The Restoration/Custom Build Process

At MPE we take pride in our attention to detail. Whether we are working with you on a single phase of your project or from start to finish, we always recommend the following steps for the restoration/build process. We welcome your project no matter how many of these phases you need assistance with or what phase your project is currently in. Give us a call to discuss how we can assist with your project.

Planning/Design

  • Evaluate project

  • Choose complexity of build (stock restoration, modifications, full custom, etc.)

  • Determine which phase(s) of the project will be completed by MPE

  • Develop general design/rendering if necessary

Disassemble/Blast/Primer

  • Disassemble and catalog all parts - make note of parts to replace

  • Brace body and mount to rotisserie

  • Wet blast body, all panels, and frame

    • evaluate after blasting - blasting reveals all damage and rust issues

  • Primer or pickle all bare metal - this prevents continuous sanding of surface rust which will accumulate on the bare metal

Fabrication/Metal Work/Customization

  • Mount on frame table or back on chassis to perform any metal work or panel replacement - this ensures proper alignment

  • Perform all metal work - body should be metal finished and fully gapped at the end of this phase

    • Minimal body fillers should be necessary

  • Fabricate and test fit any custom additions - if doing a full custom build we recommend fully assembling and test driving now to avoid issues when complete

    • If required, electrical system upgrades and/or full custom harnesses will be built and tested

  • Completely disassemble for body work

  • Remove body from chassis table/frame and mount to rotisserie then finish underside and back side of body and all panels - including any body sealers, NVH products, and temperature control products

Suspension/Brakes/Drivetrain

  • Refinish all suspension, brakes, drivetrain assemblies

    • We prefer to clean and coat parts then assemble them into modules which are easier to keep safe and install

    • We also always test run the engine on a stand (or dyno if desired) to verify no leaks and proper operation

  • Reassemble and cover/tape off for body work

Body Work/Primer/Paint

  • Epoxy/DTM primer the entire body and all panels

  • Re-mount to chassis to perform all filler work, build primers, and sealers - this makes sure the body is in the position it will be when fully bolted and assembled

  • Remove bolt-on panels and perform top coats and initial buffing/polishing - can spray with body on or off chassis depending on rigidity of body and ability to tape and cover any pre-finished surfaces

Reassemble/Trim/Interior

  • Assemble any parts which are safer and easier with the body/panels off - usually drivetrain and sometimes interior pieces

    • Can also fill fluids and run the engine while panels are off for easier access and viewing or see next phase

  • Fully reassemble body and reunite with chassis if necessary - including any remaining pieces such as bumpers, trim, and interior/convertible tops

Engine Test/Break-in/Fine tune

  • Fill fluids - check for leaks and perform the first engine run if not already done

    • If the engine needs a custom tune we recommend towing it to tuners before test driving or seriously loading the engine

  • Begin test drives starting with short drives and rechecking everything then continue with longer drives

    • If the engine was not pre broken in, usually recommend changing oil @ 500 miles and have it tested to ensure proper operation

    • If a full vehicle is built in-house we will drive the vehicle between 500 and 1000 miles to work all issues out before delivery to the customer

  • Final polish and cleaning

  • Deliver vehicle to customer

Clean/Polish/Deliver

Enjoy the vehicle as often as possible and keep maintenance up to date!