Our Restoration System
Finch Restorations, established in 1965, is Australia's oldest vehicle restoration business. For over 60 years, we have been at the forefront of the vehicle restoration industry. We specialise in the repair and restoration of Veteran to Modern Classic era (1905 to 1990) cars, trucks, and motor-cycles. We are award-winning specialists in performing complete body-off and ground-up restorations.
Our Restoration Gateways
Starting a vehicle restoration project with Finch Restorations is a careful and detailed process aimed at celebrating your vehicle’s history while achieving your personal goals. Our organised approach ensures that we consider every aspect, from evaluating your vehicle's condition to defining the scope of work, choosing the restoration method, and managing the project's timeline.
Before we begin the restoration, it’s essential to establish clear objectives. We can assist you in identifying and articulating these goals through a series of key decisions.
We’re here to ask the right questions and help you clarify your objectives without pressuring you into a specific direction. By exploring the 'gateways' outlined below, you can navigate a logical sequence of steps that will lead you, as the current owner, to develop a comprehensive Project Plan.
Gateway 1 – Initial Assessment
Is my vehicle appropriate for restoring?
Before starting a restoration, take a moment to reflect on your reasons for undertaking the project and whether your vehicle is a good candidate for restoration.
Once you understand the vehicle's personal significance, conduct a condition assessment. It's best to lift the vehicle on a hoist for a comprehensive inspection.
If the vehicle cannot be moved, we can arrange for it to be transported to our workshop. Alternatively, you can send us a large number of detailed photos for evaluation.
Gateway 2 – Restoration Route
Should I restore, modify, enhance, or preserve?
The ‘Restoration Route’ gateway is where you decide the best path for your vehicle: restoration, conservation-preservation, modification, or a blend of these options.
When selecting the restoration route, you must weigh various factors, including originality, authenticity, appearance, presentation, safety, performance, and functionality.
Gateway 3 – Restoration Scope
How deeply do I want to restore my vehicle?
The third gateway focuses on defining the scope of the restoration by examining our step-by-step system.
While we specialise in complete ground-up restorations, we can also concentrate on specific areas, such as upholstery or bodywork, especially if you have already dismantled the vehicle.
Gateway 4 – Project Velocity
How quickly do I want the project to proceed?
We carry out restoration projects in a series of stages known as Sprints, which help us divide large, complex tasks into manageable parts.
Right from the start, we consult with our clients to understand their preferred spending rate and cash flow. We refer to this as the project's velocity.
Gateway 5 – Parts Purchasing
Who is buying vehicle parts?
For newer and popular vehicles, a thriving aftermarket exists for replacement parts that are no longer made or supported by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). However, parts for older and rarer vehicles are becoming increasingly hard to find. New Old Stock (NOS) for these makes and models may have been depleted long ago.
We provide you with the option to source and supply your own vehicle-specific parts promptly. Alternatively, we are more than happy to leverage our extensive experience to help you find those elusive parts.
Gateway 6 – Initiate Project
Ready to start?
When you feel prepared to embark on your project, we will take the necessary steps to create a comprehensive project document that outlines all of your selections and preferences. Alongside this, we will issue a deposit invoice to facilitate the process. Additionally, we will develop a detailed project plan to ensure everything runs smoothly. Once these preparations are complete, we will promptly initiate the restoration process, bringing your vision to life.
