Metalwork.

 

FROM METALWORK REPAIRS, TO A GROUND-UP COACHBUILD; P&K Thornton have a world-class metal-working team to transform your rusting and fatigued classic into a stunning concours example. Using vintage tools and equipment coupled with traditional panel beating and hand-crafting techniques; our team have the knowledge, skill and experience to work aluminium and steel to the highest of standards.

  • work with traditionally made bucks

  • historically accurate replacement panels and parts

  • complete coachbuild, or sympathetic restoration: floorpan, bulkhead, roof and exterior panels

 

A critical part of any classic car restoration is the bodywork. Corrosion, accident damage, and poor workmanship hidden below a pristine paint job, can all require specialist attention. As experts in classic vehicles, we understand the importance of retaining as much originality as possible and so once stripped back to bare metal we can assess whether it’s more prudent to makes repairs, or to construct replacement panels and parts. In repairing or recreating those complex lines and compound ‘period’ curves, our challenge is to restore a tired and rusty body on a thoroughbred chassis to its former glory, with incredible results.

With a 3 decade career in coach building, Darren has worked on a range of vintage and classic car bodies, including full aluminium body Jaguar XJ13s and FIA Cobra 427 bodies for Shelby American. As an expert metal worker, mig/tig welder, panel beater, etc., he continues to hone his hand-crafting skills in steel and aluminium, using classic techniques and equipment. With tools including the louvre fly press, guillotine, English wheel and panel bender; at P&K Thornton, we have the ability and expertise to do on-the-spot bodywork repairs and fabrication without the wasted time and expense of your cherished classic needing to be sent elsewhere. Inspired by our beloved racing experience with ‘lightweights’ and ‘semi-lightweights,’ we can also build bespoke panels in aluminium, preferred by many for its weight advantage against steel, but also for its increased rust protection over time. Again, we can work with you to decide the best fit and aesthetic for the restoration of your masterpiece.