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| RESTORATION PROCESS |
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| A word or two on what we consider constitutes a full
restoration may not go amiss, as we see a great deal of poor quality work. |
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STAGE 1
We strip a car completely with every single component removed, first taking scores
of photographs, drawing enough sketches to fill a small book and recording key
measurements to assist with such jobs as re-aligning doors. The shell would then
be paint stripped by hand, the underseal removed by mechanical means and/or heat
and then shot blasted to remove all traces of rust, underseal and paint. |
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STAGE 2:
The next step is to apply temporary coat of
epoxy etch primer to ensure rust doesn't start
again, followed by re-fabrication and repair
work including jigging to ensure an untwisted
body. After lead loading or filling as appropriate
further priming is then required before the car
is ready for final surfacing and finishing. We
always use 2-pack materials, preferring their
durability to the softer and never fully hard
cellulose. With a final flatting and polishing it
is difficult to tell from original finishes,
We always completely finish the body shell
before assembly starts. |
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STAGE 3
Whilst the body is proceeding we will be
working on the mechanical components, with
the emphasis on restoration rather than
replacement. Techniques involved obviously
depend on the particular item in question, and
the degree of deterioration that it has suffered.
We make use of powder coating, stove
enamelling and zinc, nickel and chrome plating.
At the moment most engine machining, such as
reboring and crank grinding is sub-contacted. |
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STAGE 4
Some trim work is sub-contacted but we also
have an in-house trimmer. We use sound
deadening materials almost identical in look to
the original Porsche fittings but provide a superior
sound attenuation. Carpets or rubber mats,
leather, and leatherette are then selected, as
appropriate. Matching original colours and
textures is never easy but we put a big effort
into this and can now produce effects largely
indistinguishable from original. |
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STAGE 5
It is the final re-assembly that can make or
break a restoration. Making doors fit, windows
to wind easily and sealing rubbers to perform
as intended are, in our experience, the hardest
part of any restoration. But perhaps of equal
importance is the re-commissioning to make
sure all systems operate satisfactorily, and
that any teething troubles (and there are sure
to be some) are discovered before the
customer takes delivery of their car. |
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RESTORATION PROCESS |
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