On August 2013 our client wanted his 1970 Dodge Challenger RT to get the Mopar restoration service at our shop. See how we made it happen!
Mopar Restoration
Our client came with us with the shell of a black 1970 Dodge Challenger RT which he ultimately wanted orange. A Mopar restoration requires a lot of work. Here are a few pictures of the step-by-step mopar restoration process.
1970 Dodge Challenger RT Mopar Restoration
First on this mopar restoration the Challenger we fix the major body work on all the panels. The panels on muscle cars are much different from more newer models cars. You notice the panels are much larger, for example the roof and fenders are one piece. This makes it a much more labor intense restoration.
Mopar Restoration Body Work
The bodyman applies bondo after the metal body panels are repaired from cracks, dents, and rust.
On this mopar restoration it was also necessary to add the floorboard which was in really bad shape. We cut out the old floorboard to make room for the new one.
Once the old floorboard was completely removed we welded in the new one.
Next our auto body man thought it would be better to replace the panel on the rear passenger side. He cut out the damage part of the panel and replaced it with a new panel. The panel is aligned and welded on the car.
The panel is welded on seamlessly.
After the body is aligned and major car damage fixed, the next step on this Mopar restoration is to apply bondo and smooth out the surface to prepare it for paint.
Sanding a car takes a lot of time, detail, and experience. Each stroke requires the eye and touch of a professional bodyman to keep the lines straight, smooth, and seamless. That is always the aim of our auto body and paint shop when working on Mopar restorations.
Mopar Restoration Paint Work
Once the body of this muscle car was up to our standards and everything was aligned and smooth, it was ready for the next step, primer. The primer is the foundation for the paint. It helps seal everything in and gets the car ready to go in the paint booth.
At each step of a Mopar restoration, as with all of our classic car restorations, we constantly look and feel the body of the car. We search for any flaws or problems we have missed and correct them as soon as we find them. You’ll see that the primer helps us detect any mistake or it can mean that it’s ok to continue with the mopar restoration.
Once we feel and see that everything looks good and feels smooth, it’s ready for the base color. For this mopar restoration the owner wanted the interior as well as the exterior painted. Since the Challenger was gutted it was easy to paint the inside.
The entire interior of the Dodge Challenger was painted with included the engine compartment, the trunk, and the car door jambs. After the cream base color, it was time for the real color, the mango orange.
Mopar restoration complete paint jobs are done in several steps. First the interior is painted, then the exterior.
Again the car is taken outside to be reviewed under the light of the sun. We look for any flaws or problems with the paint or color. Once the interior is given the all-clear, we get the exterior ready for paint.
The exterior of the muscle car needs to be clean and washed completely to ensure an awesome paint job. Since the interior of the car is done with the paint process, then we mask it to prevent paint from running.
The exterior color is applied after the base coat, just like with the interior.
Painting muscle cars takes lots of skill because we want to leave the cars looking their best. And we think we were able to accomplish that with this Mopar restoration. Wouldn’t you agree?
Below are the pictures our client gave us after he completed the restoration.
“West Coast Body & Paint is the best ..words do no justice just see.”
-Emma A., Los Angeles, CA, 10/26/2017
Thank you for taking the time to read this page.
As of January 2022 we have some good news and some bad news…
The BAD NEWS is we have moved out of our location and are in search of a new home for the West Coast Body and Paint shop.
The GOOD NEWS is that we have a West Coast Body and Paint mobile paint repair service unit that will come to you! The mobile paint unit provides auto services for minor body and paint repairs.
Our estimates are free. Once we receive your images we will provide you with an initial estimate. The estimate is a ballpark figure, and after we assess your vehicle’s damage in person, we will review the estimate with you. If you agree to the final estimate, we will begin repairing your car. Fill out the form below or contact us through WhatsApp to request an estimate.
***FILL OUT TO REQUEST AN ESTIMATE FROM OUR MOBILE PAINT REPAIR UNIT***
Are you looking for a mopar restoration shop in Van Nuys or the Los Angeles area?
Come check us out! West Coast Body and Paint is one of Van Nuys, Ca best paint shops. We also work on all car makes and models, foreign and domestic. Our body shop services include collision repair, insurance claims, auto body work, custom paint, body kit installation, muscle car and car restorations. Restorations usually start at 17K with about a 2 year waitlist. **RESTORATION SERVICES CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE** Check out our gallery and read our reviews.
West Coast Body and Paint has been family-owned and has been one of the best in the business since 2007. We have worked with all car insurance companies and when you bring your car to us, we treat it as if it were our very own vehicle. We guarantee our work and keep you in the loop with the repairs.
Call or text me 818.793.7728 to schedule an appointment. You can always follow us on social media @westcoastbodyandpaint #wcbpshop.
-Jaider A. West Coast Body and Paint, Owner
