Classic car restoration
Classic car restoration in Portsmouth
We’ve been repairing cars on Claybank Road since 1970. Panel work, rust repair, original parts and paint, done with the time a classic needs.
- Family-run since 1970Claybank Road, PO3
- Panel work and rust repairRot cut out and repaired
- Original partsSourced where they can be found
- Mon–Fri, 8am–5pmClosed weekends
What’s involved
in a classic restoration
Bodywork for classics, done properly.
Restoring a classic is mostly patient, careful bodywork. On older cars the real condition often only shows when the paint and filler come off, so we look closely before agreeing what needs doing.
Some jobs are a single panel and a respray; others are a car taken back to bare metal. We’ll talk it through with you before any work starts.
Not sure where to start? Tell us the make, model and year and what you’d like done. We’ll talk it through and look at the car with you before anything is agreed.
- Workshop
- Family-run since 1970
- Parts
- Original where found
- The work
- Agreed before we start
01What we restore
The work a classic usually needs
Every car is different. These are the jobs that come up most.
Rotten metal cut out and repaired, rather than covered over.
What’s involved
- ExtentOften shows once paint and filler come off.
- Repair firstBefore any paint goes on.
Dents taken out, and panels repaired or replaced.
What’s involved
- RepairWhere the original can be saved.
- ReplacementWhere it can’t.
Where original panels, trims and badges can be found, we source them.
What’s involved
- ExampleOne customer’s 40-year-old BMW had an original front panel sourced and fitted.
The details that finish a car: windscreen trims, badges and brightwork.
What’s involved
- Refit or replaceAs part of the job.
Cars stripped, prepared and painted, often from bare metal.
What’s involved
- RelatedResprays & paintwork
02How it works
Starting a restoration
- 1
Tell us about the car
Make, model, year, what you’d like done, and a few photos.
- 2
We see the car
We look at it with you and talk through its condition.
- 3
Agree the work
We agree what’s being done and what it’s likely to involve.
- 4
The work begins
We keep you updated as the car comes back together.
03Our work
Classics we’ve restored
04Good to know
Before you start
Every classic is different
On older cars the real condition often only shows when the paint and filler come off. We’ll give you a realistic idea once we’ve seen the car.
Bring what you know
Previous work, receipts and photos all help us understand the car before we start.
Come and see us
Call 023 9266 2244 to arrange a time to bring the car to Claybank Road.
Questions we’re asked
How long does a classic car restoration take?
It depends entirely on the car and the work. A panel repair and respray is a very different job from a full restoration, and on an older car the real condition often only shows once the paint and filler come off. We’ll give you a realistic idea once we’ve seen the car, and keep you updated as the work goes on.
Can you source original panels and parts?
Where they’re available, yes. One of our customers wrote about us sourcing a replacement original front panel for their 40-year-old BMW.
Do you work on cars that aren’t on this page?
Yes. The cars here are examples. Tell us the make, model and year, and what you’d like done.
Can I bring the car for you to look at?
Yes. Send us a few details and photos first, or call us on 023 9266 2244 to arrange a time.
Tell us about your classic
Make, model and year, what you’d like done, and a few photos if you have them. We’ll come back to you to talk it through.