We’ve had a busy year here at AM Restorations, with a multitude of different vehicles coming through our doors. For this year’s end of year blog, we have collated some of our favourite projects and social media posts from the year into one place.
MK4 Ford Escort Estate
We started off the year with an interesting one; we always get a variety of exciting vehicles through our doors, and we have seen it all! However, some of our customers are beginning to take matters into their own hands to scare us! This MK4 Ford Escort Estate came to us with a particularly spooky passenger.
Willys Station Wagon (January)
We made some great headway with the Willys Station Wagon, and you’ll be able to watch the story unfold throughout this blog. We first took on the rare 1950s Willy’s Jeep back in December 2018! Since then, it has gone from strength to strength; this long-term restoration job has been with us through Brexit, four prime ministers, and a global pandemic!
We began by conducting a thorough inspection of the chassis after removing the body and creating a list of parts that would be needed. Fortunately, the chassis was in excellent condition!
We then fitted the new engine, gearbox, and transfer box for a trial run. However, we had to modify the Jeep’s chassis by relocating the engine mounts and installing new cross members. Moreover, we replaced any corroded parts and built new panels. After assembling and fitting the front axle, we reinstalled the front end to ensure proper clearance.
We have replaced the rear quarter lower sections and new sills and adapted the door handles to include door locks and handles; we also did roof and tailgate repairs.
1990’s Suzuki Cappuccino
Originally designed to meet ‘Kei car’ specifications for lower tax and insurance in Japan, the cappuccino has a three-cylinder turbocharged 657cc engine. Usually, you only see these Japanese pocket rockets in Red, but this one is a bit special because it is in the rare silver!
The car was new to the owner, so he brought it to us for a full service, cambelt and underbody protection. This set the car up for its new lease of life with its new owner and many miles ahead!
Jeep Grand Cherokee
This Jeep has a story or two to tell, and it has been on some pretty serious adventures! The car was brought to us after the owner had just finished a trip in Austria, where the car had a soft role.
We straightened up the car’s rear end and repaired the roof and the tailgate to ensure it could close again! Considering the car had been on its roof, it’s still in really good shape.
We love working on all cars; this is a perfect example of a vehicle that has created memories. The Jeep is pretty special and has a deeper connection to AM Restorations than most, as the owner has some health issues. This is why we are really pleased we have been able to repair the car and make it watertight again. Ready to go and make some more memories!
Mercury 8
Mercury 8 in stunning (if we don’t say so ourselves) AM Restorations colours.
The car had previously come to us for some safety upgrades and a full safety check; we added seat belts and fitted upgraded brakes. An excellent example of post-war old-school luxury at its best.
The owner has brought it back to us to fit an electric fuel pump, making the car more reliable.
BMW M4 Competition
We recently completed a paintwork job for a customer’s 2023 BMW. The car had suffered damage to the passenger side quarter panel and side skirt. We completed a full respray on this section of the car; it was an excellent opportunity to showcase that we are competent in both modern water-based as well as older-style solvent-based paint.
We are incredibly pleased with the finished product, as it was a different project than usual! The paint was a factory special order of Bella Donna, and one of the most interesting things about it was that we had to bring the quality of the finish down to match the car’s factory finish!
The customer is a friend of ours; needless to say; he is quite specific when he wants work done! So, we were the only place he could trust to do the repairs. This is a perfect example of what AM Restorations can do for you. We work on any car, whether it’s a classic or not. As long as you believe it deserves the highest level of treatment, we are happy to offer our services.
Classic Fiat 500
Classic Fiat 500 that came in because it wouldn’t run for more than 5 miles!
We traced the issue to be an ignition problem, which we put down to a combination of the points and the ignition coil. Andy took it out for a test drive and did a whopping 7 miles to double-check the repair had worked! A bit of problem-solving to remedy months of frustration.
We really enjoyed taking the Fiat out for a test drive; you get a genuine appreciation for the road and a better understanding of the world around you (we think all new drivers should have to experience it at least once).
South African Import VW T25
South African import VW T25 fitted from the factory with an Audi engine.
We started by replacing the rear valance and front panel. We also addressed the micro blisters on the front doors and front screen panel. A side moulding set was also fitted, and gloss black detail was applied to the doors, front and rear screen areas, and the side mouldings.
Ford Cortina L
This beautiful red Ford Cortina L for new half shafts and bearings.
We worked with a specialist company that machines bespoke parts for classic cars. It made for an exciting process as we went back and forth to the customer’s house a few times! The first time, to remove the old half shafts to send them off, once to check the blanks made by the company fit, and once more to drive the Cortina to our workshop with the old half shafts in to be replaced with the new ones!
