Coachwerks Restoration Victoria BC
Restoration

Restoration

At Coachwerks, automotive restoration is far more than cosmetic refurbishment—it’s a meticulous process rooted in craftsmanship, historical accuracy, and a deep respect for the original engineering. At its highest level, restoration is a blend of art and science, where every decision balances authenticity with functionality. The goal isn’t just to make a vehicle look beautiful, but rather to return it to its original state in the exact condition it left the factory down to the finest of details.

Authenticity is paramount. Every component, from the stitching pattern on the upholstery to the plating on fasteners, is carefully researched and verified. Original blueprints, period photographs, manufacturer specifications, and historical documents guide the process. When original parts can’t be sourced, they are often remanufactured in-house or by trusted craftsmen using the same materials and methods as the original factory. This level of detail ensures the restoration meets the rigorous standards of international concours events, where judges scrutinize everything down to the finish of a screw head or the font on a decal.

Concours restoration is also a form of automotive conservation. Rather than simply replacing what is old or worn, we aim to preserve as much of the original vehicle as possible—maintaining its provenance and character. This requires extensive preparation and planning. Before a single tool is lifted, our team conducts thorough research, builds a comprehensive restoration plan, and documents every step. From disassembly to the final polish, every phase is approached with the care and precision of a museum-quality restoration.

Ultimately, concours restoration is about honouring the legacy of the automobile—its design, engineering, and cultural significance. It’s a commitment to excellence that demands time, patience, and passion, resulting in a vehicle that doesn’t just turn heads, but rather a restoration that tells a story.

Frame Off Restoration

Frame Off Restoration

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Frame Off Restoration

A Frame off or Complete Coachwerks Restoration will always be brought back to its original or like new condition. Not more, not less. That is our promise.

Our frame-off restorations completely disassemble the vehicle completely, with a philosophy to restore all parts if possible. During the process, we strip away coatings and paints performed in the past before inspection. Next, we evaluate and plan the repair and overhaul of every part or source an original replacement, if needed. Following this, all parts are stored to be prepared for assembly while we work on restoring the body of the vehicle. This is the longest stage in the process.

Fabrication, Body Repair & Coach Building

Fabrication, Body Repair & Coach Building

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Fabrication, Body Repair & Coach Building

We employ some of the best metal shaping, fabricating and painter specialists in Canada. With years of experience and dedication to their craft, our fabrication and sheet metal department is second to none. The team strives to build our body panels to manufacturers specifications, using old-world techniques, tools, and processes. There are no shortcuts and there are no copies. Every panel is made with the expertise and experience of our team.

Whenever possible, Coachwerks adheres to a complete repair policy, meaning we do not install patch panels but instead replace the entire panel and install it to factory specifications. This leaves it indistinguishable from the original, even in bare metal. If unique or bespoke best describes your wish list, Coachwerks is also able to build completely custom bodywork that would rival original factory offerings.

Cosmetic Restoration

Cosmetic Restoration

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Cosmetic Restoration

A Cosmetic Restoration may be warranted when the mechanical running condition of the vehicle is satisfactory, but cosmetically is not pleasing to the eye. The Coachwerks team can custom tailor a restoration plan that will deliver the most bang for the buck optically, without having to dive too deep into the many layers of the vehicle. The same care and attention is given to every aspect of the restoration process but the focus is primarily on the aesthetic of the vehicle and its parts rather than mechanical fitness. The objective of the cosmetic restoration is to have a product that is virtually indistinguishable to the eye from a complete restoration at a fraction of the cost.

Upholstery & Interior Repair

Upholstery & Interior Repair

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Upholstery & Interior Repair

With over 45 years of dedicated expertise in our upholstery department, we remain focused on period-correct accuracy, sourcing original materials or precise equivalents that match what was used when the vehicle first left the factory. Every element of the cabin is carefully studied, from the grain, weight, and color tone of the leather to the weave, thread count, and backing of the original fabrics. Our team conducts thorough research using factory records, historical references, and original samples to ensure that each interior we restore not only looks correct but feels and performs as it did when new. We believe that true authenticity goes beyond what is visible: even hidden upholstery components such as padding, panel backing, and stitching techniques are crafted to original specifications. This commitment to detail preserves the tactile and visual character of the car while ensuring it meets the highest concours standards.

Preservation

Preservation

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Preservation

Not all vehicles need to, nor should be restored. With catchphrases like “original is the new black,” and “it’s only original once” it’s clear that the collector car community has caught on to the value of originality. Coachwerks can help you maintain and enhance that originality through many different techniques and services that we offer. From paint correction to dry ice cleaning, leather dying or vapour blasting and everything in between, Coachwerks can help you preserve your vehicle’s original attributes. In some cases, Coachwerks is even able to do cosmetic “date matched” repairs that will have the same look and patina as the rest of the car.

Custom Work

Custom Work

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Custom Work

Can’t find what you are looking for from traditional manufacturers’ offerings? Coachwerks can help design, create and build your custom bespoke dream ride. From custom paint and bodywork, to high-performance chassis’ and R spec drivelines, Coachwerks has the expertise and the experience to do it all. The team at Coachwerks are enthusiasts who are passionate about what they do, and are always ready to bring their own ideas to the build if requested.

Contact Us Today

Allow us to bring your work of art back to life