DPM Autobody

DPM Autobody Classic car restoration

With the sad news of the 262 engine loosing compression after a new faulty fuel pump caused over fuelling and washed out...
02/09/2026

With the sad news of the 262 engine loosing compression after a new faulty fuel pump caused over fuelling and washed out the bores (non rebuilt engine at clients wish)

Simon has been busy pulling the engine out and rebuilding it. Some rotten luck for the client as the engine is a low mileage runner but restoring old cars is never easy and issues arise - luckily the car is in safe hands and soon to be on the road

Heads back from machine shop and now in the trusted hands of Simon for reassembly. First start this week and then we can continue with shakedown tests before returning to the client

Rebuild.With the P1800 shell and panels now into final paint we can begin the reassembly of all the components and the h...
26/08/2026

Rebuild.

With the P1800 shell and panels now into final paint we can begin the reassembly of all the components and the heart of the car.

A freshly built B18 awaits all the refurbed components that have been restored in house. All suspension components fitted with new bushes and bearings ready for installation with all new fresh zinc hardware

Nothing over looked. Nothing left untouched.

Final paint.All those hours of meticulous preparation finally get a chance to shine.This P1800 example commissioned in a...
19/08/2026

Final paint.

All those hours of meticulous preparation finally get a chance to shine.

This P1800 example commissioned in a beautiful 3 stage pearl white. From a distance looks close to original colour and then the sun hits and the pearl pops

With a set paint process for all our restorations this tried and tested method along with trusted brands ensures the quality we strive for

Now to sit for a couple of weeks before we start the flat and polishing process to perfect the paint finish

The Bentley S3 chassis rebuild underwayA full rebuild on this coach built car is far from easy. Add in the fact it was n...
17/08/2026

The Bentley S3 chassis rebuild underway

A full rebuild on this coach built car is far from easy. Add in the fact it was not stripped down by ourselves and the firm due to rebuild dropped the job which has now been passed onto ourselves to help the client finish the restoration.

Missing parts, unlabelled hardware and limited dismantling photos means we have our work cut out

Studying the archive parts lists for diagrams and specs is proving rather helpful!

The most rewarding stage of any restoration is when they approach the final paint stages. Seeing the hundreds, sometimes...
14/08/2026

The most rewarding stage of any restoration is when they approach the final paint stages. Seeing the hundreds, sometimes thousands of hours of metal work and prep finally flourish.
This early P1800 now entering this stage after underside and cockpit paint. Finished in a pearl white commissioned by the client to add a slightly more modern finish and their own personal touch to what will be a stunning example

Workshop Wednesday! The P1800 restoration moves into spray filler after body levelling. All lines and gaps refined far b...
08/07/2026

Workshop Wednesday!

The P1800 restoration moves into spray filler after body levelling. All lines and gaps refined far beyond the standard they left the factory.

When we restore cars we aren’t just returning them to a factory standard we are improving all the areas that are substandard in our eyes

This current example is going to an exceptional example

Was also Kallum’s first run of Spray filler and a fabulous job he did!

Workshop Wednesday! Not that up to date as been behind with taking photos! Busy pushing through the in depth flat and po...
24/06/2026

Workshop Wednesday!

Not that up to date as been behind with taking photos!
Busy pushing through the in depth flat and polishing on one of our restorations. 5 grades all by hand and finished with 3000 & 6000 via sander, when the best is the goal this is the only way and the results speak for themselves.

The rebuild to my Hillman imp is under way to get her back on her wheels before final exterior paint. Again all new and refurbed components and fresh zinc hardware!

A lovely 911 joins us for a little accident repair while the Golf Rallye awaits collection after a final polish.

Now for a cold shower after the joys of the heat today!

Workshop Wednesday! Simon is still on the rebuild of the 262 - headlights and dash and ancillaries all in and running up...
27/05/2026

Workshop Wednesday!

Simon is still on the rebuild of the 262 - headlights and dash and ancillaries all in and running up to temperature as well as remaking door looms to ensure everything going back is in tip top condition

Paul and Kallum have finalised block sanding the spray filler on the next restoration and moved onto seam sealing the underside and interior. Every single joint carefully sealed by hand to ensure a neat yet effective seal. First stage of paint following next

Myself has got the GTR all painted and flat and polished ready to sit for a bit before heading out for PPF

We also got a chance to get the P1800 outside for some photos now that metal work has finished. Few trims marked for modification to ensure a flowing finish to match the body. Now to strip down and prepare for epoxy

Workshop Wednesday! Myself and Paul have been finalising the levelling work to our next big restoration and getting it m...
13/05/2026

Workshop Wednesday!

Myself and Paul have been finalising the levelling work to our next big restoration and getting it masked ready for spray filler. Paul has also got the GTR repaired and prepped ready for a date with the spray booth.

Simon has got the wiring in the 262 and working through the long tangle of previous shoddy wiring repairs and ensuring each component refitted is tested and restored prior to fitting

Kallum is currently on holiday the ba*tard - however he finalised all the panel gapping to the P1800 while I fettle the front end to fit. Then we move onto chrome test fits and levelling. Guys have made a fabulous job of this shell considering the state it was in

Workshop Wednesday! Myself and Kallum have been busy with the spot welder and Tig welder fitting up the exterior panels ...
06/05/2026

Workshop Wednesday!

Myself and Kallum have been busy with the spot welder and Tig welder fitting up the exterior panels to the P1800 restoration. Even with new panels available they require a soft (hard at times) fettling to fit correctly. Factory spec spot welds always help complete a concours restoration.

Simon is pushing through on the rebuild on the 262 with all brake and fuel lines fitted. The wheels are back from refurb and bumpers overhauled and on - first time the car has been on its wheels in a year so always a lovely sight

Paul and my dad have been busy removing the PPF and prepping the GTR for a full repaint - we don’t tend to get involved with modern vehicles but I do have a soft spot for these - especially ones we have looked after prior

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Polegate

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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