High End Restoration vs. Rebuild
At Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we're proud to work with a diverse array of customers who bring in an ever greater array of classic cars. Some of these cars are in good condition, but most are in need of some work and finishing touches to return them to their former glory or even to make them look and act better than they ever have. One of the biggest questions we get from customers with a classic or vintage vehicle that's seen a bit of wear and tear is whether they should go for a high end restoration or rebuild (resto-mod). Following is a quick look at the differences between these two forms of work, both of which are services our team offers at our Austin automotive shop:
Rebuild or Resto-mod
Owners of classic cars or vintage hot rods who want to restore the look of their vehicle, yet wish to enjoy modern amenities and/or a cheaper end price often choose what we call a rebuild or resto-mod. The primary difference between a rebuild and a high end restoration is a less stringent focus on original factory specifications.
This type of work aims is to restore the vehicle to aesthetically appear similar to its original look model year debut. However, a closer look under the hood and at the dash will showcase more modern amenities. Because of the greater flexibility in parts and reduced adherence to factory specifications, rebuild or resto-mod projects tend to cost less than an authentic high end restoration project.
An excellent example of a rebuild that came out of our shop is this 1939 "Olds Cool" Oldsmobile that won Detroit's Ridler Award in 2016 and Reno, Nevada's Hot August Nights Cup. Owned by Billy and Debbie Thomas of Robstown, Texas, this beautiful vehicle received quite the overhaul (with over 90% of its original body panels having been reworked) while still adhering to the look and feel of the historic Oldsmobile the owners really loved.
High End Restoration
The goal of the high end restoration of a classic car is to return the vehicle to its original condition, or at least to do so as closely as possible. An authentic high end restoration project is a significant undertaking which tends to be more on the expensive and time-consuming side.
When we take on a high end restoration project, our team begins with a full inspection and strips the vehicle down as needed. We will then go piece-by-piece to restore the vehicle to its original specifications so that its looks and performance are both outstanding. This includes inspecting for and correcting deficiencies like rusted floor pans, cobbled electrical systems, worn out housing, and instances of prior low quality work as well as replacing any off-brand products with authentic replacements. The goal of our high end restoration work is to take the classic car back to the look and feel it had when it originally rolled off the assembly line floor.
Contact Our Team to Learn More
For more information about the nitty gritty differences between high end restorations and custom rebuilds, contact our shop either online or by calling at 512-843-5890. Our team of experienced and creative professionals are always eager to take on new projects and to build (and re-build) the finest, most road-worthy automobiles possible.