FAQ: What are the key stages of a vehicle restoration?

A full vehicle restoration is an intricate process requiring precision, expertise, and a methodical approach. At Finch Restorations, we follow these key stages to ensure the highest quality outcome:

1. Transport and Receival – Your vehicle is carefully transported to our facility. Upon arrival, we conduct a detailed evaluation of its condition, photograph key areas, and document all parts. This crucial step ensures that every component is accounted for before work begins.
2. Mock-ups and Modifications – For vehicles that arrive in pieces, we perform a loose assembly to confirm fitment and identify any missing or incorrect parts. If the restoration includes modifications, we finalise design plans and undertake major structural or hotwork modifications before disassembly.
3. Disassembly – The vehicle is systematically dismantled to the extent required by the agreed scope. Each part is catalogued, labelled, and stored appropriately, ensuring everything is traceable for later reassembly.
4. Body Phase:
   1. Stripping – All old paint, body filler, and protective coatings (such as schutz) are removed from the body shell and loose panels, revealing the true condition of the underlying metal.
   2. Rust and Damage Repairs – The body is meticulously inspected, and any rust, corrosion, cracks, or structural weaknesses are repaired using traditional metalworking techniques and modern fabrication methods.
   3. Priming – Once repairs are completed, the body is primed with high-quality coatings to protect against future corrosion and to prepare it for final painting.
5. Systems Phase:
   1. Rolling Chassis Systems – We restore and rebuild critical rolling chassis components, including the steering, suspension, and braking systems, ensuring the vehicle will handle and perform as intended.
   2. Power Train Systems – The engine, gearbox, and drivetrain components are fully rebuilt or overhauled to achieve optimal performance and reliability.
   3. MEFEC Systems – All mechanical, electrical, fluid, electronic, and control systems are restored or replaced. This includes fuel delivery, wiring looms, lighting, cooling systems, and any necessary upgrades.
   4. Outfit Systems – We restore all interior and exterior aesthetic and functional elements, including upholstery, timber trims, veneers, dashboard instrumentation, hardware, and brightwork.
6. Body Painting – The body undergoes professional refinishing in accordance with the client’s specifications. This stage is typically performed immediately after the body phase and often runs concurrently with the restoration of systems.
7. Sub-Assembly – We progressively reassemble the rolling chassis to a stage where the chassis-frame (or unibody) is structurally complete and ready for basic operational testing. At this point, major systems are installed and checked.
8. Final Assembly – The restored components, including mechanical, electrical, interior, and exterior systems, are carefully reunited with the body to bring the vehicle back to its complete form.
9. Completion, Testing, and Delivery – Once fully assembled, the vehicle undergoes extensive fine-tuning, testing, and road trials to ensure reliability, safety, and performance. After passing final inspections, the completed restoration is presented to you, ready to be enjoyed.

Not all projects require a full restoration. Many restoration and refurbishment jobs involve only a selection of these stages, tailored to meet the client’s needs and the vehicle’s condition.