Frame off restorations are what we specialize in. Building a custom car is a very personal experience, with every single nut and bolt being chosen to your liking. We walk you through the process and build what you want, whether it’s a stock original classic, or a crazy bumper car with a VW engine.
the process
picking a car and direction
The first step seems obvious, but it’s also the most important.
Finding the car and picking the direction of the build.
If you have a car already, great! On to step two. If not, we can help source one, or if you locate a potential candidate we can come out and look at the car to verify that it can be turned into your dream car.
Picking a direction can also be difficult, with many scenarios dictating what the final product looks like whether it be simply cost or sticking to the originality of the car.
The most common choice falls somewhere in between. Both safer and better to drive, a resto-mod style vehicle
refers to a car that looks like an original classic car, but uses modern parts for a safer and more enjoyable driver.
Wish list
The next step is to sit down with our builders and create a list of parts or features that you want for your dream car. For example, this 36’ Ford has a modern custom TCI frame, modern Wilwood brakes, a custom designed interior, a modern engine with over 500 horsepower, and to finish it off painted with an original factory Washington Blue, hand sanded and polished covered with a ceramic coating to preserve the finish.
If you’d like to build a car closer to OEM than a resto-mod this is the time to list your requirements. Creating a wish list with firm, thought out requirements gives us the exact direction to follow for the duration of the build.
design and art work
The third step, after the wish list has been finalized is to put pencil to paper and draw out what your car will look like. Not only is it a cool piece of art to hang on the wall, but it also serves as a physical representation of the car to reference.
DISASSEMBLY AND MOCK UP
Next comes the disassembly of the car. Following the wish list and design mentioned earlier, the car goes through a “tear down” faze. Removing parts that won’t be used and fabricating and installing new components allows us to get a complete picture of the car before completing the build process and painting the car and its parts.
This is the step that can take the longest, installing every part of the vehicle, including the power train to ensure the right fitment and functionality.
Paint
At this point of the build process the car has undergone any customization or parts installation necessary to complete the project. Customers are always the final say on whether the car includes every item on the wish list that we can accommodate, the car will be ready to paint after we get an approval from you.
Paint is a process that we take very seriously, it is more often than not the most noticeable feature on the car. It is for this reason that our paint process is heavily quality controlled. All paint jobs, even from factory, need some sort of final sanding and polishing to ensure a uniform texture and shiny finish.
final assembly and interior
For the final step in the process the car is reassembled carefully. The engine and transmission are installed and tuned. The interior of the car is installed and the car gets one last detail before delivery. Your reaction to seeing the car you have had in your head for years is probably the best part of the build. Each car is given specific attention to ensure a safe and enjoyable car. It is recommended that every custom car comes back to the shop after you’ve driven and enjoyed the car for at least 30 days. As a custom car gets driven newly installed parts go through a break in period that me need some final tuning after being used for the first time.
At Hot Rod Hegarty every custom car that leaves our shop is a part of us and we take pride in the final product.
For any questions about building your dream car, click the button below.
