On this episode of the DIY Garage Podcast we talk with Ed and Melissa Sweeney, owners of the restoration shop Proper Noise. Topics include restoring classic British sports cars, making one-off parts for Brass Era antiques, and why projects in a box cost more to restore. Watch the video below, […]
When it’s time to choose a vise for your workshop, the choices can be overwhelming. Do you need cast iron or steel? Swivel base or fixed? How large is too large? And what does heavy duty really mean? For professionals and more serious DIY fabricators and mechanics, this last question […]
Imagine telling all your car friends you’re going to roll the primer onto your restoration project. You should expect raised eyebrows and incredulous looks, naturally. You may as well have just declare you’ll be knitting your car’s new paint job. Yet, despite the initial absurdity, rolling on primer might just […]
When you’re trying to decide on paint for your project, the choices can be confusing. Beyond the color itself, there are decisions like whether to use single-stage or a base/clear system, for instance. And then there’s all the ratios – 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 – or none at all with ready-to-spray […]
I say it often – paying attention to the smallest details is the difference between repair and restoration. Whether that’s applying the correct finish to an original part or choosing a period-correct accessory, details matter. Which is why I chose to restore rather than replace the 23-year-old speakers in my […]
A staple of any automotive restoration shop is a media blast cabinet. In fact, most professional restorers have multiple blast cabinets, each set up with different media for different materials. But even DIY restoration enthusiasts on a budget can easily set up their home garage for media blasting. The key […]
Leather-wrapped steering wheels may be pretty common these days, but that wasn’t always the case. They were once reserved for high-end vehicles and sports cars, providing a luxurious feel and an assured grip. Before airbags became common, aftermarket leather steering wheels were popular upgrades for many car enthusiasts. Last year, […]
With the bed off the C-10 project for frame repair, Adam mounted it to a rotisserie to take advantage of easy access to the underside. This was the perfect opportunity for treating rust living below, including the bed supports. Because the bottom of the bed doesn’t see daylight, Adam chose […]
In the latest installment of Mark’s Trans Am project, he addresses the rotted-out tail panel. Before installing an aftermarket replacement, he starts by cutting out the original part and treating additional rust in the surrounding areas. Watch as he fabricates new bumper mount panels from scratch. This update was a […]
