Relative Restoration

09/02/2026

There is much more to restoring a vehicle than the general public often realizes.

Once the car has been completely disassembled, the paint stripped, fabrication and metalwork completed, and the panels properly scuffed, we can finally begin the process of preparing the body for paint.

First comes body filler.
Body filler is used to refine and perfect the surface, creating straight, consistent bodylines and a smooth foundation. This is where many hours of sanding, shaping, checking, and re-sanding go into making the body as straight and uniform as possible.

Next comes Polyspray.
Polyspray helps further refine the surface after the initial sanding process. It fills and levels minor imperfections and provides a uniform surface to continue the preparation process before primer.

Then comes primer.
Primer seals and protects the surface, helps prevent corrosion, and provides a consistent foundation for the paint. Once the primer has cured, the entire car is carefully sanded again with fine-grit paper. Every panel is inspected and refined to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth, uniform surface.

Finally, the car is ready for the paint booth.

Before any paint is applied, the vehicle receives a thorough cleaning and wipe-down. Special tack rags are used to remove dust and other contaminants that could affect the final finish.

Then the magic begins.

But we're not done yet.

Once the car comes out of the booth with its fresh paint, the finish is carefully inspected. The entire vehicle is wet sanded with progressively finer grits to level the surface and remove minor imperfections and texture before the final polishing process.

The final step is buffing and waxing.

This is a delicate process that requires patience and technique. Done properly, it brings the paint to the deep, glossy, mirror-like finish that every paint technician strives for.

And this is just one part of restoring a vehicle.

A quality restoration takes time, determination, patience, and an incredible amount of attention to detail. What may look like a simple, beautiful paint job when the car is finished is actually the result of countless hours of preparation, inspection, sanding, correcting, and refining.

The finished car may get all the attention, but it's the work you don't see that makes the finished product possible.

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

Those internal debates, we all have them. One side tells you yes, while the other is telling you no.

08/26/2026

The Chevrolet Corvette has evolved through eight generations, from the classic C1 of 1953 to the modern mid-engine C8, each reflecting distinct design, performance, and technological milestones.

C1 (1953–1962)
The first Corvette, introduced in 1953, was a hand-built fiberglass roadster with a 150-horsepower inline-six engine and two-speed automatic transmission, marking America’s first true sports car.

C2 (1963–1967)
Known as the Sting Ray, the C2 introduced the split-window coupe in 1963, independent rear suspension, and sharper styling . This generation emphasized handling and performance, with V8 engines becoming standard and the Corvette gaining a strong racing pedigree.

C3 (1968–1982)
The “Shark” era featured long, swooping fenders, pop-up headlights, and big-block V8 power. The C3 reflected the muscle car era, with styling influenced by the Mako Shark concept and a focus on aggressive aesthetics and high performance.

C4 (1984–1996)
The C4 marked a technological revolution, introducing a digital dashboard, improved aerodynamics, and the ZR-1 “King of the Hill” performance model. It used a unibody Y-body platform and emphasized precision handling and modern electronics.

C5 (1997–2004)
The C5 debuted a modern chassis, rear-mounted transaxle, and LS1 engine, offering race-inspired suspension and improved balance. This generation focused on combining performance with everyday usability.

C6 (2005–2013)
C6 refined the Corvette’s aggression with exposed headlights, stronger LS2/LS3 engines, and the first Z06 with an aluminum frame. It balanced high performance with improved structural rigidity and modern styling.

C7 (2014–2019)
The C7 featured an aluminum-intensive body, advanced electronics, and the LT4 supercharged V8 in Z06 form. It represented the pinnacle of front-engine Corvette performance before the mid-engine transition.

C8 (2020–Present)
The current generation introduced a mid-engine layout, dual-clutch transmission, and performance rivaling exotic supercars at a fraction of the cost. The C8 represents a radical shift in Corvette philosophy, emphasizing supercar-level handling and acceleration.

08/24/2026

Watch Nate lay down that Blue Suede Blue on this Firebird.

Painting a car is a long and timely process. The results make it all worth it.

08/21/2026

When a customer says, "She’s got some rust, but that’s just surface stuff from the barn moisture."

From a customer’s perspective, a barn‑stored car *looks* like it shouldn’t take much work to restore. A little dust, a little rust, maybe a mouse nest, nothing too scary at first glance.

But here’s the truth: you can’t judge the real condition of a classic just by looking at it. Even if it sat in a barn, under a tarp, or “protected from the weather,” unless that barn was in the middle of a desert, the car has been quietly rusting for years. Moisture, temperature swings, critters, and time all do their work.

From a restoration tech’s perspective, the real story doesn’t show itself until the teardown begins. Once the paint comes off and the panels come apart, that “surface rust” often reveals deeper issues like hidden rot, weakened metal, and surprises no one could see from the outside.

But that’s the magic and the challenge of restoring a vehicle: every car/truck has a story, and you don’t truly know it until you start peeling back the layers.

08/20/2026

Yesterday was a wonderful day! We were delighted to host our small annual car show for the Toro team from the UK, who made a brief visit. It's always a fantastic time with such great people! Also, thank you to all who took some time out of their day to come show off their vehicle!

08/19/2026

Sometimes the trim doesn't need to be replaced with a new one; often, it just needs a little bit of polish to look its best again. Think of it like refreshing an old piece of furniture, instead of discarding it, a good cleaning and buffing can bring back its shine and beauty. This can involve some time and patience and include tasks such as washing off dirt, buffing out light scratches, or removing small rust spots. By giving the trim a bit of attention, you can restore the trims appearance without the cost and effort of a full replacement. 🤩✨🫶

08/17/2026

All of us employees at the shop when a vehicle comes fresh out of the paint booth. 🙌🤯🛻