Handy tips and hints for those planning on having their car professionally restored
Although many classic car enthusiasts prefer a hands-on approach to restoring their cars, this is not always possible — lack of spare time or simply lack of skills may prevent a home restoration. If this is the case, then the only way forward may be a professional restoration. Although not the cheapest option, having your car fully restored from top to toe by professionals does have benefits and, of course, a reputable workshop will always guarantee their work.
If you do choose to follow this path, a single company might be assigned to restore the entire car or, alternatively, separate 
company’s could undertake individual tasks — such as panel and paint; interior and mechanical. Assuming you have already found a suitable project car, here are a few handy tips for picking a suitable professional.
When selecting a professional restorer it pays to inspect some of their previous work. Most restoration shops will have extensive photographs of projects they have completed and, while it’s useful to see these photos, it’s even more useful if you can actually see the cars themselves — that way you can also talk to the owners and gather useful information on the restoration company.
There are advantages to picking a local restoration company, it’ll be easy to visit them to check up on progress. However, having said that, sometimes it pays to pick the best possible workshop, regardless of location, especially if they have specialist knowledge that applies to your car. Reputable restoration companies can provide photographic reports, so it is possible to monitor progress.
Once you have chosen a professional company, the first step will always be an thorough evaluation of your car — in many ways, it can be to your advantage to select a workshop prior to finally buying a project car; in that way the restoration company can check before you buy. Manage your project in that manner and you may save yourself money later on.
Having said that, evaluating a suitable project car is not always a straightforward procedure. We’ve seen many classic cars which look great but, on further inspection, are full of rot and rust. A professional inspection will reveal this type of damage. However, don’t expect a proper inspection to be free — it could involve partially dismantling some areas of the car. If you proceed with the restoration, any inspection costs will be covered but if you decide not to proceed expect to pay for this inspection. In some cases, a basket-case would be easier to evaluate — the damage will be very noticeable — although, of course, restoration costs could be higher for such a vehicle.
If you want to get personally involved with the restoration, talk to the owners of prospective workshops. Some will allow owners to work on their own cars — usually on non-skilled tasks. Anyone can scrape off underseal or, with a little tuition, handle menial tasks such as sanding. This can save you money as these types of restoration tasks are very labour intensive. However, getting involved doesn’t mean simply hanging around the workshop and getting in the way of tradesmen.
Paying for a professional restoration is rather like funding a new home — once you’ve signed on the dotted line you’ll be expected to front up with an initial deposit, followed by regular progress payments with the final payment due when the car is completed to your satisfaction. Discuss budgets beforehand and make sure everything is affordable — don’t be tempted into viewing the workshop as a storage facility while you find the cash for a progress payment. The economics of operating a restoration business does not allow for non-paying residents taking up space that could be used for a paying project.
When your project is eventually underway, make periodic visits to view the work in progress, keep yourself involved with the project.
Finally, New Zealand is lucky enough to have some exceptional restoration companies and many have enviable international reputations for the quality of their work. But check any potential choices out carefully before you hand over your hard-earned cash — as with picking a car in the first instance, selecting an appropriate and reputable classic car restoration company comes down to you undertaking a spot of homework.
Simo Panel & Paint and Classique Automotive Restorations
Stan started his professional career as a panelbeater and painter for several leading companies in Europe, spending two years in Germany working for BMW and a further three years in Italy working for a business specialising in the restoration of top end classics from respected marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.
On moving to New Zealand, Stan continued working as a panelbeater before becoming the owner and leading hand at Classique Automotive Restorations and Simo Panel & Paint.
Stan brings his long experience and a fine eye for detail to his work, bringing the final product to perfection. His company uses only top quality materials from specialiast suppliersand, as a leading hand with European experience, Stan stands by the quality and professionalism of his work.
Stan’s son, Daniel, began his career during summer vacations when he was asked to work as a mechanic at his father’s business. Daniel has now been working in New Zealand for ten years and graduated as an automotive mechanic specialising in mechanical and electrical diagnostics, repairs and modifications.
