A Beginner’s Guide to Classic Car Restoration in West Texas

New to restoring classic cars or trucks?

Restoring a classic car or truck is more than just a project — it’s a journey. Whether you’ve inherited an old family vehicle, scored a barn find, or finally bought your dream car off Craigslist, you’re now part of a passionate community of drivers, builders, and enthusiasts.

But where do you begin? Restoration isn’t just about fresh paint and chrome — it’s about carefully bringing history back to life with time, skill, and the right team by your side.

At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks LLC, we’ve helped countless Lubbock-area drivers turn rusted-out shells into show-stoppers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything a beginner needs to know about classic car and truck restoration in West Texas.

What Is Classic Car Restoration?

Restoration is the process of returning a vintage or classic vehicle to its original or improved condition — either as it was from the factory or as a customized version based on your vision.

There are typically three types of restorations:

1. Stock Restoration: Keeping the car as close to original specs as possible (factory colors, original engine, etc.).
   
   
2. Resto-Mod: Restoring the body and look while upgrading modern performance features (disc brakes, A/C, fuel injection, etc.).
   
   
3. Custom Build: Turning the vehicle into a one-of-a-kind piece with complete customization of body, paint, and mechanicals.
   
   

Each type has different goals, timelines, and budgets — so the first step is deciding what you’re building and why.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals and Budget

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a daily driver, weekend cruiser, or show car?
  
  
• Will you drive it cross-country or only to events?
  
  
• Is this a frame-off restoration or just cosmetic?
  
  

Be honest about what you want and what you can afford. Restoration is not cheap — but with clear goals and realistic expectations, it’s incredibly rewarding.

“They did an amazing job on the car I’m building for my nephew! Highly recommend James and his crew.”
— Ben Satchell, Verified Customer

Step 2: Start with a Solid Candidate

Not all cars are worth restoring. Before spending thousands on bodywork or paint, have the vehicle inspected for structural integrity. The best restoration candidates:

• Have minimal rust in structural areas
  
  
• Have a straight frame or unibody
  
  
• Still contain original trim, glass, or panels
  
  
• Have accessible replacement parts available
  
  

That 1967 Mustang might look cool — but if the undercarriage is rotted out, you could be in for a costly surprise.

Step 3: Disassembly and Evaluation

Once the project is greenlit, the first step is usually teardown. This includes:

• Removing the engine and drivetrain
  
  
• Stripping the body panels
  
  
• Documenting all wiring, trim, and hardware
  
  
• Labeling everything for future reassembly
  
  

At Moreno’s, we carefully log and store each part during a restoration. We also take detailed notes and photos to ensure everything goes back exactly as it should.

Step 4: Bodywork & Fabrication

This is often the most time-consuming phase of a restoration. We address rust, dents, and structural issues using:

• Media blasting or sanding
  
  
• Panel patching or full replacements
  
  
• Welding reinforcements
  
  
• Custom metal fabrication for discontinued parts
  
  

Our shop can build or replicate parts for classic trucks and cars when originals are unavailable — a key advantage for Lubbock restorers dealing with rare vehicles.

“Honest, trustworthy, professional, and warranties his work. Highly recommend!”
— Becky Berger

Step 5: Paint & Refinishing

Once the metal is clean and straight, it’s time for the visual transformation. You can choose a factory-correct color, a modern shade, or a complete custom look. We offer:

• Primer and sealing
  
  
• Custom color matching
  
  
• Single-stage and base/clear options
  
  
• Show-quality buffing and polishing
  
  

Our team has restored everything from muscle cars to trucks with flawless paint finishes that match or exceed original quality.

Step 6: Mechanical Systems

Depending on your goals, this phase may include:

• Rebuilding or replacing the engine and transmission
  
  
• Converting drum to disc brakes
  
  
• Upgrading suspension for better ride quality
  
  
• Modernizing electrical systems (gauges, stereo, lights)
  
  

We work with trusted mechanical partners for engine rebuilds but handle all body and reassembly work in-house — so you get one-stop-shop oversight from start to finish.

Step 7: Interior Restoration

From seats to dashboards to carpets, the interior matters just as much as the body. We help source or restore:

• Upholstery kits
  
  
• Classic steering wheels and trim
  
  
• Dash gauges and bezels
  
  
• Custom panels if needed
  
  

If you're driving your classic regularly in the Lubbock heat, we can also help with A/C upgrades or sound-deadening to make your ride more comfortable.

Step 8: Reassembly & Final Touches

Once everything is painted and built, we reassemble the vehicle carefully — paying attention to every detail, including:

• Emblems, badges, and trim
  
  
• Weatherstripping
  
  
• Glass and lights
  
  
• Polishing and detailing
  
  

You won’t just get a “painted” car back — you’ll get a fully finished product, ready to drive or show with pride.

“I’ll never go anywhere else. He did an awesome job getting my car back to new!”
— Haylie Moreno

FAQs About Classic Car Restoration

How long does a full restoration take?

A typical full build can take 3 to 12 months, depending on parts availability, project size, and customization.

Do I need to bring my own parts?

Not necessarily — we can source parts for you or work with parts you’ve already collected.

Can I choose a custom paint color?

Yes. We offer full custom paint and refinishing options, including original color matching and modern upgrades.

Do you offer partial restorations?

Absolutely. We can work on individual sections of your vehicle — body only, paint only, or even just rust repair — depending on your needs.

Ready to Restore Your Dream Ride?

Whether it’s a classic truck that’s been in the family for decades or a forgotten muscle car you’re bringing back to life, we’d love to help.

Call Moreno’s Elite Autoworks at (806) 772-9956
Visit us at 8901 US-87 Suite 125, Lubbock, TX
Email: eliteautoworksoflubbock@yahoo.com

Let’s build something that turns heads and tells a story — with quality craftsmanship you can count on.