Classic Car Restoration

Bring your classic car restoration project to us at our dedicated workshop in Hockley, Essex, at any stage, and we’ll be delighted to help you across the finish line.

It’s always a bit of a leap of faith to place trust in a garage, there are plenty of stories of big bills being racked up by specialists. Fortunately, Brightwell are one of the “good guys”, communication was excellent, and I was well informed on the way through as work was completed and problems found.
— Matt, Jaguar XK120 owner
Two technicians working on an old American classic car

What we offer

Bring your restoration project to us at any stage and we’ll be delighted to help you across the finish line. 

Full restoration: A project runs at its smoothest when you entrust the whole project to us; we’re involved from the outset and are able to disassemble the car, keep a photographic record, carefully label the parts and get the parts restoration underway while the rest of the car is being restored.

Assembly: Customers often seek support after their metalwork and maybe paintwork have been completed.  Whether you have boxes of old parts or a ready-to-go selection of  refurbished gauges, switches, sub-assemblies and so on, give us a call.

Stalled restorations: Has your project run out of steam? Worried you’ll never get it finished? You’re not alone. Brightwell was established by a classic car customer who’s been there and has the T-shirt. We’re here to get your project finished.

Snagging: The joy of classic ownership can be dulled by a car that rattles and has lots of niggling problems. The last 5% of a restoration is often the bit that makes the difference between an annoying car and one that’s a pleasure to own and drive. We’ll produce a snag list for you and work through it at a pace to suit your budget.

The Restoration Process

The restoration process:

1.         Disassembly and cataloguing

2.         Paint removal and assessment of what lies beneath

3.         Consultation with you on the desired outcome for your car

4.         Selection, management and quality control of external contractors: metalwork, paint, chrome plating, engine and gearbox

5.         Planning and scheduling

6.         Parts restoration and sourcing

7.         Authenticity research

8.         Building up and re-assembly of body, glass, trim, electrics, interior and running gear, fuel system, suspension and braking systems

9.         Engine and gearbox installation

10.       Running up and testing

 

Our recent work