Our Services
Years of Experience
The Best Auto Restoration in Long Island, NY
Classic Car Restorations
Hot-Rod Restorations
Muscle Car Restorations
Resto-Mod Restorations
Retro Body Shells
Great Customer Service
Over 10 Years In Business
Turn-Key Restorations
Auto Restoration of Long Island is the full service turn-key solution.
Whatever your dream – tell us – we’ll make it happen. “You dream it – We’ll deliver it!” – Some say we build excitement – actually we just deliver the goods.
Chuck Ragusa – does a great job with vintage birds – T-Birds and recently a Firebird; anyone can see he has the knack for – Phoenix Rising …yeah baby grab your keys – flippin’ Hot!
By definition; a classic car is a motor vehicle, in most states, that is not a reproduction and was manufactured at least 20 years ago.
Whereas any car from 1973 onwards would be defined as “modern customs” or collectibles; an antique car is 45 years or older.
A true icon; the Classic American Automobile; Ford Thunderbird. This is an example of a fully restored “driver” which can be seen at Auto Restoration of Long Island.
By definition; Hot-Rods are somewhat similar to muscle cars; they typically have large powerful engines, modified or “hopped-up” for speed.
The term dates back to the 30’s & 40’s when these cars were light roadsters; back then the trend on the West Coast was to reduce the weight of the car – removing the bumpers, top, and swapping out the engine for more power.
This began a trend of chopping tops, sectioning, and channeling, dropping lowering the car; all in the name of speed – the birth of NHRA; National Hot Rod association.
By definition; a Muscle car is the product of the American car industry and refers to a variety of high performance automobiles.
Most widely accepted term refers to an American two door rear wheel drive mid-size cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s equipped with large, powerful V8s for street use and formal and informal drag racing.
Small car — big engine; not to be confused with high-speed road racing sports cars and GTs.
By definition; Resto-mods are restored and modified classic cars utilizing the latest technology and modernized to today’s standard.
A resto-mod looks like a fully restored classic muscle car, but careful inspection may revel features not available on an original manufacture; such as 4 disc brakes, air-conditioning, upgraded interiors these features enhance the ride and safety but would not have been with “correct” parts.
Auto Restoration of Long Island will perform custom upgrades; handling steering suspension packages and engine options; custom built to your specifications — a unique one of kind classic with todays advanced technology.
Most of the original Mustangs left in scrap yards are rusted or wrecked beyond repair. The new body shell is made of virgin metal (automotive-grade steel that is actually stronger than the original) and uses modern welding techniques. It comes rustproofed, and after final adjustment and finish preparation of the body panels, it is ready for painting and final assembly.
Ford Motor Co. has the perfect body for classic Mustang aficionados.
The automaker is offering unpainted body shells that can be made into 1964 1/2, 1965 or 1966 Mustang convertibles, depending on the restoration parts and powertrain. Starting at $15,000.
Frame-Off Restorations
There are a few traditional ways to restore an automobile – one is the “right way” any other way will require doing it a second time; the right way…
By taking the body off the frame- you can address all the issues you don’t see – rust and wear. If you are serious about restoration you will do it once, and do it right the first time.
Media blast the sub-frame, exterior body and underside – this will reveal any defects. Prevent future rust paint the sub-frame with POR-15. Now is the time to replace body bushings and mounts for a safe smooth ride.
The key to great restoration is being able to work every surface of the car comfortably – this is where the rotisserie is absolutely necessary. At Long Island’s premier auto restoration shop it allows for painting areas of the car which typically are overlooked.
Engine Builds
Performance Engines
If matching numbers are not critical to your restoration; or you’re interested in a “street rod” resto-mod consider updating to the latest engine technology.
Chuck Ragusa has years of experience building performance engines; as a NHRA record holder he will steer you in the right direction.
Media blast the sub-frame, exterior body and underside – this will reveal any defects. Prevent future rust paint the sub-frame with POR-15. Now is the time to replace body bushings and mounts for a safe smooth ride.
The key to great restoration is being able to work every surface of the car comfortably – this is where the rotisserie is absolutely necessary. At Long Island’s premier auto restoration shop it allows for painting areas of the car which typically are overlooked.
Restore & Repower
Available NOW exclusively at Auto Restoration of Long Island – for all
- GM Chevelle, Camaro, GTO, Firebird
- Ford Mustang 5.0 engine packages
- Enhanced Fuel Economy
- No Lead fuel additives
- 3 Year Warranty
- Digital Ignition Fuel Injection
Custom Auto Interiors
Handcrafted Cabins Where Every Stitch Tells a Story
Your classic’s interior tells its story – let us preserve it with artisan craftsmanship. We specialize in:
- Leather & Vinyl Revival: Restoring cracked, sun-damaged, or worn upholstery to like-new suppleness
- Period-Correct Fabrication: Recreating discontinued patterns and materials for seamless originality
- Full Cabin Refreshes: From seat webbing repairs to headliner replacements – no detail overlooked
- Modern Upgrades: Discreent comfort additions (e.g., upgraded foam, hidden USB ports) that look factory-original
“We don’t just reupholster – we resurrect your car’s soul, one stitch at a time.”
