Bringing Back Old Beauties: 3 Classic Car Restoration Conditions and the Role of the Auto Body Shop
There is nothing like celebrating the great beauty of classic cars. Not only are they a throwback to the past, but they are a time capsule of American engineering and ingenuity. Setting your eyes on a Ford Model A or classic Corvette arouses nostalgia for a time long gone but also admiration for the engineers and designers that came before us and set the path towards unforgettable vehicles. From the Ford Mustang to the Model A to the Bel-Air and Ford Thunderbird, the list of old beauties is plentiful. An entire swath of the country is captivated by these cars and aficionados often spend years and (not to mention) thousands of dollars restoring these classic models so as to keep their unique charm alive, even in the 21st century.
So what is car restoration all about?
Here at Sergio Lewis Body Shop, we have a love and affinity for fine auto body work. It’s a craft, after all. So let’s take a look at what it takes to restore one of these fine relics of the past and make them fuel-burning- spark-inducing- mechanical members of the car population of the 21st century.
The Classic Car Restoration Industry and Why Auto Body Shops Matter
In a previous post, we outlined some of America’s most beloved classic cars and some of the most sought-after models. This included many models throughout the decades and some of the most important from the 60s such as the Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro. So why do car aficionados spend the time and money for a restoration? What is the drive behind this movement (no pun intended)?
Ok, maybe pun intended.
The Driving Experience:
Most car lovers will admit that a vehicle is not just a commodity or necessity to drive to work or to get from point A to point B. Driving is much more than that. Driving is an experience. The way the car feels, its capacity for speed, the engine, down to the last vibration matter a whole lot.
Driving an older car vs. driving a new car is an entirely different ball game. Car lovers see driving older models as a much more intense and unique experience. There are no computerized brakes, no blind-spot indicators, and no automatic transmission. The experience of driving, say, an old Charger means that man and machine become one. In other words, it takes some knowledge and skill to operate the vehicle optimally.
The Driving Identity:
Drivers of restored cars feel it’s a form of expression to get on the road in their fully revitalized El Camino and show the world that the past is not dead. The vehicles that have captured the imagination of car designers and lovers for decades are alive and well in our streets. For drivers, taking their old beauty out for a stroll is a statement of personal freedom and creativity.
The Role of Auto Body Shops
While many car enthusiasts work out of their garage, man caves, or personal car shops, most will employ the use of a professional auto body repair shop such as Sergio Lewis Body Shop. Body repair shops assist with the nitty-gritty details and some of the most difficult work that comes right at the start. The “restoration” process involves many levels and types of renovations.
Some of these essential tasks include:
- Disassembling old parts of the car body and replacing them with newer components, perhaps newer and more resistant materials
- Straighten out the antique vehicle’s frame
- Restoring doors and door frames while maintaining the original shape
- Restoring the dashboard and seats
- Custom paint job
- Fixing dents without invasive techniques
The Different Restoration Levels
Not all restorations are made the same. In the world of car enthusiasts, the bar for full restoration is set pretty high. So most people that are in the business (or hobby) of fixing up old or vintage cars know that there are various restoration levels.
Driving condition level:
This is level one in the restoration world, although not even this level is for the faint of heart. Restoring a classic or vintage car to proper working condition is a task in and of itself. Often these cars require engine rebuilds, complicated part replacement, or more. For driving condition level, aesthetics are put on the back burner for pure functionality and mobility.
Street show level:
Most local communities will have some form of a car show in their local vicinity. This may be held in a Coliseum or a used car lot that hosts the show. At this level, you’re looking to impress the casual fan and thus require a little more attention to the aesthetic details.
Car show level:
This level is what separates the boys from the men (or the girls from the women), figuratively speaking. At car show level, your vehicle must impress the professionals that have a trained eye and a critic’s pen. This level impresses beyond looks and performance, this level requires expertise, attention to every level of the car, and a touch of personality (all historically fit and accurate).
Need Professional Restoration Work? Call Sergio Lewis Body Shop & Achieve a Whole New Driving Experience
We know all about the driving experience here at Sergio Lewis Body Shop. Whether you’re restoring an old beauty for driving condition or car show condition, our experienced techs have the tools and skills to do the job right. We don’t just work on classic cars, of course. If your vehicle is simply in need of body work after an accident or fender bender, we’re here for you too!
Whatever your auto body needs, the Sergio Lewis team and body shop have got your back. Call the shop today for more information about our services and what we do.
