Restorations

When restoring vehicles to either an above average or world class competition condition it is important to understand both the estimated cost to restore the vehicle, and then compare that with the vehicle’s realistic value after the work is completed.

Unfortunately most enthusiasts make the mistake of over estimating the true value of  their vehicle when restored and do not allow for a worse case cost scenario to carry out the required work. For example, it is well known that it is a relatively simple process to mask or hide rust and rotting body work with a shiny new paint job and therefore the appearance of second hand vehicles do not always reflect their true condition.

This beautiful XJS required a small touch up on its bonnet, but after rubbing the area in question back to bare metal it was clear that it had an amazing 15 layers of paint. In this case, because the new chemicals would likely react with the old paint and dramatically shorten the life of the finish, it was necessary to remove the existing paint on the entire panel before applying a new coat.

 

It is therefore difficult to ascertain the true cost to restore body work until the paint is removed and the condition of the body shell inspected, unless of course the owner has a true record of the vehicle’s history. With this in mind Argyll work within each client’s budget to produce the car of their dreams at a realistic price while keeping the owner informed step by step.

 

 

Despite the unknown quality of the body shell the rest of the restoration can be quoted  quite realistically. Trim and wood work are not difficult to quote and both are easily replaced or repaired, the below photographs demonstrate replacement wood fabricated for the door skin of a 1920s Ford.
 

Parts, depending on the vehicle, can be sourced either locally or from around the world. Argyll often fly in parts from European countries and sometimes manufacture or repair the original impossible to replace parts. This De Dion Bouton is an excellent example of what can be achieved over a six month period when no replacement parts are available.

In general, when an enthusiast wishes to restore a vehicle that will win competitions, it is often more practical and price effective to purchase the best vehicle available and pull it apart, rather than purchase the cheapest and replace each part piece by piece.

The finished products