend your money. Unless you are trying to restore a classic car in order to sell it, you should build a car the way you enjoy it and not build it for the next owner. There is nothing wrong with doing a resto mod.

Pain Points You May Want to Outsource…

I am not recommending outsourcing everything below, but these are some big bucket items that places like the classic car restoration near me can perform with their eyes closed.

Paint and Body Work

Whether you need cosmetic work like paint or structural body work such as creating a new panel, it’s good to consider the pros.

On a vintage car the paint will fade over time. One of the cool things about a pro restoration shop is the can take the shell and spin it on a spit to paint it. They also can do a lot of custom air brush work that most of us laymen can’t do. You find a custom car painting shop here.

Then there is body work and dealing with rust. Most people are ok banging out dings and dents, but custom fabrication and extensive rust removal is a different animal. While hopefully you chose a project with not much rust, sometimes it is unavoidable. A restoration shop can work the rust or build you a new panel.

When it comes to any body work, there is no easy path. If you see some body and paint issues that are going to extend the timeframe on your project significantly, you may want to consider calling an auto body shop.

Finding Original Parts

The longer an old car sits, the more the parts deteriorate. This leads to rust, corrosions, and seizure. Depending on the project car you can find a lot vintage car parts online, but for some projects it’s almost impossible. Calling a shop that specializes in antique auto restoration is sometimes the best move when you are stuck. These places have extensive networks and are skilled at finding rare parts.

Electric and Wiring Work

Wiring can be a challenge if you don’t have much experience with electrical work. In vintage cars that have been sitting outside, they have been exposed to moisture and rodents. Both of which can cause major damage to a cars wiring components. A classic car restoration will not only to replace the wiring. but they will know in detail how the original wiring was laid and the specifics for the voltage requirements.

Mechanical Work

Adding and removing mechanical parts is some of the more fun work in my opinion. Where it gets complicated is if you are considering an engine or transmission rebuild. Rebuilding, while more expensive, is often the more reliable option over buying used. If you don’t know how to rebuild through you can impact the timing and cause more damage to the parts then you started with. There are shops that do engine rebuilds and transmission rebuilds for you in just a few days. Many of them offer guarantees on their work as well for unlimited mileage.

Interior Work

Damaged seats, ripped carpets, missing trim, broken gauges, and other interior issues can all be outsourced. What I would particularly seek help with is if you find rotten floor boards, wet carpet, and mold. While removing surface mold in a car is easy, there is clearly something allowing water into the cabin. If you don’t seal where the water or moisture is coming from you are going to have issues in the future.

Choosing the Best Classic Car Restoration Shop

You can find a shop that does complete tear downs or shops that specialize in a specific discipline. I tend to like shops that specialize in something. For example I have paint guy at one shop, but I go to somewhere else for complicated upholstery work. I tend to see better results and it’s a better way to spend my money when I want the best work for my project

When picking a classic car restoration near me here is what I do:

• Call around to different places, get quotes, and talk shop.
• Get before and after pictures of their past projects.
• Read reviews and testimonials on Yelp and Google.
• Get them to estimate how long the work will take.
• Ask about what guarantees and assurances do I have.

If you are working the vehicle to sell it to someone who buys classic cars, carefully consider your budget to leave room for profit.

Classic Car Restoration Near Me – Conclusion

When you set out to do an antique car restoration, you need to be ready for anything. Doing it on your own is amazing, but it takes a lot of time, money, tools, and workspace to get it completed. If the resto is your dream car, then there it makes no sense to concede to anything, but your best effort.

Half the fun of a restoration is doing it yourself, but you should know when to call an expert and get help. Vintage restoration shops do this for a living, they have likely worked a car just like yours, and will know exactly what to do. Even if you choose not to hire them most places will guide you in the right direction to do it on your own. That is my experience with the classic car restoration near me.