RESTORATION AND MODIFICATION GALLERY
To show you the quality of the work we are able to produce at South West Kustom, here's some of our work.
CURRENT PROJECTS
RILEY ELF
MK1 VW GOLF
FIAT CINQUECENTO
GMC VANDURA
FORD MODEL A
FORD POPULAR
JAGUAR E-TYPE
PREVIOUS PROJECTS
Fiat
500
PORSCHE
944
1970'S TOYOTA CELICA GT
MITSUBISHI EVO 8
Sunbeam
18.2
JAGUAR E-TYPE
AUSTIN HEALEY
JAGUAR E-TYPE
Corvette C5
TOYOTA MR2
MG ZR
FORD ESCORT ESTATE
SAAB 69
BULLNOSE
AUSTIN HEALEY
TOYOTA MR2
FORD ESCORT XR3I
TOYOTA CELICA GT4.
RENAULT TRAFIC
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE
VW PASSAT
ESTATE
SUSIE THE KIT CAR
VW
T4
FIAT 500
This awesome Fiat 500 came to us needing alot of TLC.
Many panels were in need of replacing or repairing, some panels were replaced with new and others had to be fabricated by us in house.
With the presence of quite extensive rust many bits were removed and surface rust treated and wire wheeled.
Once all fabrication and repair was complete the Fiat was completed in an awesome green metallic and finished with a 2 stage polish.
SUNBEAM 18.2
This unique beauty is from the1930s and she came to us to restore the body to its former glory. We had removed the previous paint and some parts sand blasted. Lots of finessing and repairs were carried out to the outer body as well as the wooden sections in various areas. Then she was finished with a stunning two tone paint job and completed with a two stage polish.
She has since been at the trimmers to have the interior completed and once they are done, we will get to see her fully restored inside and out. So watch this space for the updated photos...
SAAB 69 BULLNOSE
This Saab came to us having been acid dipped and in a protected with a red oxide.
The Saab had many holes and rust still remaining around the body and inner floor pans. Using our range of skill and equipment, we carried out extensive repairs and fabrication around the entire body.
We then painted it in its original colour and polished to a high gloss finish.
CORVETTE C5
This fibre glass bodied Corvette came to us with various paint blemishes and needed some minor repairs around the body, these were carried out, primed, then finished with a full respray to freshen up and make as good as new. What a motor!!
TOYOTA CELICA GT4
Our customer wanted his GT4 to be wide arched, front and back. The nearside rear quarter was replaced due to rot. the both sides cut, widened and welded. We had created the front wings for another Celica previously and had them moulded out of fibre glass then used on this Celica also. Spray filler was applied to the quarters, the entire vehicle and engine bay were then painted and polished and it finished up looking awesome and very much wider than before!
PORSCHE 944
The Porsche 944 is a beauty, this one needed some TLC, some minor repairs around the vehicle and a good freshen up was needed as it was looking a little dull. We repaired the necessary bits around the vehicle, primed and repainted the entire outer body in it's original colour and what a difference it made!
JAGUAR E-TYPE
Who doesn't love an E-Type?!
This Jag came to us to have a full body restoration. We cut away, fabricated and replaced rotten areas. Various repairs were carried out around the vehicle body. The body was then primed and painted in a beautiful metallic grey.
TOYOTA MR2
This MR2 came in for some TLC. The side skirts were fitting poorly, various cracks and damage to the bumpers, some rust removal carried out to the sill panels and rear etc etc. We stripped down all the vehicle panels and carried out repairs where necessary. The skirts had sections re-moulded using fibre glass matting and resin. The fabrication work was carried out to the sill sections and rear panel. All remaining repairs carried out around, the vehicle body and it's panels were primed with epoxy primer, all was then painted in this awesome blue. Panels refit all polished up and the car back looking better than ever!
AUSTIN HEALEY
This stunning Austin Healey has under gone a full respray with lots of fettling, reshaping and gap alignment. Many hours were spent repairing and aligning the panels and adjusting where necessary, we then remove all panels again to prime and paint. Once in paint it's back doing the panel alignment for the final time until perfect, the final refit of components was carried out and she turned out stunning.
