Aircooled VW & classic car specialists · West Sussex 07811 185 361  ·  info@vintageautorepair.co.uk
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Any size of job, done properly.

From a service or small welding repair to get a car through its MOT, to a full nut-and-bolt restoration over several seasons — the same workshop, the same hands, on aircooled VWs and all kinds of classic cars.

I. Service & mechanical

Servicing, MOTs & mechanical work

The day-to-day of keeping a classic on the road. Routine servicing to manufacturer schedules, MOT preparation and presentation, and mechanical work from a misfire diagnosis through to engine and gearbox rebuilds.

If you've an aircooled Volkswagen, you're in safe hands — these are the cars we know best. But we're equally at home with British classics, sports cars and most other interesting machinery from the era.

  • Routine servicing
  • MOT preparation & presentation
  • Engine diagnostics & tuning
  • Engine & gearbox rebuilds
  • Brake systems (drum, disc, servo)
  • Carburettor rebuilds
  • Electrical & wiring repair
  • Clutch, suspension & steering
II. Welding & bodywork

Welding & full or partial restoration

Welding is the craft at the heart of what we do — the small repair that lets a car pass its MOT, the panel let in to keep a sill solid, the structural rebuild around a beam mount. We're equally happy doing one repair or the lot.

For full restorations, the project starts with a strip-down survey, a written plan and a clear cost. We document the work in photographs as we go — so the car's history travels with it. Our experience writing the Haynes manual on restoring a VW T2 Bay sits behind every project.

  • MOT welding & small repairs
  • Sill, floor & structural repair
  • Panel let-ins & replacement
  • Body-off restorations
  • Bare-metal preparation
  • Paint preparation & respray
  • Engine, gearbox & ancillary rebuilds
  • Final assembly & commissioning
III. Protection & upgrades

Rust protection & upgrades

The best welding job is the one you never have to do. We offer thorough rust proofing and undersealing — particularly worthwhile on a freshly restored car, but also as a preventative for solid cars you intend to keep for the long haul.

We also fit sympathetic upgrades that improve the way a classic drives without changing its character — steering rack conversions, brake servo additions, electronic ignition, alternator conversions, and similar.

  • Rust proofing (cavity wax)
  • Underseal & chassis protection
  • Steering rack conversions
  • Brake servo additions
  • Electronic ignition
  • Alternator conversions
  • Improved cooling & charging
  • Sensible suspension upgrades
Our process

How a project unfolds

The same four steps whether you're booking a service or commissioning a multi-year restoration.

I

Conversation

We talk about the car, what you'd like it to do, and what you'd like it to be. No obligation.

II

Survey

The car comes in for a careful inspection — written, photographed and discussed.

III

Plan & quote

A clear, costed proposal with options. We don't begin work until you've signed it off.

IV

Workshop

The work is carried out, with photographs and updates. You're welcome to visit any time.

Cars we look after

Aircooled VW first, but all classics welcome

The aircooled Volkswagen family is what we know best — Beetles, Buses, Karmann Ghias and the rest — but we're equally at home with British and European classics. If it's interesting and over thirty years old, give us a ring.

Aircooled VW family

VW Beetle
T2 Splitscreen Bus
T2 Baywindow Bus
T25 (T3)
Karmann Ghia
Type 3

And other classics

MG
Triumph
Austin-Healey
Morris Minor
Mini
Land Rover
Jaguar
Porsche 911 / 912

Not sure which service you need?

Send us a few details and a photograph or two, and we'll come back to you with honest, considered advice.

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