A frame-off restoration is the most complete restoration a classic car can receive. The body is separated from the chassis so that every part of the vehicle can be inspected, repaired and refinished. At Innovative Restorations in Wallingford, Connecticut, we perform frame-off restorations on muscle cars, antique automobiles, vintage trucks and collector vehicles, rebuilding each one from the ground up.
What a Frame-Off Restoration Includes
With the body off the frame, our team has full access to areas that cannot be reached any other way. A frame-off build typically includes:
- Complete inspection and repair of the frame and underbody
- Media blasting, rust treatment and refinishing
- Replacement of bushings, lines, mounts and fasteners
- Restoration or upgrade of every mechanical, electrical and cosmetic system
The result is a car that is as close to factory new as it can be, or better if you choose to add modern upgrades as part of a restomod build.
Is a Frame-Off Restoration Right for Your Car?
Frame-off is usually the right choice when a vehicle has severe rust or corrosion, when the frame itself needs repair, or when the goal is a complete rebuild. If the chassis is solid, rust is minimal and you want a reliable car for weekend driving, a frame-on restoration can deliver a big improvement in appearance and performance without taking the whole vehicle apart. Our guide to frame-off vs frame-on restorations explains the difference in more detail, and we are happy to look at your car and recommend the level of work that fits your goals and budget.
How Much Does a Frame-Off Restoration Cost?
No two cars are the same, so it is impossible to quote an exact price up front. Cost depends on the time, materials and parts each project needs. We provide an initial estimate before the build starts, then a second assessment once the vehicle has been completely disassembled and the body stripped to its bare substrate, because that is when hidden problems show themselves. Throughout the build we stay in regular contact with updates and ask for your approval before moving forward on any unexpected repairs. For more background, see understanding classic car restoration costs and our FAQ.
How Long Does a Frame-Off Restoration Take?
Timelines vary with parts availability, the quality of replacement parts on the market, the type of build, and whether you want an original restoration or a restomod. We will talk through these factors with you before work begins.
See Our Restoration Work
Browse the project gallery to see past builds, or read about the 1971 Buick GS that received a full nut and bolt restoration in our shop.
Start Your Frame-Off Restoration
Tell us about your car and what you want it to become. Contact our Wallingford, CT shop to schedule a consultation.
The Auto Restoration Service Process
Disassembly
Vehicles are fully disassembled, parts condition is assessed and parts are labeled.
Metal Repair
Vehicle body is measured and braced, mounted on vehicle dolly, and then all necessary parts are media blasted to its bare substrate.
Epoxy Prime
Vehicles are then epoxy primed, then sent over to the metal shop for structural and nonstructural repairs.
Test Fit
While their body panels and trim are test fit on the vehicle to ensure a smooth final assembly
Body Work
Onto the body shop for body work then two stages of priming and blocking.
Paint
Once body work is completed the vehicle is fully disassembled, prepped, tapped and painted.
Wet Sand & Polish
Next wet sand and polish.
Assembly
Lastly, final assembly for delivery.
What Customers Say
Highly recommend Adam and his team when you have issues with your car or even if you have a question. Adam is very knowledgeable, patient, and is willing to work with your concerns.
I brought my car in to have the alternator replaced. They provided me with a reasonable, detailed estimate very quickly. I liked that they told me what had to be fixed right away, vs what will need to be fixed in the future. They took the time to explain the repair to me which I appreciated. I had my car back within one day of dropping it off which was great. Very well organized and professional, I would definitely recommend and go back for future mechanical needs. Great to deal with, thanks again guys!
“It was wonderful experience at Innovative Restorations which left me speechless with the quality of work and promptness. Not only the job done was flawless but cost effective. The best service you can get. Adam Bradley, whom we met, knows his stuff and expert in giving the most cost effective solution for the job.”
Had some custom work done on my ’48 Desoto here and I am very happy. Very knowledgeable and can do it all start to finish. Also had them restore an old Murray pedal car for my daughter that came out amazing. Just picked up a second pedal car and will definitely have them restore this one as well.
I am extremely satisfied with Adam and his crew at innovative restorations. Adam is one of the few business owners that will go out of his way to ensure that his clients understand the process of restoration and all of their options. He is up front, honest and performs top of the line work. I would highly recommend innovative restorations for your basic day to day maintenance or the highest level of automobile restoration.
It was wonderful experience at Innovative Restorations which left me speechless with the quality of work and promptness. Not only the job done was flawless but cost effective. The best service you can get. Adam Bradley, whom we met, knows his stuff and expert in giving the most cost effective solution for the job.
Just had Adam and his team put a rear diffuser on my car and they did some great work. The car looks great and they did a check on my entire car. Thank you for the great service. No one gives that kind of detail to their work done.
Great shop! These guys are honest and the prices are fair. They can handle all your restoration needs! I will definitely be back for more work.
The guys at Innovative are top notch. My wife and I had our vehicle fixed here. The communication was great, the deadlines where met, but the quality of work is where this place really shines. Another point I would like to mention is how clean and organized the working area was, these folks really take pride in their work. I would gladly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for quality professional body work, paint, restoration, and repairs.
“The guys at Innovative are top notch. My wife and I had our vehicle fixed here. The communication was great, the deadlines where met, but the quality of work is where this place really shines. Another point I would like to mention is how clean and organized the working area was, these folks really take pride in their work. I would gladly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for quality professional body work, paint, restoration, and repairs.”
I came to Innovative Restorations for some non-emergency, but important mechanical work. They fit me into their schedule quickly, as it was my day off and I really appreciated their flexibility to accommodate my schedule. The technicians were both courteous and knowledgeable. There was a pleasant waiting area that was clean and quiet. You can tell that a lot of care goes in to making sure their customers are comfortable. If you’re a car person there is a lot to look at and admire here. I highly recommend Innovative Restorations!
Adam was most helpful with planning and executing the paint job on our 1966 Morgan. The job turned out to be a six month project that required much sheet metal talent and a minimum amount of filler. He received the car in seven pieces and worked with me to finish the tub first followed by the fenders. The front fender on a Morgan is eight feet long and due to Adam’s diligence he found a weld crack in the left fender that had gone undetected by me, but would have led to failure at a future date. The hood or bonnet was another challenge to remove the wrinkles using minimal filler. To summarize our experience with Adam, I must brag about our first place concur winner this past
Autumn Mog 2019
The Autumn Mog was a gathering of 45 Morgans with about eight vintage four seat models.
These Guys are hands down are the Best. I brought my 1961 VW Dunebuggy there and the Men had fixed the fiberglass tub flawless , rewired it correctly & Painted it Perfectly. They are My Personal Body Shop.
Adam and the guys worked on a vehicle of mine and the workmanship was perfect! He also dealt with the insurance company so I didn’t have to which was great. It was nice having someone I could trust to deal with that. He also showed me around his immaculately clean shop. You could tell by the vehicles in there that people have trust in him and the company with the high quality of classic vehicles in the shop. I would recommend this company to anyone.
Adam and his team did a excellet job completing the mechanical upgrades and paint work on my classic Ford. Having had a bad experience with a previous shop that was incompetent and ill-equipped to perform the work, I knew from my initial meeting with Adam that they are a professional and extremely knowledgeable shop. My expectations were more than met with the quality and attention to detail that was shown on my project. I’m now a long lasting customer and would without hesitation highly recommend Innovative for all your automotive needs. You’ll be in good hands there! – Chris
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Trusted Partners
We don’t just focus on performance and skills, we also use quality parts and services to ensure our customers are always getting the best. Here are some of the trusted companies Innovative Restorations is proud to partner with.
