The Love of Restoration
My passion is classic vehicle restoration. I love bringing a vehicle back to life and seeing customers happily drive away on their next adventure. Many of my customers have become friends and our paths continue to cross as we drive our classics across the midwest and beyond. I’ve been restoring vehicles and working on engines for over 30 years and nothing beats the slow process of working with a vehicle until it is restored, safe, and road ready. Although I specialize in air-cooled Volkswagens (Beetle/Bug-Type 1, Bus/Vanagon -Type 2), Porsches, and Volvos (P1800/S, 122), I cut my teeth on SBC's (small block Chevys) and still love the sound of a stroked V8. I also rebuild engines for tractors, fork lifts, and more. Not all mechanics and restoration specialists know the complexity of foreign engines and parts but I have been fortunate to work on amazing vehicles to build up my knowledge and skills on some of the biggest challenges in restoration.
I may not be the cheapest nor the fastest restoration specialist, but I can assure you that quality is my signature attribute.
Meet with me
Every customer’s needs are a bit different. I will work with you one-on-one to meet those needs and see how I can be of service.
Restoring vehicles one part at a time.
Testimonials
“Mike performed extensive restoration on my 1969 VW bus as well as various mechanical jobs for me on my ‘68 beetle. If I could choose one word to describe his work style it would be “perfectionist”. He is very thorough and hates to cut corners (though he will do what the customer asks, he prefers to do it “right”). His attention to detail may sometimes take more time (and thus money), but after seeing the finished product in my bus I am very glad he took the time and attention he did. I have admired many other projects in his immaculate shop and they have all shown his thoughtful process and attention to detail. Another bonus, he is very easy to work with, he will be honest with you in all accounts.””
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MY PROMISE
I promise to be open and honest with prices and needs, find the best parts available for the specific requirements, and love your vehicle as if it was my own. I pride myself in my workmanship and will never compromise quality. I work one-on-one with my clients and strive to meet their time frame and action plan.
See my work
About Me
Mike and Bella
MY NAME IS Mike Wharton
I started tinkering on cars when I was sixteen and have never really stopped. I have worked as a machinist, welder, and mechanic most of my life. I fell in love with classic vehicles, however, in the late 70s and continue to develop my expertise in all things old, especially pre-80 VW buses. I also specialize in foreign vehicles, VWs, Volvos, Porsches, and more. My favorite thing about working on classic vehicles is that they bring people together and foster a sense of community. I live for the relationships built through restoration and the joy brought to owners. Check out my own VW everyday driver.