KEVIN WALSH — CUSTOM STREET RIDES

The beginning of any build that comes into CSR [Custom Street Rides] ‘before even laying a tool on it’ is establishing a theme and what sort of desired finished result is required. Having this determined first and foremost gives us the right vision moving forward, whether it’s restomod, concourse, pro street, or pro touring. This theme would define what type of engine, running gear, wheel combination, stance, and interior would be best suited. From here, we’d carry out a complete condition assessment. It doesn’t matter if the car is fully complete and legal or has been disassembled for 20 years — everything needs to be assessed prior. This also goes for parts that come fitted to or with the vehicle that won’t necessarily go back on once we have finished the build.

We then strip all panel work back to bare metal and assess sheet-metal condition and seal with epoxy urethane primer. From here, we are able to create an inventory of parts and components that will be required throughout the build and at the final assembly stage. Then we would disassemble the vehicle and all related systems, then bag, tag, and store away for future reference and fit-up. This is when any parts are ordered that have been noted from the previous stages.

Setting the stance, covering ride height, frame rake, rim, and tyre combination is our first objective. This gives us our base setting to establish proper suspension geometry/fitment and correct engine and drivetrain angles. We would then organize all needed parts to make a complete rolling chassis. Then we carry out all fabrication work to frame/ underbody installing and making up mounting locations for engine/transmission/diff, setting up brakes, steering and suspension, exhaust, fuel and cooling systems. Only after this do we attack all the major rust (if present) sheet-metal work and panel fabrication. We then reassemble the body/ panels back onto the vehicle and carry out filling work, followed by panel gapping and bumper and trim mock-up. At the same stage, we look at doing any interior modifications such as seats/seat belts, instrumentation, steering column, and AC upgrades. Mounting control units and ECUs would also be carried out at this stage.

This is when we’d disassemble the build for the finer details. We start by focusing our attention on all mechanical detailing aspects: blasting, filling, and priming, then base-coat and clear-coating systems like chassis/underbody/engine bay, suspension, engine, driveline, brakes. Having the exhaust system ceramic coated and all chrome work done at this stage will also create a streamline effect into the final assembly. Then comes the body and bolt-on panels. These would be sprayed in high-filler, blocked, re-prime, and the blocking process will be repeated until we are satisfied with the body and panel condition. We then mask up and completely spray the inside of the body, boot areas, etc. From here, the final paint stage commences with painting the exterior body and panels. If wanted, we would wet sand and carry out flow coating, reapplying the clear stage for depth. Then it’s assembly time, with all mechanical systems going back into the vehicle. With only a bare body fitted, we would wire the engine and all componentry to make it run and drive. At this point, we would fire it up and check over operation and performance. If we come across any initial teething problems, they can be addressed with ease from here.

Finishing off all panel assembly, body/glass sealing, and weather stripping, bumper and trim fitment. Then fitting all remaining electrical parts, e.g., exterior lighting, instrumentation, audio/alarm installs, and wiring in. After this, we would carry out a full rust treatment prior to the interior stage. Then, finally, it’s time to complete interior install or retrim, lay carpet, headliners, fit seats, and all interior trim work to finish off.