RENAULT TRAFIC (ULENDO)
This Renault Trafic had a complete overhaul. Our customer had some trouble finding a garage willing to take on the amount of fabrication this boy needed. But not us!! Many areas on the underside and inner panels were completely rotten, chassis legs, out riggers, inner & outer arches, floor pans, sills, dog legs, battery tray, doors, door steps and the list goes on. After many ours of fabrication was complete we tough lined, repaired areas around the body, primed and gave Ulendo a full respray complete with gloss black bumpers and trims, the decals were then replaced and he was ready for his life on the open road.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ESTATE
This Volkswagen Passat came in to have the arches widened, sun roof fit, rust removed and full repaint.
Rust was removed from the sills and various places around the vehicle. We measured and cut out the roof, fit the frame and new sun roof. The rear arches were cut away and replacement sections were then welded into place. We fabricated and added wider rear edges onto the rear doors, door shuts and dog legs to match the new shape of the quarter panel arches. Wider front wings were adjusted, repaired and adjusted. various adjustments were made to the doors and mouldings to look factory. Then the entire body was repaired prepped and primed then painted in this electric blue colour with gloss black accents. Now this can be dropped to the floor without fears of arch rubs. Awesome!
SUSIE THE KIT CAR
This is Susie. She has suffered with a restricted view out of the windscreen due to it's shape. So we have extended the height to give a better view and a curve to give a better look. We did this by using the current windscreen as a template. We extended the height, also adding a curve to give a better look. We then fabricated a completely new windscreen frame and cut to shape a poly-carbonate screen in place of the old plastic one. Finished in green to tie in with the rest of the car. Then a courtesy polish to freshen up the paint.
TOYOTA CELICA
This 1970's Toyota Celica had had multiple areas previously repaired, welded and had plates over plates over plates. We cut, rust treated, wire wheeled, fabricated, shrunk, pin pulled, welded, copper sprayed and repaired many areas underneath and around the vehicle. We seam sealed, tough lined and painted the underside, then onto the inside, outside and finally all the vehicle panels eg doors, bonnet, boot lid etc. We applied this awesome original Toyota blue and finished off with a high solid, high gloss clear coat. What a difference.
AUSTIN HEALEY
This Austin Healey was an insurance claim after an accident . The front shroud had been damaged and the N/S wing. We worked along side the customer and insurer. We assessed the extant of the damage and parts that would need replacing then ordered the replacement parts. All necessary components and surrounding paint were removed from the damaged area. The metal was then tapped and straightened out. Some alley welding was completed as the metal had split in a few places, once completed we finessed the area. All necessary front end components were refit and removed again throughout to check alignment and fitment. Then into the booth for primer, the primer was then prepared and the car went back into the booth for paint application and clear-coat. All components and replacement parts were refit, the vehicle polished and back to its former glory.
MG ZR
This MG ZR was one of the very first of it's kind so just needed a little TLC. Some repairs were carried out on the tailgate and some slight rusting around the rear arch was ground away and removed, treated and repaired. We then painted it in its original "bitter sweet" colour, and how cool does it look!
TOYOTA MR2
This MR2 came to us needed various areas repaired around the vehicle. We have replaced both the sills including sections of the inner sills. Rust removal carried out in numerous places around the vehicle body. Dents repaired and areas primed. sections of the floor and rear panels removed fabricated and replaced. The entire vehicle and panels have been sanded back and prepared including all primed areas. The body was painted then all the panels were painted refit and polished up to a high gloss finish. And WOW this colour really did become a favourite for us!
CHEVROLET CORVETTE
This Chevvy came to us with imperfections in the paint and cracks in the fibreglass body panels.
We've stripped the paint back, and ground out the cracked fibre glass using a belt sander. We have then repaired these areas using fibre glass matting and resin. This is then blocked back and finessed. We have then applied spray filler, this has been blocked back smooth and the vehicle epoxy primed. All the primer was then blocked back smooth and finished in a fine sand paper. The vehicle was then painted, refit, polished, side decal applied and back looking like a bad ass American classic!
VOLKSWAGEN T4
This VW T4 came in with rust, rot and in need of replacement panels. We cut ground, treated, fabricated and welded multiple sections around the lower van. We also replaced sills, arches, wings and floor sections. After the welding was completed we prepared the rest of the vehicle for a full respray. We then primed and painted the van and it's panels. Once all refit, polished up and the underside Lanogaurd protected he was back on the road and what a difference from when we first seen him!!