Custom Metal Fabrication
Hand-Formed Metalwork, Flawless Results
Finding usable original parts is a gamble – rust, damage, or scarcity often make custom fabrication the only solution. At Auto Restoration of Long Island, we craft precision sheet metal replacements indistinguishable from factory panels. Whether you need:
- Seamless Rust Repair: Flawless patch panels for quarter panels, floorboards, or trunk pans
- Period-Perfect Replicas: Hand-formed duplicates of irreplaceable OEM parts
- Custom Modifications: Flared fenders, frenched lights, or one-off designs (ask for Chuck Ragusa)
“We don’t just fix metal – we resurrect it with hammer, dolly, and decades of expertise.”
Electrical & Electronics
Vintage Wiring Restoration with Modern Reliability
Restoring a vintage auto- requires careful inspection of the wiring and Electrical components. Over time this too will wear- dried cracked wiring is not only unsightly it is also a fire hazard. We can trouble shoot and or replace for you satisfaction.
Today there are countless electronic accessories, consider rewiring or upgrading your old dry and brittle wiring harnesses – we use painless products.
Air conditioning was not a standard feature found in automobiles prior to the 1980’s; sure there were some options available; even those are out dated today..
Chill out – Auto restoration of Long Island installs Vintage-Air – so you’ll feel as cool as you look!
Vintage Air
Smart choice, climate control on a humid rainy day will keep the widows from fogging, no sweat – call us today.
A great restoration is not just a good looking piece of art- it’s a time machine that needs to work like a Swiss watch and never miss a beat- Your ride will not only look great it will be machanically sound and reliable as you would expect.
Upgraded Gauges
While restoring or building a resto-mod don’t overlook the instrumentation- you may want to replace those “idiot lights” with proper gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, tachometer RPM.
This is especially true if you have upgraded to a performance engine, do it now while all the wiring and electrical can be done more efficiently.
Custom Dash Gauges
We install various aftermarket kits specific to your vehicle.
Mechanical Restoration
Engineered for Reliability That Matches Your Classic’s Looks
A great restoration is not just a good looking piece of art- it’s a time machine that needs to work like a Swiss watch and never miss a beat- Your ride will not only look great it will be mechanically sound and reliable as you would expect.
Mechanics on Duty
Auto Restoration of Long Island has ASE staff mechanics that are qualified to work on your classic car.
During the restoration process when the body is off the frame is when the car suspension system is closely examined for wear and tear. All body to frame mounts and bushings urethane and rubber are replaced; often times this will require replacing or stiffening worn pieces. Additionally, worn springs; coil and leaf are replaced for a smooth ride.
Unibody construction and specifically convertible models require extra attention; chassis flex has always been a problem; especially on the convertibles. Sub frame connectors strengthen chassis, improve traction and handling, and increase power to the ground and take the flex out of hard cornering.
Modifications such as ride height – lowering coil springs or drop spindles, ask Chuck Ragusa he has years of experience.
Custom Handling Packages
Rack and pinion steering, Air-Ride technologies, upgraded springs and sway bar
Stop on a Dime – Disc Brakes
Okay – you invested serious money on a restoration; now is the time to protect it. The automobile is constantly evolving over time; with advances in hydraulics and power disc brakes; old “drum brakes” have been replaced with new and improved standard “disc” technology.
When restoring a classic auto – restoration of Long Island recommends you consider upgrading drum to disc brakes, as a safety requirement. Disc brakes will improve your vehicle’s braking performance; shorter stopping distance, no brake fade, or rainy day wet brakes. Upgrade your ’60s -’70s hot-rod classic muscle car today.
We are experienced with boosters, master cylinders, proportioning values, and wheel size clearances saving you time and money.
Disc Brake Conversions
We specialize in complete Front and Rear brake replacement / conversions using popular aftermarket brands such as Wilwood.
Spindles, Rotors (slotted – drilled) Calipers, Brake lines, Boosters, Master Cylinder, Proportioning values – we get it all and get it done.
Custom Auto Finishing
Quality Restoration Finishing
The first thing anyone will notice is the paint – the restoration finishing process is a pains taking detailed process; one slight imperfection is not good enough. The flawless finish is a process which is demands great surface preparation of repetitious block sanding.
