When it comes to restoring a classic or vintage car, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is how far to take the restoration. Do you focus on the visible areas — bodywork, paint, and wheels — or go all-in with a full interior and mechanical rebuild?

At Senko Auto Restorations in Brisbane, we’ve seen it all — from quick cosmetic upgrades to ground-up, nut-and-bolt restorations. Here’s our breakdown to help you decide just how deep your restoration project should go.

1. Start With Your Goals

Ask yourself: Why are you restoring the vehicle?

• If it’s for resale, you may want to focus on what buyers value most — clean bodywork, a reliable engine, and an upgraded interior.
  
• If you’re restoring for personal passion or a show car, you may choose to go all the way — sourcing rare parts, matching factory specs, and rebuilding the drivetrain from scratch.
  

At Senko, we work closely with clients to align restoration depth with their goals and budget.

2. Don’t Overlook the Interior

A fresh coat of paint turns heads, but the interior is where you’ll spend most of your time. From classic leather seats to modern twists on old-school dashboards, restoring the cabin can dramatically increase the vehicle’s comfort and resale value.

Even small changes — like new upholstery, headliners, or carpets — can breathe life back into a tired vehicle.

3. Mechanical Soundness Matters

What good is a beautiful car that won’t start? If the vehicle has sat unused for years, you’ll likely need to address the engine, brakes, transmission, and suspension.

We often recommend at least a partial mechanical check or rebuild, even for cosmetic restorations. This ensures your classic drives as good as it looks — and keeps you safe on the road.

4. Exterior and Bodywork: The Eye-Catcher

Bodywork is what people notice first — dents, rust, tired paint, or misaligned panels.
We offer abrasive blasting to remove rust and old paint, providing a clean base for flawless finishing. Whether you want a period-correct paint job or a custom look, this step is where your car’s personality really shines.

5. Know Your Budget — and Build a Plan

Restorations don’t need to happen all at once. Many of our clients opt for staged restorations, prioritising critical areas first and completing the rest over time. We’re always happy to guide you through what’s most important now — and what can wait.

Ready to Restore?

At Senko Auto Restorations, we help you restore your classic car on your terms. Whether you’re doing a partial rebuild or going full inside-out, our experienced Brisbane team will deliver quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a passion for perfection.

📍 Visit us at 9/40 South Pine Road, Brendale
📞 Call 0412 032 325
🌐 www.senkoautorestoration.com.au