Collector Car Restoration Shops
A restoration is a long relationship with a shop, measured in months or years. The cars that come out well are the ones where the scope was agreed at the start: concours correct, a sympathetic recommissioning, or a usable driver. Each is a legitimate goal and each is a different budget.
The shop's experience with the specific model matters more than its size. Correct finishes, fasteners and assembly order are model knowledge, and a judge or an informed buyer will notice.
Specialists on Fully Sorted
- Autos InternationalEscondidoAutos International is a restoration specialist serving the Escondido area, with a focus on intierior restoration. Profile details are being finalized...
- Motoring InvestmentsSan Diego CAMotoring Investments is a restoration specialist serving the San Diego CA area, with a focus on Restoration and resale. Profile details are being fina...
- aces collision centerGardena cacollision repair and restoration, glass,bodyand paint
What to ask before you book
- Which examples of this model have you restored, and can I speak with those owners?
- Is billing time and materials or fixed stages, and how often are invoices and photo updates sent?
- What work is done in house and what is sent out, and to whom?
- How is the restoration documented, and do I receive the full photo record at the end?
Common questions
How long does a full restoration take?
Commonly one to three years for a complete body-off restoration, depending on the car, parts availability and the shop's queue. Any shop promising much less is either describing a lighter job or guessing.
Is it cheaper to restore a car or buy one already restored?
Buying a finished car is almost always cheaper than restoring one to the same level, because restoration cost regularly exceeds the finished value. People restore for the specific car, the history or the satisfaction, and should go in knowing that.
What is the difference between restoration and recommissioning?
Restoration takes the car apart and renews it. Recommissioning makes a sound but dormant car safe and reliable again, leaving original finishes alone. For an unrestored survivor, recommissioning usually protects more value.
Other trades
Researching a particular car first? Model histories cover what to look for and what goes wrong, model by model.