NOTORIOUS CUSTOMS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Straight answers about custom builds, restorations, panel and paint, fabrication and getting your project started.
BEFORE YOU START
EVERY PROJECT IS DIFFERENT.
These answers cover the questions we expect to get most often, but custom automotive work varies significantly from car to car. The condition of the vehicle, previous work, scope of the project and the standard you want to achieve all affect the final approach.
GENERAL
PROJECT QUESTIONS.
DO YOU TAKE ON COMPLETE CUSTOM BUILDS?
Yes. Complete vehicle builds are a major part of what Notorious Customs is being built around. We can discuss projects from bare shell or teardown through restoration, fabrication, panel and paint and final finishing.
DO YOU TAKE ON UNFINISHED PROJECTS?
Yes. We are happy to look at unfinished builds, part-completed restorations and vehicles that have stalled for one reason or another. Existing work will need to be assessed before we can determine the best way forward.
CAN YOU DO JUST ONE PART OF MY PROJECT?
Yes. While complete builds are a major focus, individual stages such as restoration work, panel and paint, rust repair or fabrication can also be discussed.
DO YOU ONLY WORK ON CERTAIN MAKES OR MODELS?
No. The focus is on enthusiast and project vehicles rather than one particular brand. Classic, street, performance and modified vehicles can all be considered depending on the project.
RESTORATIONS
CLASSIC CAR QUESTIONS.
DO YOU RESTORE CARS BACK TO FACTORY SPECIFICATION?
That can be discussed. Some owners want a more traditional restoration, while others prefer a restomod or fully custom direction. The build should reflect what you want from the finished car.
DOES MY CAR NEED TO GO BACK TO BARE METAL?
Not every vehicle needs to be completely stripped. The amount of stripping required depends on the condition of the body, the history of previous repairs and the scope of the project.
CAN YOU REPAIR RUST?
Yes. Rust repair and fabricated repair sections can be incorporated into restoration work where required.
PANEL & PAINT
BODY & FINISH QUESTIONS.
DO YOU DO COMPLETE COLOUR CHANGES?
Yes. Complete refinishing and colour changes can be discussed as part of a larger build, restoration or panel and paint project.
CAN YOU PAINT A VEHICLE THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PREPARED ELSEWHERE?
Potentially. Existing preparation and bodywork need to be inspected first before we can determine whether it is suitable to continue from.
DO YOU DO PANEL ALIGNMENT AND BODY CORRECTION?
Yes. Panel fit, gaps, body lines and general body correction are important parts of achieving the right final finish.
FABRICATION
CUSTOM WORK QUESTIONS.
DO YOU DO ONE-OFF FABRICATION?
Yes. One-off solutions can be discussed where custom metalwork or modification is needed to make the project work properly.
CAN YOU FABRICATE PARTS THAT ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE?
In some cases, yes. Custom repair sections and one-off components can be fabricated where suitable for the vehicle and project.
CAN YOU TAKE OVER FABRICATION STARTED BY ANOTHER SHOP?
Potentially. Existing work needs to be inspected before we can decide what can be retained, what needs refining and what may need to be redone.
PRICING & QUOTING
COST & SCOPE QUESTIONS.
CAN YOU GIVE ME A PRICE FROM PHOTOS?
Photos are useful for an initial discussion, but custom, restoration and bodywork projects can hide problems that are impossible to assess properly from images alone.
WHY DO YOU ASK ABOUT PROJECT BUDGET?
Budget helps us understand whether the scope of the build and the expected finish are realistic before too much time is spent planning a project that may not be viable.
CAN THE FINAL PRICE CHANGE AFTER THE CAR IS STRIPPED?
It can. Once old paint, filler, rust or previous repairs are exposed, additional work may become visible that could not reasonably be identified beforehand.
TIMING
HOW LONG DOES A BUILD TAKE?
HOW LONG DOES A COMPLETE BUILD OR RESTORATION TAKE?
There is no single answer. Timing depends on the condition of the vehicle, the amount of fabrication or restoration required, the level of finish and any issues uncovered during the project.
CAN YOU GUARANTEE A COMPLETION DATE?
Custom projects can change as hidden problems or additional work are discovered. We prefer to be realistic about timing rather than promise a date that may not reflect the true scope of the job.
GETTING STARTED
READY TO TALK ABOUT YOUR CAR?
WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I SEND WITH MY ENQUIRY?
Include the make, model and year of the vehicle, its current condition, what work has already been completed, what you want done and current photos if possible.
CAN I BRING THE CAR IN WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT?
Project discussions and workshop visits are best arranged in advance so we can give the car and your enquiry the proper time.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Notorious Customs is located at 43 Forge Street, Blacktown NSW 2148.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT.
Send us the vehicle details, current photos and the direction you want to take.
START YOUR BUILD