The Process
Due to their hand-built nature, the restoration of an Aston Martin requires skill, experience and meticulous attention to detail. At Aston Engineering, we have been building our worldwide reputation of expertise in this field for nearly 30 years.
Our finished product delivers a standard of work that exceeds the original. Utilising latest innovations and methods, as well as carefully-selected enhancements, your classic Aston Martin will be more than suitable for modern-day motoring.
Detailed below is the six-stage process Aston Engineering follows during restoration of all classic vehicles.
This initial stage enables us to carry out a complete inspection and report. It entails a detailed inspection of the chassis condition, aluminium panels, originality and missing parts. If possible, an extended road test also takes place to ascertain gearbox and axle viability, along with engine performance.
Once this information is collated, a detailed and accurate job specification will be agreed upon, allowing us to compile a detailed and accurate estimate. With modern day practises and materials, the finished product can far exceed original standards. What’s more, with our sympathetic enhancements and upgrades, Aston Engineering will deliver your classic Aston Martin ready for modern-day motoring.
Once our initial assessment is complete, we undertake the process of dismantling every mechanical and body component, categorising them for refurbishment or replacement.
The major components – engine, gearbox and rear axle – are also dismantled, enabling us to fully evaluate their condition. At this point, a final estimate can be provided.
Once stripped, the aluminium front and rear body panels are removed from the superleggera steel chassis.
The body, front and rear panels, along with the bonnet, boot lid and doors, are chemically dipped to remove the old paintwork. This process is far more advantageous than the traditional method of paint stripping and sanding, which thins the aluminium.
The steel chassis is then shot blasted to remove all of the old under-body sealer, exposing any corrosion. This corrosion is removed with new sections fabricated on site and welded in place. Once complete, the repaired chassis is electro-powder coated to ensure rust protection for years to come.
The aluminium front and rear panels are refitted, with the door fits, bonnet and boot gaps being set, and a full body-fitting pre-fit taking place.
The body shell will be meticulously prepared for the paintwork, using the latest products to ensure a finish of the highest standard.
All of the refurbished and new body fittings are installed, with the process of the re-chromed bumpers and door frames being positioned and adjusted.
Complete electrical systems are installed with new or refurbished wiring harnesses and components.
A brief visit to our trim shop at this point takes place to install a new headlining, as well as the front and rear screens.
The mechanical build is next to be carried out, with the synchronized refurbishment of the key components vital to ensure a cohesive rebuild framework. The key stages are:
- Powder-coated front suspension rebuilt with new components and overhauled rear axle installation
- Braking system installed, including master cylinders, servos, pipework, pedal gear, discs and callipers
- Fuel system, pipework and tank
- Full engine bay refit, allowing the rebuilt engine and overhauled gearbox to be installed
- Cooling and exhaust systems installed
This stage culminates in a fully-functional car, allowing the final visit to our trim shop. New Wilton carpets are handmade for the car, with all the leather replaced by craftsmen with over 30 years’ experience of Aston Martin trim work.
Now we have a fully rebuilt, repainted and re-trimmed car, this final stage is crucial to ensure that every aspect of the work has been completed to our own exacting standards. Not only is it vitally important to us at Aston Engineering that every one of our restorations is cosmetically perfect, but it is just important that they drive and perform just as well. With extensive quality control measures in place and the drive to achieve perfection, our meticulous attention to detail, coupled with our experience and expertise, ensures we hit the target every time.
