Auto Body, Paint & Frame Restoration in Elgin, IL

Restoring Integrity and Finish to Classic Vehicles

At Artie’s Restorations, we believe auto body and frame restoration is the foundation of a quality build. Located in Elgin, IL, our team specializes in structural repairs, panel alignment, and flawless paint applications — all designed to restore your classic vehicle’s strength, durability, and beauty.

Whether your project involves decades of rust damage, accident repair, or years of wear, our in-house capabilities ensure your frame is solid, your panels are straight, and your paintwork is second to none.

In-House Frame Restoration & Straightening

A straight, reinforced frame is essential to performance, safety, and body alignment. We begin every structural restoration with a full frame inspection and measurement. Whether it’s a body-on-frame vehicle or an unibody design, our shop is equipped to handle the most complex realignment and repair jobs.

Our frame restoration services include:

• Chassis inspection, measurement, and square checking
  
• Frame straightening using precision tools and reference specs
  
• Rust damage repair with new metal or structural supports
  
• Full frame-off media blasting and refinishing
  
• Installation of subframe connectors, mounts, and supports
  
• Protective undercoating and rust-preventive treatments

We restore structural rigidity, ensure alignment, and prepare your vehicle for a flawless body fit and smooth ride.

Expert Body Panel Restoration & Metalwork

Wavy panels, inconsistent gaps, and poor alignment ruin the look of a restoration. Our team performs detailed bodywork to achieve crisp lines, tight tolerances, and factory-accurate (or custom) profiles.

We offer:

• Original panel repair or reproduction panel installation
  
• Door, hood, and trunk alignment and latching
  
• Fender and quarter panel straightening
  
• Metal patching, section replacement, or full refabrication
  
• Hinge and latch adjustment to eliminate sagging or rubbing
  
• Test-fitting of all panels prior to paint

Every body is hand-prepped for paint, ensuring a perfect canvas with no warping, filler cracks, or wave lines.

Paintwork in Our Sealed Down-Draft Spray Booth

Paint is more than color — it’s protection, presentation, and personality. Our Elgin facility features a professional-grade sealed down-draft spray booth, allowing for temperature-controlled, dust-free finishes that cure evenly and consistently.

Our paint process includes:

• Full prep: block sanding, primer, and sealer
• Color coat application using PPG or House of Kolor systems
• Clear coat layering and baking for hardness and gloss
• Wet sanding and multi-stage buffing for mirror finish
• Touch-up and correction before final polish

We match original factory codes or create custom finishes based on your preferences — including pearls, candies, metallics, matte finishes, and multi-stage effects.

Rust Repair & Corrosion Protection

Rust is the silent killer of classic cars. Left untreated, it spreads beneath panels, along frames, and into floorboards. At Artie’s, we take rust seriously — removing it completely and preventing it from returning.

Our rust services include:

• Panel and section cut-and-replace techniques
• Rust inhibitor application and metal sealing
• Surface blasting to remove deep-set corrosion
• Underbody coating and cavity protection
• Seam sealing and water-channeling improvements



We preserve the metal and protect the integrity of your investment — for the road and for the future.

Seamless Integration with Full Restorations

Unlike body shops that focus on quick repairs or insurance jobs, we specialize in long-form restoration. That means every body and frame service we offer is integrated into your complete project — ensuring consistent quality from bare metal to final polish.

You benefit from:

• One-point project management
• No outsourced paint or panel work
• Restoration-minded craftsmanship
• Detailed documentation and quality control
• Final panel fitment before reassembly

Our goal is more than shine — it's precision that lasts.

Why Choose Artie’s for Paint & Body Restoration?

• In-House Down-Draft Spray Booth for professional-grade paint results
• Experienced Metalworkers trained in classic and custom vehicle body repair
• Rust Elimination, Not Just Coverage — we rebuild, not hide
• Chassis & Frame Experts with full-frame restoration capability
• Show or Street Finish Options — tailored to your use and budget

We don’t cut corners, hide flaws with filler, or rush through paint. We build with longevity, value, and pride.