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Get your paintwork looking on point

17 November, 2015

 

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“Looking at getting paintwork done? Here are a few tips and businesses to check out”

Aesthetically, the paint finish on your car is its most important feature. Sure, the saying ‘wheels make or break the car’ is definitely true, but a good paint job is what will really set your vehicle apart from the rest. When dealing with paint, the old adage ‘You get what you pay for’ is really apt — get your mate to blow it over in his carport in exchange for a box of brews, and you’ll probably end up with imperfections in a less than ideal finish.

While you can still get a decent paint job done for a decent price, what a lot of people don’t realize is that most of the time — and therefore money — is spent in preparation, which is undoubtedly the most important step in ensuring a flawless finish.  Take a look at our complete paint guide, and in our opinion, the guys you should go see! 

A diamond in the rough

24 June, 2025

Two years ago, Lew finished a thorough restoration and the impressive ute has taken on a new life and colour. Lew plays down the amount of effort required but, despite his protestations, I suspect he put a lot of time into the project. A few unwanted tenants were evicted along the way.
“It didn’t take me long. There had been mice living in the firewall, which had caused a bit of damage. It apparently broke down and was pushed into a shed. It was 20 years to the day when I pulled it out and it sat in my other shed for 3 years before I started on it. That’s why it’s in such good order — it’s been kept in a shed for so long and still is.”

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

15 June, 2025

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”