Who we are
It all comes from a passion, handed down from one generation to the next.
Since 1950 we have been in the restoration and conservation sector of vintage cars and motorbikes. Safeguarding, preserving and sometimes where necessary restoring, with full respect and maintenance of a vehicle as it was manufactured. A mission that is sometimes almost impossible, due to costs and finding spare parts and components in general.
Every vintage car and motorbike has a history, for us it also has a soul. Specialized in old Fiat 500s and Piaggio Vespas.
All the photos on our website relate to our work, our labor and craftsmanship.
We offer you a journey through time, where the hands run backwards and we welcome you!
THE PROCESSING PHASES
But what are the phases that absolutely must be respected in order to carry out a state-of-the-art restoration? Simple steps, but at the same time incredibly complex.
DisassemblyIt is important, during the disassembly phase, to dismantle everything very calmly and carefully. We don't know if the component we are going to dismantle still exists on the market. Preserving and conserving, two concepts to keep in mind when dismantling a vehicle. era. Catalog every single component, including screws. You have to be precise and meticulous. Sometimes even obsessive.
Sandblasting/cleaning of sheet metal To know where it is necessary to intervene on the bodywork of a vintage vehicle, it is important to work on clean surfaces. It is necessary to remove all the various layers of paint, accumulated over the years, to get to the living sheet metal. Sand gently. and sometimes sandblasting the entire body becomes important to be able to intervene in the subsequent phases. It is important to maintain the original thicknesses of the sheets as much as possible. Therefore, the sandblasting phase must also be done with criteria and meticulousness.
Typing and recovery
of the sheet metal If the treated sheets are too compromised,
and therefore too thin, it is advisable to replace
the piece in its entirety.
Sometimes 'patches' or 'heels' are enough but this work must also be done in a meticulous and diligent manner.
Application of epoxy primers Once the restoration phase of the sheet metal has been completed, it is important to apply epoxy primers to preserve the entire body. We recommend at least two generous coats. After the application of these primers, it is important to allow them to dry and dry the material well. In our restoration phases, the bodies are left to dry for a week.
Grouting /
elimination of bodywork defects After allowing the epoxy primer to rest properly, proceed by sanding the entire bodywork with fine abrasive paper. 400/500 or 600 grit. After sanding, you can proceed with filling and eliminating the various bodywork defects. It is important to apply thin layers at a time, to ensure that the stucco used does not lose its elasticity and technical characteristics.
Application of acrylic primers Only after having smoothed the grouted parts, with abrasive paper, preferably 500/600 grit, can we proceed with the application of acrylic primers. For our work, we tend to apply 2/3 generous coats.
Sepia finishing/preparation and painting
After having applied the acrylic primer, and having allowed the applied layers to dry properly, you can proceed with sepiaing the body with 800/1000 grain. Once the entire surface has been cleaned, you are finally ready for painting. The paint must be quality. Saving on paint can compromise the success of a good quality restoration.
Reassembly
The reassembly phase is the last operational phase, where delicacy and patience are the absolute masters.
All components disassembled and appropriately cataloged will be scrupulously placed in their original position.
Tests and final checks Once the work is completed, it is always a good idea to test the restored vehicle, testing the engine, suspension, mechanical parts, electrical parts, brakes and tyres. Because traveling 'through time' must be safe and relaxing. It must be a fun experience, no stress.
Contacts
Contact us by writing an email to Officinemonkeys@gmail.com,
you will be contacted by one of our technicians/consultants as soon as possible. FREE Consultation or Video Consultation!
📍 TURIN 📍