All-original barn finds are getting rarer and rarer these days. Special cars are picked out of storage every day by hotrodders seeking that diamond in the rough. However, in the beginning of 2020, we came across a perfectly cut jewel of a car: a 1968 Camaro Z-28 RS in Le Mans Blue Metallic with every option checked. This example was bought new in 1968 and then parked after 58,000 miles at some point in the late 70’s. The next time it would see the light of day would be at our shop.
Renown Auto Restoration Blog
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We recently painted the black stripes on this 1967 Camaro. Our painter, our artist, was not content with plain black stripes. After talking with the owner, he added a touch of gold metallic to the black stripes. Click on continue reading more more and a close up of the gold.
In this short 4 minute video you can see as our team reunited the body of this 1969 Oldsmobile 442 with its chassis. I was glad I was there to capture it.
Using heat and cold is an advanced technique for straightening metal. In the early days of automobile manufacturing panels were rarely complete straight even when a vehicle was new. It wasn't until more advanced processes for shaping metal came about in the 60s and 70s that panels were more reliably even and straight. Click on continue reading to see how we use heating and cooling metal to straighten the door panel on this pickup truck.
Recently a group of Ferrari enthusiasts embarked on a spirited drive through the Texas Hill Country. Several of the cars damaged their diffusers (the lower part at the rear of the car, below the bumper). Here at Renown this is something we can repair to show quality levels. Click continue reading for more on the options we offer to fix these diffusers, including a special process know as Hydrographics.
Generally speaking, when we talk about wet sanding an buffing in the automotive environment, we are looking to get the absolutely best shine out of the paint finish on a car or truck. We are looking to get a true show car finish. To help with this I have the diagram below which shows a surface that is not perfectly flat vs one that is. This is NOT to scale, but it is representative of the surface of a car after it has been painted. (Click on Continue reading to for more information and some impressive photos that show this process.)
Sometimes it's just not about how much power you have. Yes, 400+ Horsepower V-8s have their place. But, face it, how often can you use it... legally? And how often do you use it when just cruising in a cool car? Have a look at this 1963 Dodge Dart. This car is going to look much better than it ever did when new, with a great show quality finish. Yet is powered by Chrysler's venerable Slant 6 engine. This engine will literally run forever. This car is also getting a Vintage Air A/C system, so it will cruise in comfort... until the tires fall off. I can't wait to see this one finished myself. Click on Continue reading to see more photos of this magnificent Dodge Dart.
It's not just about cars. When a sweet couple comes in and wants to have their original scooter restored, how can you say no. That is exactly what happened. This sweet woman wanted to have the Radio Scooter she had as a child freshened up so she could give it to her grandchildren. To pass on a family heirloom. We even contacted Radio Flyer. Notice that this is a Radio Scooter, and is from the Radio line before they were Radio Flyer. We even sourced the wheels and decals from Radio Flyer. Click on Continue Reading to see the full post with before and after photos.
The Shelby is ready for the owner to pick up.