Willys Station Wagon (April)
The first time we started up the new engine for the Willy’s. Getting the engine into its new home meant we had to modify the Willy’s chassis by relocating the engine mounts and installing new cross members. We also started on the paint stage for the car! Painting the interior in this beautiful red!
Yellow Toyota MR2
This Toyota MR2 was with us because of an overheating problem.
Andy tested it, we took the head off and sent it away. Two of the water jackets in the cylinder head were blocked, which wouldn’t have helped the situation, plus the water pump had gone. So, we fitted a new water pump and Cam Belt.
Once the head was back with us, we got straight to fitting it back on, as well as all the fiddly ancillaries! We’re pleased to report that the car is now performing as it should.
The owner, who is passionate about MR2s, owns two of them. His original MR2 is blue, but he has always wanted a yellow one, so we’re really pleased it’s back on the road.
Triumph Bonneville
Here at AM, we’re known for our Triumphs, but this one is a bit different to our normal – 2 fewer wheels!
This Triumph Bonneville came into us needing a bit of TLC; it had spent some time outside and just needed a bit of titivation in the form of a good clean and a detail! We polished up the chrome and painted the dial surrounds and mirror stems.
The bike is quite a cool example! As it is a special edition of the Bonneville, the ‘Newchurch’ is said to be named after a town in Austria called Neukirchen, which every year changes its name to Newchurch for the week-long Tridays festival.
Chesil Speedster
A great bit of kit! This Porsche replica came to us for a full service; we had an in-depth look at the car, including the tappets and rocker cover gaskets. We also cleaned out the oil strainer.
Chesil is based up in Oxfordshire, and they turn out some really cool cars, all based around the 356 body. This one is a VW Beetle Underneath.
If Andy got one, he would have to invest in some goggles!
Triumph Stag KCL 759N
This Stag came in because it was suffering from coolant loss. The customer initially thought that it had to do with the coolant core plug, but after we had given it a more thorough look over it, we found that it was actually the aluminium transfer housing that had failed!
The only problem we then had was finding a replacement, because for some reason these housing’s are quite hard to come by. However, a local engine shop saved the day and supplied us with a new one. We got it fitted and tested, and the car was ready to go—another happy customer.
Triumph Herald Wedding Car
This Herald holds a special place in the owner’s family! It is the official wedding car, and it has just taken part in its 4th family wedding! The father bought it back in the 80s, and it has been in the family ever since! This car is very important to the family and holds a great deal of sentimental value; it’s the first project where we have been asked to keep any confetti if we find it!
It had mechanical work in and out with new carpets and exterior work with welding repairs to both rear quarters, a new rear valence, a new sill and a new bumper set. We’re really pleased with how it has turned out. Cheers to many future weddings!
Triumph Stag OBN 808M
This Stag initially came to us for a tidy-up as the customer had recently purchased it. Once the car arrived at our garage, we started inspecting the rust and stripping off bits. It soon became evident that the body was much worse than expected, and its structure was weak. Both sills had been poorly repaired previously, and the strength was compromised.
The car has now received the full AM Restorations treatment with repairs to all the rust, new panels and a re-spray. During the mechanical restoration, the customer re-founded his love for the car and the hobby and invested in some cool bits for the car, like a dashboard L.E.D upgrade and new chrome bumpers.
We are really pleased with the finished product. The owner is a local Triumph Stag Club member, so we will likely see this car again!
A Year of Growth and Challenges
While we faced significant challenges due to staff shortages, we’re excited to announce that our team is growing! Despite these hurdles, our dedication to providing top-notch restoration services remained unwavering.
Supporting Our Community
This year, we proudly sponsored a friend of the garage, who competed in the IBFA World Finals for bodybuilding in Rome. We’re thrilled to share that he achieved an impressive 4th place in the over-sixties category and a remarkable 2nd place in the over-fifty-fives category.
Finishing 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look forward to 2025, we’re committed to improving our facilities and services. We’re excited to introduce a new ramp and winch system, along with general equipment upgrades, to streamline our restoration processes.
We’re considering organising car and coffee events at the garage to foster a stronger connection with car clubs. These events will provide a fantastic opportunity for car enthusiasts to gather, share their passion, and admire stunning vehicles. We’re inspired by the success of our Ford meet-up in 2016 and hope to recreate that great day.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another successful year in 2025! We’re still finalising our Christmas hours, but we plan to close early on Christmas Eve and return to work on the second of January.
From the entire team, here are AM Restorations; we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
