Do you have a hidden gem in your garage? Is there a classic car in your hands begging to be brought back to life? Were you handed down an automotive heirloom?

If you find yourself with a classic piece of automotive engineering, it would be such a waste to let it sit and rust in your garage. You can restore it to its former glory with the help of a reputable automotive service centre that also specialises in classic car restoration.

Back to Life

Whether you have a first-generation Bentley Continental GT, a 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing, or an iconic 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, a reliable car service centre with skilled professionals can surely conduct a quality restoration job.

Equipped with the latest tools and equipment and coupled with top-notch customer service, you can rest assured that your gem of a car will be given a new lease on life. There are even service centres out there that offer to pick up your car, conduct an extensive vehicle health check, and deliver it back to you in pristine condition – all free of charge.

Here are some of the most helpful car restoration services that you can avail yourself of when you want to convert your classic car from mangy to a masterpiece:

1. Carburettor tuning

The advent of modern fuel injection systems has paved the way for the decline and eventual death of carburettors. Carburettors are devices that allow for a proper ratio of air and fuel to mix in internal combustion engines.

These days, vehicles mostly use computerised fuel injection systems to feed air and fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber. Because of this, carburettor mechanics have become a dying breed. Thankfully, there are those who have the foresight to hone and perfect their proficiency in carburettor cleaning, tuning, refurbishing, and rebuilding. These carburettor specialists are diamonds in the rough, offering their knowledge in everything carburettor-related – much to the relief of classic car owners like you.

2. Engine rebuild and overhaul

The engine is the heart of any vehicle. Without it, you can kiss your road cruising dreams goodbye. With a classic automobile like yours, you would most certainly want the engine to be in its finest form.

However, whether through neglect or normal wear and tear, classic car engines can also encounter challenges. Some engines are dirty, faulty, or downright unusable. For these concerns, you can’t just run to any fly-by-night auto shop. You need a reputable service centre that has the right knowledge and the right tools to help you pump life back into your car.

Whether it is cleaning your engine, rebuilding it, or completely putting together a new one for your classic roadster to use, you would benefit much from the expertise of a classic car restorer. You will feel more at ease knowing you have automotive engineers who have the proper know-how and access to the right equipment to clean or create an engine for your road buddy.

3. Gearbox rebuild and overhaul

Part of the classic car restoration process is to also rebuild or overhaul the transmission.

The gearbox and other transmission components are critical in your smooth sailing journey. For this reason, you will need to make sure that the ones doing the restoration also have the proper knowledge, experience, and access to proper tools and equipment when overhauling your car’s transmission and gearbox.

Whether it is transforming a 5-speed manual transmission into a 6-speed one or uprating the internal workings of a drivetrain to handle more power, you can depend on reputable car restoration specialists. They are there to ensure that everything is in its proper place so you can shift to a higher gear on the road.

4. Frame-on Restoration

If you find yourself holding on to a relatively clean classic car, then you are in luck. If you were able to get your hands on a classic vehicle that still basically looks and runs like it a new one, then you can just opt for a frame-on restoration.

Frame-on restoration means that the service centre does not need to take the frame off the vehicle body. After a thorough evaluation, it might just need some basic servicing and maintenance to ensure that it runs in excellent condition. Additionally, some buffing, cleaning, and polishing may also be needed to keep it looking spiffy.

This mode of restoration requires less time, less cost, and also retains most, if not all, the original fit and finish of your classic automobile.

5. Frame-off restoration

On the other hand, if it happens that you got a clunky old car but it still has hopes of turning back into a beauty, you can choose to do a frame-off restoration.

This mode of classic car restoration requires the frame to be separated from the vehicle’s body. Frame-off restoration allows for a thorough renewal process where every inch of the vehicle is taken care of. Restoration is done inside and out – from overhauling the gearbox and or the engine, reupholstering the seats, or even having custom carpets done.

Frame-off restoration aims to produce a perfect balance of the client’s preferences and the service centre’s recommendations to come out with an absolutely stunning classic car.

6. Resto-mods

If you already have a stunning piece of a classic automobile but are bothered by its old-fashioned technology, you can also opt to do a resto-mod. Short for restoration and modification, your classic car will be aesthetically restored to factory freshness but will also be modified according to your exact specifications. It’s getting the best of both worlds.

More specifically, the modification will be more on the ride and drive components such as equipping the car with modern functionalities and infotainment features. You can choose to upgrade to a modern engine, new transmission, suspension, or braking systems, and other practical solutions to modern-day driving. You can also opt to add high-tech features such as an updated audio and wayfinding system, lights, and connectivity options.

What you get is a gorgeous classic car on the outside with the conveniences of a modern vehicle on the inside.

7. Registration assistance

Driving a classic car still entails the same legislative requirements. This means you will still need to register and pass the laws and regulations governing safe transportation.

In Dubai, for example, classic cars or vehicles that are more than 30 years old can still be driven if they meet the requirements of the Automobile and Touring Club UAE (ATCUAE) and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Your car must be registered annually and pass the technical vehicle inspection.

This can be quite time-consuming for some, so as an added service, respectable service centres and car restoration specialists also offer assistance in going through the whole process of registration and “passing”.

A long journey ahead

Having a classic automobile can be a worthwhile asset when it is running in top condition. That is why it is imperative that you find a trustworthy service centre as your ally to help you keep it in good shape. Not only will you need their expert services, but you will also need a dependable partner when it comes to original and OEM parts at affordable prices.

With your tender care and your service centre’s experience and expertise, you can look forward to many more miles of driving.