Knowledge centre

How to run a restoration properly

Practical guides for every kind of project — classic cars, motorcycles, scooters, marine craft, commercial and agricultural machines, caravans, military vehicles and more. Written for owners, not trade insiders.

Planning

The right order of work on a full restoration

Strip, assess, structure, paint, then mechanicals — why sequence saves money.

6 min read

Budgeting a restoration without kidding yourself

A realistic way to cost a project, plus the line items people always forget.

5 min read

Specialists

How to choose a chrome plater

What to ask about copper layers, pitting repair, and turnaround before you post your bumpers.

5 min read

Bodywork

Rust repair or panel replacement?

When a repair section is right, when a full panel is cheaper, and how to judge either.

4 min read

GRP and aluminium bodywork on boats and caravans

Dealing with the specialist body materials used on marine craft, caravans and light commercials.

4 min read

Interiors

Upholstery and trim: what to expect

Leather versus vinyl, foams, and why the trimmer should see the car before you strip it.

4 min read

Legal

Paperwork, V5C and getting back on the road

Keeping identity intact, historic vehicle status, and the paperwork to keep on file.

4 min read

Motorcycles

Motorcycle restoration basics

Frame, engine, tank and wheels — the sequence that keeps a bike project moving.

5 min read

Chrome and plating on motorcycles

Bumpers, guards, tank badges and spokes — how to get a bike brightwork job right.

4 min read

Moped and lightweight classic bike restoration

Small capacity bikes, autocycles and mopeds — a low-cost route into restoration.

4 min read

Seats, saddles and leatherwork on motorcycles

How to get a motorcycle seat, saddle or pannier looking right again.

4 min read

Scooters

Scooter restoration: Vespa, Lambretta and commuter classics

Body, leg shields, engines and panels — what to watch on a classic scooter rebuild.

4 min read

Marine

Boat and marine restoration basics

Hull, engine, deck fittings and brightwork — the order of work for wooden and GRP craft.

5 min read

Narrowboat and canal craft restoration

Steel hulls, cabins, engines and coal stoves — bringing a canal boat back to life.

5 min read

Wooden boat joinery and varnishing

Spars, toerails, hatches and interior joinery — keeping timber bright and sound on boats.

4 min read

Commercial & agricultural

Commercial and agricultural vehicle restoration

Lorries, vans, tractors and buses — the heavy-duty approach to a big project.

5 min read

Tracks, tyres and rubber for military and commercial machines

Bushings, pads, rubber tracks and heavy tyres — the running gear of big restoration projects.

4 min read

Other projects

Stationary engines, steam and fairground restoration

Boilers, fireboxes, governors and safety gear — the basics of responsible preservation.

5 min read

Aircraft and military vehicle restoration

Airframes, tracks, canvas and ordnance — the specialist end of the restoration world.

5 min read

Caravan and classic camper restoration

Body shell, chassis, interior and electrics — a practical guide to reviving a tourer.

4 min read