Full Restorations
Delivering vehicles in a better condition than they were when they rolled off the assembly line.
Classic Restoration Process
The time to restore your classic car is now. You’ve been looking at the auto restoration pictures. You’ve been eyeing the shiny custom car paint at the muscle car shows. It’s time to stop turning your head every time you hear an antique car’s engine purr, and instead be the one making heads turn! And the best part? Cimtex Rod's renowned classic car restoration team makes restoring or customizing your dream car easier and more affordable than you ever thought possible.
Cimtex Rods is an auto restoration shop that is truly passionate about each and every classic car, antique car, custom hot rod and muscle car restoration project we perform. We are nationally known for our quality craftsmanship, accurate upfront estimates and unmatched personal customer service. Our professional car restoration and customization team works with you to determine exactly how you want your car restored. We photograph and document each project online so you can follow along with your automobile’s progress!
We know that every car is different – and every owner is different. So the most important part of our process starts with understanding what you want. Make an appointment, and we’ll listen to you. What comes out of these conversations is a plan – and from the plan, an estimate of cost and time to complete. With so many options for restoration and customization, we want to make sure we get it right.
What are the possibilities? Almost limitless. We work on all makes and models of classic cars built between 1920 and 1979. That includes driving cars, muscle cars, and show cars, complete restorations and extreme customs. We work with our hands, with custom machinery, and with computers. We do complete rebuilds and partials, including rust remediation, painting, interiors, engine overhauls, even exotic stereo installations.
The Restoration Process
Equipped and qualified to handle every stage of any restoration, Cimtex Rods delivers the professional results your valued automobile deserves. We realize the importance of a budget and so we work within the framework you provide. Only after the car has been stripped are we able to see the extent of repairs required and we continue to work closely with our customers to produce the quality of restoration it deserves.
Phase 1 - Intake
During the intake process we invite you to visit our facilities to meet our team members before sitting down together to review the vehicle goals and objectives. If you are unable to meet on-site it is no problem to make arrangements via conference call or video conferencing.
We take the necessary time to fully understand the entire scope of the project by identifying all the needs of the vehicle and balancing that with your requests as a client. Through this initial step we identify challenges, set preliminary scheduling for major project milestones, complete the pre-disassembly, photograph the vehicle, begin any research, and identify trim fitment issues in order to acquire materials for the disassembly and body 1 phase.
Phase 2 - Disassembly
This step includes the removal and evaluation of all vehicle components, fasteners and parts to identify correct and incorrect items. Within this phase we also delegate all internal accountabilities and draft part and material orders.
Phase 3 - Components
Any part which is more complex than a standard fastener is considered a component. All components are reconditioned in-house and bench tested prior to reassembly. This process begins after disassembly and is carried out until the assembly phase begins.
Phase 4 - Stripping/Blasting
Paint 1 is our paint removal process which is based on project requirements and can include chemical, mechanical and blasted media processes.
Phase 5 - Metal Fabrication
This is our first milestones and important decisions are made with you at this time. At this point we invite you to visit our facility and see your vehicle in its raw form. We use this phase to outline repairs to be performed.
Within this stage we execute corrosion repairs, panel form corrections as well as fit doors, lids, glass and trim. The suspension can also be fitted with the wheels and tires to verify clearances as required.
This stage helps to determine the overall projected cost of the project.
Phase 6 - Trim
In order to expedite our processes more efficiently we perform the metal fabrication and trim phases simultaneously. All notations made during the intake phase are applied to pre-fitted trim components and any adjustments or repairs are completed.
Phase 7 - Paint
This is our second milestone involving the paint color selection.
This phase involves the painting of the inner body, exterior body and chassis. Prior to the color application there is a number of “pre” paint steps that are performed to ensure our quality standards are being met. First, we start with corrosion prevention of bare metal surfaces, next is an epoxy coating prior to any filler work, seems are welded, and repairs treated to prevent flaws in the final color coat. All repaired and rough fit trim is placed for a final fitting prior to color application. Finally, a color coat application is applied to primary polish.
Phase 8 - Assembly
The assembly process is where the fruits of our team’s efforts begin to show. As it implies, this is the phase where all the existing, repaired and new parts of the vehicle are put back together. In addition to the assembly, initial discussions of the upholstery work can begin in this phase.
Phase 9 - Upholstery
This is the third milestone. Early on in the assembly phase we will begin talking about finalizing carpet and leather selections. You will be invited back to the shop to see the progress first-hand as well as to select the upholstery colors to coordinate with the painted car.
Phase 10 - Refinement
Our rule of thumb is 5/50/500. We test drive your finished vehicle these distances with full safety inspections and tuning minded alterations performed between 5 and 50 miles. Once we have covered 500 miles, your vehicle will perform better than intended by the original manufacturer. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of this phase due to how it affects your impression of the vehicle’s place in your collection and our overall service.
Phase 11 - Release
This is when the fun begins. We are allowed the opportunity to re-introduce you to your vehicle at the venue of your choosing. Many of our projects are debuted at major concours events across the nation. If rejoining your collection is its final destination, logistical arrangements can be made and carried out by our team. We provide a flash drive with all relevant photographs and documents of your project as well as a binder crafted as a gift from our team to yours.