Restoration Process

The following outlines the basics of a restoration process, from the delivery of the vehicle to our workshop for first inspection and project planning, to the final inspection and collection of your better-than-original classic or muscle car. Our valued customers are kept up to date with information, images and periodical invoicing during each step of the restoration process.

  1. Vehicle driven or towed to Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars
  2. Qualified and knowledgeable staff examine your vehicle, discuss your project needs and expectations, then prepare an itemized plan of work to be completed (please note: sometimes there can be additions to the plan that are not discovered until the strip and restore process is underway)
  3. Once a project plan is agreed upon and you have authorised, your vehicle is formally booked into the workshop. At this point, a deposit will be required (used towards your final invoice) and upon payment, parts orders are placed to avoid delay.
  4. Vehicle is dismantled as necessary and inspected by the Workshop Manager to locate any unseen work requirements. Should further work be found, you will be contacted to discuss a revised plan, and approve the additional work.
  5. Bodywork is assessed for wear, dents and/or rust repairs, then work begins to restore the panel/framework to its original condition. Alternatively, if the bodywork cannot be used or is not to be used in the project, a custom panel is fabricated or an order placed for replacement bodywork to meet the vehicle’s original specification. Bodywork restoration is quite often a lengthy part of the process as involves many tasks and great attention in order to achieve a premium finish.
  6. Once all bodywork restoration is complete and all new panels are fabricated/received and prepared, staff will test fit and check clearances, re-working where necessary, test fit, and repeat this process until the ideal finish is achieved.
  7. Bodywork is then primed, prepared and painted in one of our state of the art baking ovens where we use Sikkens Paints.
  8. Assembly of all painted panels is the next step, before experienced fitters complete mechanical and cosmetic fit -outs using restored, custom and/or quality genuine parts.
  9. Upon completion of the project, the vehicle is again inspected by our Workshop Manager for quality in panels, paint,fit-out, finish and performance.
  10. Detailing. We value the environment so adhere to local water restrictions and environmental processes.
  11. Vehicle undergoes a final quality inspection of all workmanship.
  12. Our friendly staff will make contact to arrange your final inspection of the vehicle, settlement of the final invoice and pick up or delivery at a time convenient to you.

At Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars, should you have any queries during the process, please contact our staff who will help answer your questions and assist you to keep up to date with the progress of your vehicle’s restoration.