Initial Plan
First step is to establish an end goal for the project. Decide major componets and order. On custom builds we prefer a rendering so all parties have a target.
Tear Down
The vehicle is brought into the shop for complete dissassmbly. We tag and photograph throughout the process.
Strip
The vehicle is either media blasted or chemically stripped to remove all paint/sealer, rust residue, and filler.
Epoxy Prime
Once the strip process is done we epoxy prime to preserve the good metal. Then it is sent to the Fab Shop.
Rust Repair
When the Fab Shop receives the epoxied body replacement panels are ordered or made and all rust is cut out and replaced with fresh metal.
Initial Mockup
During this phase all door gaps/hoodand trunk gaps are corrected. Everything mechanical is fitted to the car and any custom fabrication is done.
Interior Mockup
On full custom builds we send out the fully fitted body to the Interior Placement Shop to mockup all interior panels, seat placement, and trunk enclosures.
Second Tear Down
When the car comes back from mockup, we tear down to the frame and shell to prepare for body work. Epoxy primer is reapplied to bare areas.
Bodywork
At this stage the entire body is skim coated and initial bodywork is shaped and finished.
Poly Build
We spray the entire outside of the body with Clausens Rust Defender to lock in the bodywork and add build, certain builds require this step twice.
2K Prime
After the poly is sanded and any imperfections are addressed, we spray PPG High Build DTM Primer. This primer is guide coated and sanded, certain builds will and require this step twice or spot primed.
Booth Time
After dialing in the body and sanding the primers out we roll the body into the booth, tape everything up, and spray a sealer coat followed by 2-3 coats of base, followed by 5-6 coats of High Solids Clear All PPG Products.
Cut and Buff
We block the clear flat working from 600 grit all the way to 3000 grit followed by a rotary buff to bring out the mirrored finish we are known for.
Mechanical Reassmbly
The engine / trans are reassembled, exhast installed, brake installed, and plumbed.
Electrical / A/C Assembly
The vehicle is wired front to back, EFI is installed, A/C and ductwork are added in and tested.
Final Drive and Detail
We will typically put between 250 - 300 miles on a full build once completed, we always find little issues that need resolved, but this is what sets us apart from an average shop is the last 10%. Once we are satisfied, the vehicle is finally detailed and delivered.