Auto restoration of Long Island is more than a “Body Shop”; we are craftsmen with amazing attention to detail.
Artisans at work.
What’s the difference between an auto “Body Shop” vs “Restoration Shop” ? It’s the method of billing; time and materials; rather than a standard set shop price of cut and replace.
Each restoration is different – like an artist sculpture; we bring the shape and form back to life for your ultimate driving experience.
It all comes done to the finish – impeccable, flawless, showroom quality – custom finish you stretch the boundaries – candies, gold, flames, blends and transitions – this is within the scope of auto restoration of Long Island. Got an idea – talk to us – we can make that dream a reality.
We have been using House of Kolor and PPG exclusively for years and have a handle on finishing your ride – inside and out.
It’s All About The Prep:
Any and every flaw will be magnified from any surface imperfection – that’s why we wet sand, between every coat- and prepare the base coat to perfection.
Some show cars have 6 coats of clear- which gives the depth and gloss; that award winning reflection. Get your shades- these cars shine bright!
We are well respected for our custom paint and finishing- look close and you will see why!
Chop Tops
The Art of the Drop – Timeless Proportions, Modern Engineering
Surgical Precision for Iconic Style:
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Windshield Wizardry: Custom tempered glass cut to exact angles (no distortion)
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Structural Integrity: Internal box tubing reinforcement in A-pillars
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Weatherproofing: 3M marine-grade seals that never leak
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Design Consulting: 3D modeling to preview your chop before cutting
“Where hot rod tradition meets CAD precision.”
Roll Cages
Invisible Armor – When Safety Can’t Be Seen
NHRA-Compliant Protection Without Compromise:
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Discreet Designs: Follows roof contours with just 1.5″ clearance
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Material Science: Chromoly options for roadsters (35% lighter than DOM)
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Dual-Duty Engineering: Removable door bars for street use
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Finish Options: Powder-coated or leather-wrapped for luxury builds
“Because the best protection is the kind no one notices.”
Pro Street Conversions
Where Classic Muscle Meets Modern Brutality
The Full Transformation:
We take your vintage ride from “show queen” to “street dominator” with:
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Fuel System Revolution: Hidden Holley Sniper EFI tuned for pump gas or E85, paired with in-tank pumps for silent operation
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Chassis Reinvention: Back-half conversions with adjustable 4-link suspensions for launch control (perfect for 10-second street cars)
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Exhaust Artistry: Hand-fabricated headers with merge collectors, ceramic-coated for heat management
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Dyno-Proven Power: 800+ HP builds that idle at 750 RPM and pass emissions
“We don’t just build fast cars – we engineer obedient monsters.”
Complete Fiberglass Work
The Weightless Advantage – Stronger Than Steel
Beyond Basic Repairs:
For racers and show car builders who demand perfection:
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Structural Renewal: Double-layer matting with aerospace resins for stress-prone areas
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OEM+ Fitment: Computer-scanned panels with laser-aligned mounting points
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Advanced Composites: Carbon fiber reinforcement for hoods/doors (30% lighter than steel)
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UV Defense: Gel coat formulations resistant to yellowing
“Because every ounce saved is a tenth gained.”
What Our Customers Say
Auto Restoration of Long Island has been taking care of my car for 10 years. It is the only place I will take my Cobra Mustang to be worked on. Outstanding job always. Your car is in safe hands if you take it to Chuck and his team.
Very thankful for these guys in a true time of need. Despite how hard it has been to get steady work done on my car during the epidemic, Chuck and his team made it so safe and easy. Thank you for your time and effort. Highly recommend.
Very efficient and friendly. Passionate about their work and very helpful especially during Covid 19. Very safe and sanitary process. I am so ecstatic that I finally have something to do during this crisis. My mustang has never been better. Thank you!!!!
Great attention to detail. Amazing body work and craftsmanship. Best shop for resto mods. Perfect fit and finish. Very professional. Exhaust system sounds phenomenal. If you are looking for a engine swap this is the shop. Thank you.
Thoroughly impressed with the show quality work they produce, their skill and knowledge makes them unrivaled. They are a family owned business that puts the customer first, I highly recommend Auto Restoration os long island if you are looking to have your dream car built!
Best resto mod shop on the island. I always bring my cars here. During Covid it has been very safe and easy to get work done. I appreciate the work, time and honesty you guys do. Thank you. Highly recommended!!
Our Restoration Portfolio
Every classic car has a story. Browse our completed restorations and custom builds to witness how we turn neglected treasures into show-stopping masterpieces. From frame-off restorations to full custom creations – this is craftsmanship in action.
Start Your Restoration Journey
Complete the form below, and our team will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your project. Let’s bring your classic back to life!
