After receiving a new project, first thing to do is strip it down completely.
This is the only true way to evaluate the condition of the vehicle.
This enables us to inspect and repair any frame damage.
Easy access to run new fuel and brake lines.
Discarding the old worn out body mounts.
Blast the frame and chassis to reveal the bare metal below.
Another inspection after the blasting, any weak spots will be noticeable
Of course this is not done with fiberglass vehicles.
Any body panels that need replacing.
Fenders, Rear Quarters, even the roof
This is a shot of a Chevelle while mounted on the chassis rotisery on its side to show the extent of this repair.
The entire floor, from the firewall to rear including trunk were all replaced
This first reassembly is to "Mock up" the new panels.
Ensuring everything fits is key to straight and consistent lines.
Any "tweaking" is done before the first coat of primer
Tiny variations in the panels and chassis are corrected with a light coat or filler.
Without this, the final paint job would appear wavy.
These types of repairs are too small to correct any other way
Additionally, the protective coating of the new panels get sanded of to bear metal.
The best way to ensure a solid base coat is painted in pieces.
Any exposed metal that missed the base coat will rust instantly
Edges and insides are easy to get to when not on fully assembled.
This could be the first of many priming and sanding sessions, all depends on the condition of each vehicle
The chassis and panels get their first sanding "Blocked out".
Meanwhile the frame has been primed, then painted black.
For this we used the original semi-gloss OEM GM paint to keep with the "Original Restoration".
Any color or type can be used though.
The bottom and firewall of the vehicle is taped off and painted black.
Also using the OEM GM Paint
This is step we paint the door jams and hard to reach areas.
The paint is the color and type the vehicle will be painted in entirely
This is done before assembly due to the difficulty accessing these areas with a paint gun
The chassis is then reunited with the rebuilt frame.
Bolted into place with new body mounts and bolts
Before the final sanding, the vehicle is reassembled again.
With the chassis firmly bolted to the rebuilt frame, panel alignment and body lines are rechecked.
With the panel alignment and body lines good, another disassembling.
Wet sanding the final primer coat to a gloss will produce a flawless mirror like paint job.
After a final sanding inspection, the panels and chassis are ready for paint.
Areas not intended to get the primary color are taped off.
Chassis and panels are all painted at the same time, with the same material, in the same place.
This will eliminate the risk of varying shades of the color.
Painting with the decks and doors off will produce a smooth and singular coat on the chassis
At this point, we're in the home stretch.
All the panels, expect the hood, get replaced on the vehicle.
A final inspection on body lines and panel alignment is done.
Installing, lights, trim, motor, transmission and the interior will wrap the process up.
On average it takes about 300~500 hours to restore a vehicle, of course each vehicle is different.