International Auto Center Body Shop restores worn and weathered bodywork in Santa Clara. We assess rust, panel condition and paint on older vehicles, quote the scope honestly, and refinish the car with over 30 years of shop experience.
What restoration means here
Restoration covers a range, from refreshing the paint on a well-kept older car to rebuilding rusted panels. We handle the body and paint side: panel repair, rust treatment, filler where appropriate, priming and refinishing. We do not promise show-quality concours work, and we will tell you honestly if a car needs a specialist.
Start with an honest inspection
We look at the panels from the outside and underneath. Rust bubbles in the paint often mean more rust behind them. Past repairs may have used thick filler that is now cracking. Rocker panels, wheel arches and the bottoms of doors tell the story. Our estimate lists what is salvageable and what is not.
Rust: repair or replace
Surface rust is treated and sealed. Rust that has eaten through metal needs cutting and welding in new metal or replacing the panel. We explain the difference and what each costs in labor so you can decide how far to go.
Paint and finish
After metal and bodywork are right, the car is primed, sanded and painted. Paint choices on older cars include matching original color or changing it. We help you decide based on what the car will be used for. A daily driver and a weekend project do not need the same finish.
Planning and budget
Restoration cost grows with scope. We recommend setting a budget before starting and prioritizing structure first, then body, then paint. If your goal is a clean daily driver, a paint refresh may be all you need, and our paint page explains that route.