When You Know You've Found the Best Hot Rod Shop Near You
Finding the best, or the right hot rod shop near you is not as easy as it might seem. You might be tempted to simply type in "best hot rod shop near me" in Google and go with the first link, but before you commit to any business (even ours) it's good to pause and get some more information from the business. You'll also want to have a clear idea of what you want in a hot rod project, whether you're seeking to make a perfect, authentic recreation of a vintage muscle car or want the best balance of authentic looks and modern performance.
Researching and Visiting Hot Rod Shops in Your Area
Once you have a good grasp of the type of restoration and work you want to do, the next step is to write down a list of three or four local shops you can visit. Do not include any general neighborhood body shops as these types of establishments prioritize collision repair over other work. Have you ever heard someone complain that their hot rod build or classic car had been in the shop for years? If so, chances are they took their vehicle to a general auto body shop and not a specialized restorer and custom hot rod shop. While this isn't to say that the mechanics at auto body shops aren't skilled, their establishments are focused foremost on the fast turnover of basic collision repair so that vehicles requiring more extensive focus get put aside whenever fast money can be made.
Now that you know what shops to avoid, the next step to finding the best hot rod shop nearby is to go and tour those shops that made your list. All reputable shops will be excited to have you and will open their doors so that you can see the type of garage they have and the specialty work they are equipped to do in-house. A few tools and equipment you should expect to find in a quality hot rod shop include a lathe, half-ton press, bead-blast cabinet, metal brake, and full complement of gas, MIG, and TIG welding equipment. Be sure to ask potential shops about any specific work examples they have completed that match the make and model of your car.
Another key aspect to ask about is insurance. While all automotive repair and restoration shops are required to carry insurance, how much coverage one shop has can differ significantly over another. Pick a shop that offers full coverage on your vehicle during both the time it is being restored at the shop and during any transportation it might undergo (whether between the shop and your home or an automotive show or somewhere else entirely).
Visit CHRA
Our doors at CHRA are always open for those looking for high-quality hot rod builds and restorations. Come talk with us, browse our current and past projects, and learn more about what we can do for you!
