Classic • Vintage • Muscle • Custom | Frame-Off & Full Auto Restoration
At ER Collision & Auto Body Shop, we specialize in professional classic car restoration services for owners who want their vehicle rebuilt correctly, not rushed or patched together.
With over 15 years of hands-on experience & an I-CAR Gold Class certified facility, we restore classic, vintage, & custom vehicles with precision, craftsmanship & long-term durability in mind.
Located in Huntington Beach, proudly serving Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Newport Beach, Anaheim, and surrounding Orange County communities.
Our team delivers frame-off restoration, rust repair, OEM-grade parts, custom paint, and full interior reupholstery — all backed by a workmanship warranty.
Our I-CAR Gold Class certification reflects advanced structural & refinishing standards that support safe, high-quality classic restorations — with craftsmanship-focused builds designed for long-term preservation & show-level results.
Our Full-Service Car Restoration Process
Whether you’re restoring a 1960s Mustang, a Chevelle SS, a rare Porsche coupe, or building a one-off custom, our team follows a structured, phase-based restoration process designed to protect value, safety & originality.
That same meticulous care is applied to legendary models such as the Dodge Charger, Pontiac GTO, Corvette Stingray, Jaguar E-Type, Mercedes-Benz SL, Volkswagen Beetle, Shelby GT500, Toyota 2000GT, & Datsun 240Z.
From American muscle to European classics and JDM icons, we bring each vehicle back to life with precision craftsmanship, era-authentic components, and deep respect for its original engineering.
1. Initial Consultation & Assessment
We start with a full assessment to identify rust, frame condition, and mechanical needs. You’ll receive a clear, phase-based estimate tailored to your restoration goals.
2. Disassembly & Rust Repair
The car is fully torn down and placed on a rotisserie (if needed). We remove corrosion, perform structural repairs on Car-O-Liner benches, & apply OEM-grade primers for lasting strength.
During the teardown, we often encounter hidden issues like structural rot or metal fatigue. We’ve documented the most common [classic car restoration problems and their fixes] to help you understand what to expect during a deep-level rebuild.
3. Mechanical & Electrical Restoration
Engines, suspension, wiring, & braking systems are restored or upgraded when included in a frame-off or full restoration project, with careful attention to safety, drivability, & originality.
4. Custom Body & Paint Work
We offer custom paint and factory-correct refinishing using premium systems, applied in a climate-controlled downdraft booth.
5. Interior & Trim Restoration
Reupholstery, dashboard restoration, gauge recalibration, & trim polishing are completed in-house or with trusted local specialists — tailored to your vehicle’s era.
6. Reassembly, Road Testing & Final Delivery
After reassembly, we complete a multi-point quality check & road test. Vehicles are detailed & delivered via in-shop pickup or arranged transport.
Throughout the restoration process, we document key stages & keep owners informed so there are no surprises during the build.
What Types of Cars Do We Restore?
We restore and customize:
- Classic American Muscle Cars – Camaro, GTO, Charger, Mustang
- Vintage European Coupes & Sedans – Porsche, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes
- Antique & Collector Cars – Pre-war, post-war, hot rods
- Custom Builds & Show Cars – One-off performance or body conversions
- Restomod Upgrades (Upon Request) – Modern drivability enhancements in vintage shells. Explore our guide on restomod upgrade ideas for restoring cars to see popular performance and comfort enhancements.
Whether it’s frame-off restoration, custom fabrication, or OEM-spec rebuilding, we treat every vehicle like it’s headed to a concours event.
Why Classic Car Owners Choose ER Collision & Auto Body Shop for Restoration
✅ 15+ Years of Expertise
✅ I-CAR Gold Certified Technicians
✅ OEM Parts via Authorized Suppliers
✅ Free Pickup & Drop-off Within 5 Miles
✅ Lifetime Workmanship Warranty
✅ Custom Paint, Trim, Upholstery & Finish Matching
✅ Accident-Damaged Classic Restoration Support (When Needed)
“Did you know? Car restoration is one of the fastest-growing automotive services worldwide, expanding more than 11% every year. That means restoring your vehicle is not only about looks — it’s a smart investment that preserves long-term value.”
Supporting Capabilities for Complete Restoration Projects
Many classic car restorations require additional services to complete the build correctly, including:
- Engine rebuilds & mechanical restoration
- Interior restoration & detailing
- Frame-off restoration & rust repair
- Paint correction & finish refinement
- Glass replacement when needed during restoration
- Suspension work & alignment for safe drivability
- Custom trim, accessory, & parts installation
(Collision-related support is available when restoration involves prior accident damage.)
CASE STUDY
How We Restored a 1967 Mustang Fastback to Showroom Condition
A local collector brought in a 1967 Mustang Fastback with heavy rust, faded paint & a non-functional drivetrain. The vehicle had sat untouched for over a decade, with structural corrosion affecting the subframe, suspension mounts & rocker panels.
Our team performed a full frame-off restoration — including rust removal, panel fabrication, OEM part sourcing & a complete drivetrain rebuild. Using Glasurit 90-Line for period-correct paint and custom interior reupholstery, we returned the car to show-quality condition.
The project was completed 3 weeks ahead of schedule & won Best Restoration in Class at a local Huntington Beach auto show.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does classic car restoration cost in Orange County?
A: Costs vary based on the vehicle, condition, and desired finish level. We provide detailed estimates after inspection. A: Costs vary based on the vehicle, condition, and desired finish level. We provide detailed estimates after inspection. For a more detailed breakdown, read our [Full Guide on Car Restoration Costs in Orange County].
Q: What’s the difference between collision repair and car restoration?
A: Collision repair fixes accident damage. Restoration rebuilds your vehicle to original or custom condition, often from the ground up.
Q: Can you restore a car for resale or auction?
A: Yes — we restore classics for both resale value and show-level presentation.
Q: Do you offer custom paint or restomod options?
A: Absolutely. We offer custom colors, trim refinements, and carefully planned restomod upgrades.
Q: Do you offer warranty on restoration work?
A: Yes — our workmanship warranty covers structural, paint, and fit-and-finish elements.
Q: What locations do you service?
A: Based in Huntington Beach, we serve Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Irvine, Westminster, Seal Beach, Anaheim, and all of Orange County.
Q: How long does car restoration take?
A: A full classic car restoration typically takes between 6 to 12 months, depending on parts availability and the vehicle’s condition.
Q: What are the main stages of a car restoration?
A: Assessment, disassembly, rust repair, mechanical restoration, bodywork and paint, interior refinement, and final reassembly with road testing.
Q: What tips should I follow when choosing a restoration shop?
A: Look for proven experience, trained technicians, warranty coverage, and a portfolio of before-and-after projects.
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