Full Frame Off Restoration

For those customers who do not already know what is entailed in a full frame off restoration, we have listed the steps and processes necessary. A full frame off restoration requires the removal of the body from the frame and sometimes the complete disassembly of the vehicle. This process is performed in different phases and is not for person who has a limited budget for restoring their classic. A full frame off restoration if done properly can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on the vehicle and the work involved.

1. The vehicle is disassembled by removing the entire interior, which includes carpet, seats, door panels, headliner, dash and other accessories such as ashtrays, seat belts, and moldings. All parts are boxed in storage containers and marked with customer id#.
2. The exterior of the car is disassembled by removing the mirrors, chrome, bumpers, antenna, taillights, grills, headlights, emblems, windshield, back glass, and any other accessories. Additionally the doors are disassembled by removing the hardware such as handles, latches, weather-stripping etc. The vehicle panels are removed, doors, fenders, deck lid, hood, inner fender wells, bushings, etc. All items, excluding the vehicle panels are marked and boxed in storage containers. Any parts that are broken, badly weathered, or simply worn out are listed for replacement.
3. The vehicle is then prepared for stripping through our SodaBlast system. Once stripped all areas of heavy rust are documented by pictures and listing. For all areas where rust stains remain, the panels are metal prepped and cleaned. The entire project is then etched primed to prevent the metal from additional rusting while completing the rust removal and body repair phase.
4.  The vehicle is then moved to the shop area where rust removal and body repair can begin. Panels where bad rust areas exist are replaced with new panels. Such as floor pans, lower quarters, cowls, rocker panels, and lower door areas, where rust is more commonly found on older vehicles. These areas are cut out and new panels are welded in place. Once the cutting out and welding is completed, the areas are then etched primed again and prepared for body repair to remove the appearance of patching work. For those customers who wish to show their customs we suggest the use of all metal filler. Although quite expensive, this helps in retaining the value and points for show. Previous body repair is removed and area is reworked any filler necessary is replaced with all metal or fiberglass depending on customers request. Once all body repairs are completed the entire body and all parts are primed with a high quality primer. For darker paints a dark grey or black primer is used. For lighter colors a light yellow, grey or white primer is used. For custom colors this may vary depending on the required finish.
5.  The frame is blasted and prepared while the body is being repaired. Once clean and any areas repaired, the frame is painted with a high quality frame black or chassis black paint. Again if the owner is planning on showing the car, the frame is restored to its original look unless customizing is in the plan.
6.  The body and all parts are then sanded and blocked to prepare for paint. Once sanding is completed the body is checked for any imperfections such as chips, scratches, or cracking. These areas are reworked and repaired for a clean preparation. The entire body and parts are then re-primed and blocked a second time. If necessary the entire priming and blocking process is repeated for a straight clean surface preparation.
7.  The body and parts are then jammed. Jamming is the painting of the edges of the parts, firewall, inner fenders, inner deck lid, engine compartment(this is normally a different color from the car if customizing), under hood, door jams, inside trunk area, dash and all interior areas where paint is present.
8.  If requested the vehicle's underneath and frame can be coated with bed liner (tinted with the same color as the car or different if desired). Inner fender wells, and inside flooring as well.T his is suggested for those vehicles that are not for show but the owners want them to last for years to come. Undercoating with bed liner material cuts down on sound, heat and provides longer lasting protection against damages to the frame and the underneath
9.  The vehicle is then sent to the paint shop for painting. Here the outer metal is prepared for painting.Once the painting is completed, the vehicle is allowed to cure for 3 to 5 days before reassembly begins. Reassembly of all body parts, fenders, hood, truck lid, cowl, and inner fender wells (if applicable).The vehicle is then color sanded with 400to 600 grit sand paper and prepared for clear coating. Clear coat is applied and the vehicle is once again allowed to cure for 3 to 5 days.The vehicle is then color sanded again using 1500 or greater grit sandpaper and then buffed to a lustrous mirror finish. This step may require more than one buffing to receive a mirror shine.
10.  The vehicle is then reassembled to the frame and the replacing of the exterior parts, weather stripping molding and accessories. This step takes the most time as our employee stake the time necessary to avoid any damage to the finish.
11.  The interior is then reassembled either with the originally removed pieces, trim, carpet and upholstery, new materials purchased by the owner, or with reconditioned pieces and upholstery.
12.  The final step is the detailing of the vehicle once all assembly and buffing is completed. The vehicle is completely washed and detailed inside and out. All chrome pieces, bumpers, mirrors and wheels are cleaned and shined and the vehicle is prepared for delivery to the customer.

Should any modifications, customizing, or modernizing be necessary there will be additional steps added to the process which will increase the amount time needed to complete your project. Although, we try to provide our customers with a timeline for the completion of their classic, this is only an estimate of the time it will take and it may very well take longer for us to complete the job for full satisfaction.

“We take great pride in our work and do not rush any job for any reason.”