MITSUBISHI EVO 8
This Evo came in to us with multiple areas effected by rust & corrosion and numerous dents around the vehicle. We proceeded to cut away, fabricated, rust treat, weld areas such as the fuel filler area, the offside quarter/wheel arch, back panel etc. The front wings also needed some repairs, however our customer got hold of some carbon fibre front wings which they originally wanted painting in the body colour BUT everybody agreed these new front wings were too nice to be painted. So after some discussion we came to an agreement that a colour change would go lovely with these new front wings, along with the existing carbon fibre panels already on the vehicle. Once the repairs were completed we agreed on a colour and proceeded with the primer. Once primed the vehicle was blocked down and prepared for paint. Now painted it’s been painted black, refit and all carbon fibre panels were fit to the vehicle. We polished it up and it is now looking awesome!
JAGUAR E-TYPE
This E-type came to us needing some TLC. We have stripped all necessary components and removed all the old paint. The inside of the doors and bonnet have been sand blasted and the entire body and panels has been treated with jenolite and a wire wheel to remove any rust and/or moisture. some areas needing repair had been cut away and new sections fabricated then welded in to place The front end was stripped right down to access all internal panel's we then proceeded to treat all seams. The front end had all necessary adjustments made then all put into primer. She was then painted polished and refit and looking better than ever.
MK2 FORD ESCORT ESTATE
This MK2 Escort Estate came to us having been acid dipped and protected in a red oxide.
There were many sections that needed replacement panels and/or fabrication due to previous rot leaving large holes and corroded areas. Some of the areas needing work were as follows: Engine bay, slam panel, inner wing, front floor section, mid floor section, rear floor section, A panel, rear closing panel, scuttle panel, sills, front panel, rear arches, front wings and the list goes on. Some sections needed extra rust removal before panel replacement, this is done using a product that draws any moisture and/or rust to the surface of the metal, this is then easily removed using a wire wheel. The process gets repeated until all traces of rust are gone, after this process we proceed with welding and fabrication. All areas to be repaired done, primed and all inside, outside and underneath was painted in this amazing green metallic. With the customer managing to acquire all the necessary parts, we have got the engine in place along with the steering components, rear diff etc and it is now back on its wheels. We have applied sound deadening to the inside and applied wax oil to all necessary internals and shipped it off back to a very happy customer. We feel this is one is a favourite vehicle of many people who have poped in to SWK.
FORD ESCORT XR3I
The XR3i is one nostalgic vehicle, everybody had one or wished they had one. Overall this one if in pretty good condition, however, it wouldn't be here if it didn't need some kind of TLC. This was brought to us to rectify bubbling & blemishes on the roof. At closer inspection we suspected that there was rust coming through from the inside. We removed the sun roof and proceeded to cut away the outer roof skin which revealed some extensive rust to the inside roof, the sun roof runners and the inner roof skin. We treated the areas using Janolite rust converter. This works by drawing out the rust and moisture out of the effected areas to the surface of the metal. A wire wheel was then used to remove the rust and Jenolite from the surface. This was carried out multiple times. Some small holes were then welded up, sealer was then applied and we then applied some stone chip protection to the internal roof. This was simply to give more protection from the elements. Now onto the roof skin re-fitment. Trial fitment of the roof skin and sun roof was carried out, the roof skin tacked in place, sun roof tried again, and the roof was then welded back into place a little at a time to ensure no warping of the metal, welds were ground back smooth and metal edges/swages were shaped using a metal file, light skims of filler applied to finesse, spray filled, epoxy primed, painted and polished. Now its protected from the inside and looking awesome on the outside!.
CURRENT PROJECTS
JAGUAR E-TYPE 2
After arriving at South West Kustom for a front end repaint, due to blemishes, damage etc. We could see that a lot of filler had been used by looking at the width of the bonnet edges. However nothing prepared us for just how much filler had been used in this. We proceeded to strip back the paint for us to gauge the extent of the repairs needed and we found that not only had it been previously repaired it had some major damage and disfigurement hiding under inches of filler. We then discovered that some of the internal front end panels were either non existent or had been modified/cut/removed to fit the twisted front end. The offside bonnet hinge had been shaved down to sit further back and the list went on. We decided that an entire new front end would be necessary. We ordered in a whole new front end and it’s internal panels and fixings. Once the new front end arrived we proceeded to do the initial trial fit. Now, anyone who knows an E-type will know that a new front end will need lots of adjustments to fit correctly. We cut aligned, shaped down, reshaped and repaired numerous areas. Once happy with the fitment, we stripped the front end back down again to prime and paint all external and internal panels. Now in primer, next up will be to block down ready for paint.
