New Zealand’s Classic Car Restoration Specialists
Bringing Automotive History Back to Life
Cartel Works is a specialist in classic car restoration in New Zealand, dedicated to preserving and rebuilding iconic vehicles from every era. We work across the full scope of car restoration, combining craftsmanship, experience, and attention to detail to deliver results that respect each vehicle’s history.
Full Classic Car Restorations
Our full classic car restorations take vehicles from worn and weathered to fully rebuilt and refined. Cars arrive with decades of wear and leave as carefully restored examples of their former glory. Each restoration is planned and executed to suit the vehicle, its era, and your vision.
Diverse Car Restoration Experience
Our portfolio covers a wide range of car restoration projects, including veteran vehicles, classic racers, light commercial vehicles, and models from the 1970s and 1980s. Every vehicle receives the same level of respect and workmanship, regardless of age or style.
Partial Car Restoration Projects
Not every restoration requires a full rebuild. We offer partial car restoration services for owners who want to focus on specific areas. This includes car body restoration, classic car door panel restoration, and targeted structural or cosmetic work.
Interior and Finishing Restoration
Details matter in any classic car restoration. We carry out car interior restoration work including car upholstery restoration and car interior leather restoration, ensuring interiors reflect the correct era and finish.
Contact Us About Restoration Services
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FAQs
How do you restore a classic car?
Restoring a classic car usually starts with a full inspection to assess the body, chassis, mechanical components, and interior. The process often includes structural repairs, mechanical refurbishment, body restoration, paintwork, and interior restoration. Each stage should be planned carefully to suit the vehicle’s condition, budget, and intended use.
How hard is it to restore a car?
The difficulty of restoring a car depends on the vehicle’s condition, age, and the level of restoration required. Minor cosmetic restorations are relatively straightforward, while full restorations can be complex and time consuming. Access to parts, specialist skills, and proper tools all play a big role in how challenging the project will be.
How much does it cost to restore a car?
The cost of restoring a car varies widely. Smaller restoration projects may cost a few thousand dollars, while full classic car restorations can cost significantly more. Factors include the amount of rust or damage, parts availability, labour required, and whether the work is partial or a complete rebuild.
How do you restore a car interior?
Car interior restoration involves repairing or replacing worn components such as seats, door cards, carpets, headliners, and trim. The process may include cleaning, reupholstering, repairing plastics, and restoring original materials where possible to maintain the vehicle’s character.
How do you restore car interior plastic?
Interior plastic restoration typically involves deep cleaning, repairing cracks or scuffs, and refinishing surfaces to restore colour and texture. In some cases, damaged plastic parts may need to be repaired with fillers or replaced if restoration is not possible.
How do you restore rubber around car windows?
Rubber seals around car windows can be restored by cleaning, conditioning, and treating them with rubber rejuvenation products. If the rubber is cracked, brittle, or leaking, replacement is usually the best option to ensure proper sealing and prevent water ingress.
How do you restore chrome trim on a car?
Chrome trim restoration depends on its condition. Light corrosion can often be polished out, while pitted or heavily damaged chrome may require re plating or replacement. Proper preparation and finishing help restore shine and protect the trim from future corrosion.
How do you restore car headlights?
Headlight restoration usually involves sanding away oxidised layers, polishing the surface, and applying a protective coating. This process improves clarity, visibility, and appearance. Severely damaged headlights may need replacement for safety reasons.
