Rust Repair & Metal Refinishing in Elgin, IL

Restoring What Time and Corrosion Have Damaged

Rust is one of the most destructive forces affecting classic and vintage vehicles. Left untreated, it spreads through frames, panels, and critical components — compromising both safety and value. At Artie’s Restorations, we offer precision rust repair and refinishing services for clients across Elgin, IL and surrounding areas.



Our approach goes beyond surface patching. We identify the source, remove all corrosion, and restore the affected areas using high-quality metalwork and coatings. Whether your car needs localized rust repair or full-section replacement, we do it right — with long-term durability in mind.

What Causes Rust — and Why It Matters

Classic vehicles were built before modern corrosion protections existed. Common causes of rust include:

• Moisture and condensation trapped in wheel wells and seams
• Poor prior repairs or sealant failure
• Long-term storage in unconditioned garages or barns
• Paint damage or road debris exposure
• Water intrusion in floors, trunk, or rocker panels

Rust doesn't just affect appearance — it weakens structure, spreads rapidly, and causes long-term restoration costs to rise if not addressed early.

Our Rust Repair Process

We follow a proven step-by-step method to ensure every area of corrosion is removed and replaced properly. No shortcuts. No filler-over-rust.

Our process includes:

1. Assessment & Mapping – Visual and tactile inspection, with tap testing and probe points to locate hidden rust.
2. Panel Removal – Rusted panels are removed, sectioned, or fully replaced depending on severity.
3. Blasting & Cleaning – Sandblasting or media blasting to remove scale and expose bare, clean metal.
4. Cut-Out & Weld-In – Rusted areas are cut out and replaced with new steel or fabricated patch panels.
5. Metal Shaping & Fitment – New pieces are contoured and aligned to fit like factory originals.
6. Welding & Finishing – All seams are welded, ground, and sealed before bodywork begins.
7. 

Every repair is structural, permanent, and built to last. We do not use fiberglass patches or cosmetic fillers to disguise problems.

Rebuilding Structural Integrity

Rust can compromise more than just body panels. We often uncover hidden corrosion in:

• Floorboards and trunk pans
• Rocker panels and door frames
• Suspension mounting points
• Subframes and crossmembers
• Inner fenders and firewall areas

Our shop is fully equipped to fabricate and weld structural reinforcements where needed — keeping your build safe, straight, and compliant.

Professional Refinishing for Lasting Results

Once rust has been removed and metalwork is complete, we shift into refinishing. This step is critical to protecting your investment against future corrosion.

• Our refinishing services include:
• High-build primers and sealers
  
• Self-etching primers for bare metal adhesion
  
• Seam sealing of body joints and cavities
  
• Underbody coating (rubberized or epoxy)
  
• Topcoat blending and final paint prep
  
• Anti-rust cavity wax injection for internal areas

We use premium-grade coatings and follow industry standards for curing times, prep, and adhesion.

Seamless Integration with Body & Paint

Rust repair is often just one part of a larger restoration. At Artie’s Restorations, our rust services are fully integrated into your project. That means better fitment, alignment, and consistency — with no outsourcing or mismatched finishes.

Benefits include:

• Flawless panel gaps and contours
  
• Matching paint tone and texture across repaired areas
  
• Uniform primer and sealing throughout the vehicle
  
• No difference between original and repaired areas under inspection

Our clients routinely return for full bodywork and refinishing because they trust our process from bare metal to final gloss.

Why Trust Artie’s for Rust Repair?

• No Patchwork Fixes – We rebuild panels with new steel, not filler or fiberglass
• In-House Welding & Fabrication – All work done by trained craftsmen
• Full Project Transparency – We photograph rust damage, cut-out, and repair steps
• Restoration-Focused – We don’t cover up rust for resale or collision work
• Built for Longevity – Everything we do is designed to last for years, not just seasons

Our team respects the original structure of your classic car — and works to protect it for generations to come.