Unfortunately, time affects every car. Structural and chemical changes occur in the structural elements of the car. Micro damages accumulate, which inevitably appear during the operation or storage of the car. The bad condition of the body is not the final verdict. Restoration is a set of repair/manufacturing processes to restore a car to its original shape and functionality. Retro cars are a lucrative investment tool. Especially if we are talking about collector's pieces, the value of which increases from year to year.
Oldtimer and retro car
The term classic car generally refers to vintage or retro. However, there are a very large number of other definitions. In Europe, they prefer to use the term oldtimer - "vintage, rarity car". As a rule, this word means a car produced more than 30 years ago. Retro" or "rarity" refers to an old car, which due to its age is no longer capable of performing the functions of an everyday means of transport.
Highly prized models of oldtimers (in the original) are the subject of antiques and collectibles. Currently, there is a whole industry associated with collecting, restoration (restoration) and tuning of classic cars.
Therefore, restoring a car is a painstaking and time-consuming process. It can take years to complete the car with original parts and restore it. If we are talking about a car that is part of automotive history and the epitome of its time, restoration will be justified:
First, it's lucrative to get into the business of restoring used cars. Over time, retro cars only increase in price.
Secondly, it is prestige to have a collection car in good condition.
Thirdly, as a result of restoration you can get a car value of which will exceed its initial price by 2-3 times.
In order to determine the degree of wear and originality of parts, the car will have to be unscrewed literally to the bolt.
The starting point of car restoration is always its disassembly. Everything is subject:
- body
- interior
- suspension system
- assemblies and units
Metal spraying
In the spraying process, a stream of finely dispersed metal particles is deposited on the surface, providing a reliable, non-destructive contact (powdered metal). The main advantage of the sputtering technology is the low heat input on the metal surface to be treated. This ensures long-lasting protection of the bodywork against corrosion.
After dismantling, there is a meticulous process of cleaning it and removing old paint and rust residue. This will allow the condition of the metal to be evaluated and further avoid paint detachment and achieve an even, high-quality layer of paint.
Depending on the objectives and the location of the area to be treated, cleaning can be carried out using different methods:
- mechanical removal of rust, sealant and paint;
- sandblasting is the best way to remove corrosion. The slightly roughened sandblasted surface is an excellent base for epoxy primer;
- using chemicals - old paint coatings can be easily washed off chemically. To do this, you need to apply a solution to the surface and leave it for a while;
- burning - used on old surfaces of high-carbon steels to simplify mechanical processing in the future.
After a thorough cleaning of the surface, you can finally assess the condition of the metal. Problem areas are straightened, repaired or, in an extreme case, replaced. The exposed, and therefore unprotected, surface of the metal should be immediately "preserved", otherwise rust will attack it with tripled energy.
Production/repair of body parts made of steel, aluminum
In case of heavy damages (corrosion, accidents) of original parts we carry out local repair with safe technology. The preliminary layout is created in 3D. Depending on thickness and the age of the metal, we use mig-brazing of parts.
MIG brazing of the body
The brazing process does not destroy the zinc protective layer, much less the metal. MIG brazing occurs at a lower melting point of approximately 900°C. In addition, copper brazing has excellent anti-corrosive properties.
Aluminum Repair
The use of aluminum in the automotive industry reduces the weight of vehicles and at the same time it is a very strong metal. In addition, aluminum absorbs the force of the impact - body deformations are located where the impact occurred.
We form new parts from steel and aluminum. For modeling we use a 3d-scanner and drawings of the part. The part is formed by cold stamping with a die and a punch. After molding, the part is ultrasonically treated to release tension.
Car chassis restoration
Frame construction is common among oldtimers. The frame is the basis for attaching the car body and aggregates. Further safety in the operation of the restored car depends on the quality of the repair. It is necessary to take into consideration the age, geometry, presence of microcracks and other defects. We also perform restoration and manufacture of suspension parts, steering parts, transmission parts.
Anti-corrosion body treatment
At high strength characteristics, iron is quite unstable to external influences. Therefore, in contact with water or air, it quickly begins to rust. The danger is that this chemical reaction almost never stops. So if this process is not stopped, then gradually the car body will disintegrate. In order to prevent the destruction of the car can be applied anti-corrosion treatment.
There are many modern means to quickly protect the body from the negative effects of the environment. They all come down to the application of metals to the surface of the car body, which form a protective coating:
- zinc
- chroma
- nickel
- tin
- aluminum, etc.
