How much does it cost to restore a classic car?

When you're about to embark on a restoration, you need to consider not only the cost of the parts needed but also the fact that in many cases, you really won't get your money back on the car. There's no point beating around the bush here, the majority of the time a classic is the second car, basically just a grown up's toy for the summer and not a money maker.

Each car is different so we like to see the car with all its defects in either person or in photos, to give a true estimate of the cost. But I suppose you're here to learn if restoring your car is expensive. It is. It's very, very, extremely expensive so don't be shocked when we break it all down for you

What are the steps in restoring a classic car?

Just so you know, there really is no such thing as a 'typical restoration', as every car has its own unique personal history. From the initial construction at the factory through the years of maintenance and repairs, each car has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. A lot of these cars were hand-built, so things like door gaps on similar models are more than likely different!

Initial Meeting / Consultation This is pretty self-explanatory, we need to know what we're expected to do! Taking something and making it look good is the essence of our workshop, we know design and what will look good. But, this is where you need to tell us what work you would like carried out, how you want the car to look at the end, and most importantly what your budget is. We can give our opinion and advise you along the way. Actually, before we go any further, you should read this piece on pricing and values. Inspection We'll check out the car and see what the condition is like. Is it original, what parts are missing, what needs replacing... 'The List' is made here. Dismantling Every major assembly component is carefully stripped, with individual parts documented and photographed. Sub-assembly parts are grouped and bagged ready for refurbishment or replacement. This is a fancy way of saying your car is completely stripped out, and every part that is removed is safely stored. Media Cleaning Careful media blasting to return any corroded areas on the vehicle back to bare metal. Careful is the keyword here. This is followed by an inspection of the structural condition ahead of any metal rectification. Once the bare metal is exposed, these sections are given an initial coat of primer to protect against corrosion. Bodyshell Rectification Next up is the cutting out of any corroded metal. Rusty bits be-gone! New genuine panels or our fabricated panels are used in replacement and all types of welding are utilised throughout to ensure an authentic appearance. Component Refurbishment We've already checked the condition of every part we've taken off, so it's just a case of unboxing all the new pieces we've ordered (it's honestly like Christmas). Anything salvageable is then refurbished. However, seals, bushings, rubbers, nuts, bolts, brakes, pipes and hoses are always replaced. Then it's down to the overall finish you want on the car. It could be anything from how shiny do you want it, to fancying an uprated suspension or brake set-up... the list is endless, but thankfully you have us to advise you on what to replace and what will look best. Paint We use a unique 11-stage painting process, developed solely for the restoration of classic cars. The cabin, boot, underbody and under-bonnet areas are all sealed and protected, while our clear coat is brought to a mirror shine. Final Reassembly Fun time! A shiny shell with brand-new parts bolted on - what could be better! Protective covers are fitted over the body with any trim parts covered, and then any safety-critical fixings are replaced, fluids filled, and suspension and lights aligned before the final torque checks are applied to finish the reassembly. Then it's the setting up of the fuelling system and ignition timing, followed by the electrical system testing and.... vrooom! Sign Off Mileage testing is then carried out. Look, we built it so we deserve to drive it... maybe to the shops... the cinema even. This is probably the most important part. We will drive the car to bed everything in and double-check everything is good to go. Following this shakedown, the vehicle is re-inspected, it gets one last clean and wax and then we say our emotional goodbyes the night before the handover.

Classic Car Workshop Employees - Lyons Garages Classic Car Restoration and Servicing Specialists

Are you up for a challenging and varied job? Want to be surrounded by some of the best-looking cars ever built? Working by the beach in an area that we like to call The Malibu of Ireland? If so, read on!

With more and more work coming in, we are looking to grow our great team here, and so we are on the lookout for a few individuals with the skills needed to restore a classic car from start to finish. These skills will incorporate metalwork, paint preparation, mechanical expertise, and rebuilds. 
Are you a welder? Give us a shout! Can you prep a body for paint? Give us a shout! Get the idea?
Some examples of the work we do here might be a simple oil change on a Mini Cooper, completely fabricating the chassis on an MG A, rebuilding a Jaguar engine, replacing a rusty floor pan, fitting modern running gear into an old Ford, or just taking a complete rust bucket and turning it into a borderline brand new car.
We carry out full restorations and minor repairs here in our workshop, and so we need people that can help us take a car from a sorry-looking state and bring it to magazine standard.
Whilst we don't expect any particular candidate to have skills in all areas of restoration, you will be expected to be a good learner and able to carry out other general garage duties and ad-hoc activities.
The positions we need to fill are:
Welder/fabricator
Bodywork preparation
Finisher

The ideal candidates:

Experience in an automotive workshop environment is preferred, but give us a call even if not
Experience with classic cars would be a plus but is not required
Good communication skills
Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team
Trustworthy and reliable
Takes pride in their work
Neat, tidy, and careful
Ability to plan work and meet deadlines
Keen interest in classic cars and enthusiastic
Flexible with working across different areas
Full driver's license

Salary and rates of pay depend on experience. If you feel like you're up for the challenge and would like to help us build some immaculate classic sports cars, then send in your CV to info@lyonsgarages.com or phone 086-2604658.

Full-time and permanent positions are available. Please note that the role is based in Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.
12th July 2024.

Classic Car Workshop Employees

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