1957 International Restoration Project in Scottsdale

Scottsdale Muffler and Automotive is certainly more than the name implies; along with all types of car repairs we also fabricate custom parts and perform Scottsdale classic car restoration and customization.

Classic car restoration has become more popular over the last decade as the selling price of classic and antique cars has steadily risen. These days, restoring the right car to showroom condition has been known to bring six figures.

The dictionary defines restoration as to bring back to a former or original condition. So the first step in classic car restoration is to determine how far you want to take it; do you just want to make it attractive and drivable or are you going for showroom condition? Are you okay with using fabricated and aftermarket parts or do you want this car to be completely original?

We recently restored a 1957 International using a 1990 Chevy chassis. Since frame rust is a common problem found in classic cars, especially if they have been driven in a state that uses salt on the roads, we have found that a Chevy chassis is a good fit for older trucks. A more modern Chevy chassis can be easily bolted on, and often you can also use the steering column, gas tank, wiring harness, etc. You can also make use of the interior parts, such as pedals and seats, although the seats may need to be reupholstered.

Another advantage to using the 1990 chassis is that many parts of our truck are now 33 years newer and parts are now more easily available. An additional benefit is that now the truck rides and drives like a dream.

If you are in the process of restoring a classic car in Scottsdale, you don’t have to do it all on your own. If you are inexperienced at classic car restoration many areas can seem overwhelming. If you’re accustomed to modern engines you may need a mechanic experienced in repairing older engines. Sometimes people are thrown by replacing the carpeting, seats, headliner and other interior parts.

Painting a classic car is a specialty all in itself. First, all rust must be removed, and rusted pieces must be replaced with new metal. Scratches and dents must be pounded out or filled with Bondo. Then the vehicle must be primered. Ninety percent of a beautiful paint job comes from painstaking preparation. If you want a professional paint job, your vehicle must be painted by a professional. This is not the place to cut corners.

The professional mechanics at Scottsdale Muffler and Automotive have over two decades of experience doing every type of repair on every type of vehicle. Whether your classic car has been partially restored and now you’re stuck, or whether you choose to have us tow it in and perform the entire restoration is entirely up to you. We won’t perform any work without your prior approval. Customer satisfaction is our first priority.