Join Our Team: Experienced Panel Beater
Shape the Future of Preserving the Past with Finch Restorations
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Finch Restorations is Australia's premier vehicle restoration firm. We specialise in the complete body-off, ground-up restoration of Veteran to Modern-Classic era (1890-1990) cars, trucks, and motor-cycles, and we do much more!
We have a team of highly experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of all aspects of the restoration process. Our workshops are equipped with the technologies, tools, and equipment to ensure that projects are completed to the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
Celebrating six decades of excellence, we are excited to expand our team at our new flagship site at Hindmarsh, near the Adelaide CBD, dedicated to restoring the glory of classic, prestige, and vintage vehicles for the future generations.
Our New Branch
We are establishing a new flagship branch in Hindmarsh close to the Adelaide Enterainment Centre. A two stage process, we are currently establishing our Paint Shop in stage one. Stage two incorporates areas for restorations, repairs and maintenance, Trim Shop, and concierge vehicle storage.
This role will require being based in our Mount Barker branch for the first 4-6 months, for induction and training purposes, before subsequent transition to the new Hindmarsh branch.
The Role: Panel Beater
We seek a passionate and experienced Panel-Beater or (car) Coachbuilder to join our team to repair the rust and 'battle damage' accumulated on vehicles of 30-120 years of age, build new repair panels, and repair chassis.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Assess repair requirements of vehicles.
- Remove damaged panels, skins, and parts, upholstery, linings, and accessories to gain access.
- Straighten damaged vehicle bodies and chassis using mechanical and hydraulic equipment.
- Repair rust and accident damage on and vehicle bodies and chassis.
- Restore or replace metal, timber, plastic, and fibreglass body and chassis components.
- Fabricate rust repair panels with specialist tools.
- Cut and join vehicle panels using correct welding procedures.
- Repair dents with planishing hammers, dollies, and other specialist tools.
- Undertake metal shaping and lead-wiping/lead-loading.
- Repair dents and depressions, grind and sand repaired surfaces using power and hand tools.
- Refit and align panels. Reinstall body hardware upholstery, linings, and accessories.
- Assist Coachbuilders in constructing and restoring custom-designed, vintage and other specialty vehicles
- Assist with spray painting of vehicles.
About You
Your skills and attributes include:
- Being a Professional Panel-Beater with a demonstrable portfolio of high-quality projects.
- Having at least five years of experience (desirable).
- Holding an AQF Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology with at least two years of on-the-job training. Holding a AQF Certificate IV qualification would be well regarded but not essential.
- Experience restoring classic and/or vintage cars, trucks or motorcycles (desirable).
- Able to visualise the end-product, have a great eye for detail, and take great pride in your work.
- Commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, with a passion for preserving automotive history while embracing future technologies.
- Being an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen, or holding (or are eligible to hold) a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Other automotive skillsets, for example coachbuilding, chassis fabrication, and/or timber cabinet making, would be highly regarded.
Why Choose Finch Restorations?
At Finch Restorations, we're not just restoring cars; we're preserving history while innovating for the future. You'll join a dedicated team of artisans who share your passion for automotive excellence. We offer a creative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the unique chance to work on some of the most iconic vehicles in history.
Opportunities: With over two dozen personnel, Finch Restorations can offer great opportunities for craftspeople with the right experience, skills, and attitude to make their marks as professional restorers and remanufacturers of classic and historical vehicles.
Multi-skilled team: Our team is multi-skilled and has a passion for preserving and restoring classic and historic vehicles and knowledge sharing allows you to grow your own skill set.
Crafts-based environment: We work on a broad range of vehicles in a diverse, skilled, crafts-based environment.
Work-life balance: We offer a better work-life balance with flexible work arrangements with options of 9-day fortnights.
Apply Now
If you're ready to contribute to our legacy of automotive excellence and innovation, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your Resume via email to
Let's drive into the future together, preserving the past.
