Details, it is all in the details.

Planning.  A plan is a list of things that don't happen.  Still, I go over the plan first.  Where do you want to go with this car?  What will you do with this car?  Is what you are asking me to do contrary to this plan? Don't laugh.  A show car is not handled the same as a driven vehicle, nor is a vintage race car put back to original factory condition and then expected to perform like the race version.  Your vision of your car is extremely important.  Its end use determines how and what I do. 

Deconstruction.  Not Dismantling.  Every project is carefully deconstructed.  Every nut, bolt, screw removed, bagged and tagged, and stored.  I do my best not to use power tools during this phase.  Even if I wont reuse a bolt, I want to have the original one there.  I try to restore, rebuild, and reuse as many original parts as possible, except when safety is a concern. 

Stripping and Cleaning.  Here, everything is taken down to bare metal.  Bodies and frames sandblasted, parts degreased, paint stripped.

Repair.  Now that I can see the true extent of the rust, the actual condition of the suspension, and get a feel for the condition of the driveline, repairs begin.  This is where true restoration starts. Each part is removed from its bag/box and inspected, evaluated and repaired or replaced. 

Refinishing.  After each component has been repaired, it needs to be refinished.  This step not only makes the parts beautiful, but protects them.  This is one of the key steps, and a detail that often goes overlooked.  In every case possible, I want the finish to be better than original, last longer, be stronger.  In some cases, originality trumps this philosophy, but taking care of each little part adds up to a better finished piece.

Reassembly.  Call this the payoff.  Sub-assemblies are beautifully detailed and finished.  Frames are painted or powdercoated, better than new.  Rust has been repaired right.  No shortcuts or quick fixes.  No rusty old fasteners used.  Either refinish the originals, or buy correct new ones.  Nothing ruins a project like a rusty bolt shoved back in, or a cheap hardware store nut that rusts over in a month.  Sure, the cost difference adds up, but if you are going to go this far, do it right, and you wont regret it.  Piece by piece, I put the car back together.  You end up with a fantastic looking and running vehicle, that will last.