FORD MODEL A
This 1931 Ford Model A with a chopped roof and fibre glass body came to us in need of some strength adding to the body.
So, we fabricated an inner metal frame/structure. This has been designed by us, measured, cut, mocked up, welded, ground back, welded, bent, welded, fabricated, welded, ground back and protected with epoxy primer.
Each area was fabricated and welded out of the vehicle then placed back in to check alignment. Once all areas were adjusted, mocked up and trial fit, then all the pieces were welded together. This was to ensure any adjustments needed were easily completed before being fixed into place.
We then fabricated frame for a window regulators in the doors to bolt onto securely, as the body is made from fibre glass this doesn't give much strength for fixings. Once completed we fixed the door latches, re-moulded some of the fibre glass in the tailgate to hold the boot latch and hinges. The boot gutter/channel was also reshaped from fibre glass matting and resin.
This has now gone off to have the engine built/fit then it'll be back for the bodywork/paint.
to be continued........
FORD POPULAR
The Ford Popular, what a unique classic. This beauty came in needing some love and she’s had a lot of it.
Firstly we stripped it down, including removing all the interior and engine. The engine was given to a third party for refurbishment.
The body was then stripped down and removed from the chassis.
All the panels and body shell were blasted. The chassis was stripped down, prepared, painted black, finished in a satin clear and rebuilt.
The body was then bolted back onto the chassis, we fabricated an internal brace to keep the body fixed and sturdy before the body panels were refit, realigned and removed again.
The fabrication work then began around the body panels, replacing multiple areas and refitting panels to the body throughout to keep alignment. All panels were treated and wire wheeled. All body work was repaired, primed and prepped ready for paint.
The underside was then tough lined and painted black at the customers request.
Back on the chassis, inner brace removed, inside and out painted, all panels painted and engine back in.
The car is now having the engine finessed and once completed, we will be fitting the panels back on, polishing up everything and re-fitment.
RILEY ELF
This Riley Elf is rarely seen classic and this one has come in for a full overhaul. We stripped down all of it’s components and had the body shell shot blasted. This unveiled numerous areas around the vehicle that needed attention. Some panels around the vehicle were replaced with new replacement panels such as both front floor pans, rear toe board and the nearside A post. The remaining repaired areas have been fabricated in house, these have been numerous and mostly consisting of the vehicles underside areas, due to previous repairs and/or rust damage. Next up will be to get this one on to the rotisserie to attack any places on the underside not yet reached, then we will prepare, clean down, underseal and paint the underside before removing from the rotisserie to continue with the upper body.
FIAT CINQUECENTO
This cheeky Cinquecento has come to SWK to have the full body overhaul. Our customer had removed the majority of parts, interior and the engine. We've stripped down the last remaining bits, removed it from it's wheels and removed the windows. This one was then shot blasted and protected with epoxy primer whilst we carry out the repairs. Some fabrication has been carried out in numerous areas around the vehicle. Once happy with the upper body we then placed the vehicle onto our rotisserie, this was to access the underside to proceed with repairs otherwise inaccessible. The underside will now have its final checks completed then it’s into the spray booth for underseal and paint. Going forward this one will have a new body kit fitted (after some modification) and a full repaint, we can’t wait to see this one completed.
GMC VANDURA
Anyone else thinking A Team? What a wicked van. This GMC is with us for some roof problems. This is mostly due to the previous repairs that have been carried out (not by SWK) This has caused the roof to rust and also causing the roof to leak. We assessed the damage and we came to the conclusion that removing the entire central part of the roof would be the best course of action to rectify. So we did! The central problem area has been removed, although this will not be replaced. We will be carrying out some extensive fabrication and repair work to the existing panel, making it look as original as possible..
MK1 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
This Iconic VW will be having the full works from us at SWK. We will be stripping down everything. Including removing the engine, the interior, running gear, wheels, EVERYTHING, because this one is having a full body restore. Once stripped down we will shot blast the shell and all necessary panels. We will then apply an epoxy primer to protect whilst repairs are carried out. Once blasted we will know the full extent of the repairs needed but at a glance we can see that there is some extensive rust to the underside, sills and wheel arches. We will fabricate in house and/or order in new replacement panels if they are available for certain areas. Lets see what's to come on this one.