Stenly is the youngest addition to the company. Currently he is employed as manager of the parts and supplies department.
Phil McGregor started work as an apprentice panel beater in 1974. Completing his apprenticeship — and earning Trade Certification — in 1978. Phil then worked in various smash repair panel shops but, during quiet times, he began to get involved with car restoration. Having decided that he preferred restoration work over smash repairs, Phil eventually opened his own business in 1989 and began specialising in classic car restorations.
After five years running his own business, Phil travelled overseas in 1994-95. On his return to New Zealand, he worked for two years in the kit-car industry handling various specialist work, including hand fabricating brass grilles and honing his skills. He also undertook the work of fabricating various classic components and some vehicle restoration.
Phil joined the staff at Classique Automotive Restorations in 1997 when the company was based in Manukau City.
During the last 12 years, Phil has either worked on or totally rebuilt a huge variation of classic vehicles including two XK150 Jaguars, two E-types, an XK120 and an XJ-S; four Austin-Healeys; two Torana XU1s, several Mustangs and even a Mini Cooper or three.
The Surgery
At The Surgery they’re busier than they’ve ever been — repairing, restoring, building and painting gorgeous classic and collectable cars to award winning standards.
So, if you’ve got a project in the making, check them out on their website — www.thesurgery.co.nz — or make the time to talk to them. The team at the Surgery would love to help you realise your vision — and will be happy to provide a detailed plan, costing and a time-frame to suit your needs.
The Surgery prides itself on their communication with clients — providing them with timely, detailed advice, information and a photographic record of progress; from any part of the world, you’re in the picture.
The Surgery’s friendly and skilled team are commited to their craft and to their client’s satisfaction — so all repairs and paintwork carried out by The Surgery are accompanied by an exclusive ten year guarantee.
As well as being one of the country’s leading classic car restorers, The Surgery is also sponsor of The Surgery Intermarque Sprint Series. The concept of this series is a low key, low cost, professionally organised, track-based introduction to tarmac motor sport, with six rounds of dual and multi car sprints every year at Manfeild. The Surgery has been a proud supporter and sponsor for over ten years, seeing the series go from strength to strength.
In addition, November of this year will again see The Surgery involved with the MG Classic Race meeting, with a major sponsorship role and some track participation, all going as planned.
So, if you don’t catch them at their Wellington workshop, go and see them at the track. They’d love to meet you.
Matamata Panel Works
If you’re dreaming of a ‘turn-back-the-clock’ extreme makeover on your classic car — then Matamata Panelworks 2000 Ltd can make that dreams come true!
Matamata Panelworks have restored everything from award-winning classic Ford Mustangs, to every shape of car, van and truck capable of being driven on the road. Virtually the entire restoration process can be carried out in-house — from metal fabrication to a guaranteed paint finish — ensuring quality workmanship on every step along the way to a show-stopping classic car.
Unbeatable Guarantee
Matamata Panelworks have restored vehicles where virtually every panel has needed to be fabricated from scratch or replaced — in some instances, cars have been totally rebuilt from just a handful of original parts. Even if you just need the odd ding ‘removed’ from your classic car, Matamata Panelworks promise to do the job so well that you’ll never be able to even see the original damage.
Bump, Clang, Prang or Classic Restoration
Has your beloved classic car been in a smash? Matamata Panelworks guarantee to restore your car so close to showroom perfection that you will probably win awards — that’s exactly what happened to one of their recent clients.
Want to put their guarantee to the test? Matamata Panelworks are open to accept any challenge to their restoration skills — although, the reality is that no job is too big or too small; they love a challenge.
Read what past customers have to say about Matamata Panelworks’ previous restorations on www.panelworks.co.nz — their clients are often kind enough to write unsolicited testimonies or allow Matamata Panelworks’ to feature them on their website and other places. There, you can read some embarrassingly explicit praise — and, as owner, Malcolm Sankey says — “We are such humble guys we are blushing already!”
This article is from Classic Car issue 224. Click here to check it out.
