CONVENIENT LOCATION

The restoration process requires countless decisions.  The ability to easily and frequently drop-in and see the progress, discuss the process, and perform educated decisions is truly invaluable.  An hour-long drive diminishes this critical element, often leading to “restoration surprises.”  It’s Alive Automotive’s state-of-the-art facilities are conveniently located in the heart of Saint Louis, Missouri just one mile from the Saint Louis Lambert International Airport.  Our convenient location facilitates strong communication throughout the process resulting in efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfied customers. 

WORLD CLASS FACILITIES AND TOOLS

Our facilities span over 75,000 square feet with every inch purposefully designed and populated with all of the required and best restoration equipment available (please see our facilities page).  In addition, we have established relationships with exceptional subcontractors whose invaluable contributions facilitate the restoration process.  We leverage only the best machine shops, media blasters, and powder coaters in the industry.

INVALUABLE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The members of the IAA Team possess all the skill and experience to achieve any element of the complicated restoration process.  Not only does the IAA Team include the best metal fabricators, body men, painters, mechanics, upholsterers and detailers but we also employ a seasoned administrative support Team ensuring that each build is continuously refined thereby achieving the optimal path to completion.  Even more importantly, our Team has a culture of continuous improvement in all that we do.  Learning from each other, learning from our successes and mistakes, and building on advanced technology, while strategically and prudently investing in all elements of the business are critical and embedded in our culture.

PROVEN PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Every restoration is a project in its own right.  As such, strong program management is crucial to the ultimate success.  The owner, Jeff Homsher, knows program management very well given his 38 years as a program manager at the Boeing Company.   Jeff ensures that every restoration is executed through adherence to proven and well-thought-out processes that have been comprehensively vetted and coordinated with the customer.  In addition, Jeff recognizes that all plans must be continuously enhanced and adjusted as events occur and circumstances change.  The implementation of a thoughtful and adaptive plan is foundational to the success of the It’s Alive process resulting in quality products and strong customer loyalty.

DISASSEMBLY

Tear down is a critical and informative step in the process, unearthing a great deal of information that requires revisiting the restoration plan and consequent adjustment with customer consent.  All parts are meticulously bagged and tagged and stored on their dedicated shelves (we have over 6,000 square feet of parts storage space).  This is also the step in which the abundance of “to be purchased parts” are defined and scheduled for procurement on a just-in-time basis. Generally, at the completion of the tear down, the car is stripped to a bare body with the frame still attached (no drive train, suspension, wiring, interior etc.)   Note: a unibody car does not have a separate frame.

REINFORCMENT/MOBILITY

In the latter stages of disassembly the car is generally reinforced and fitted to a rolling jig that allows for structural integrity to be maintained and mobility achieved.  We reinforce the car to achieve maxim rigidity thereby facilitating media blasting, epoxy priming, and the completion of the metal and body work.  The It’s Alive jigs and the approach taken both vary depending upon whether the car is a body-on-frame car, a unibody car, a hardtop, or convertible as well as the degree to which the restoration is going to be performed.  Frequently, a single car will require two jigs;  1) a rotisserie (for stripping and rough metal work), and 2) a rolling “body jig" (for final panel fit, paint preparation, and paint).   We have numerous rotisseries and rolling body jigs, all of which are designed to accommodate most cars with minimal modifications.

CLEAN, STRIP & PRIME

Once reinforced and placed on the jig, the body, frame, and suspension are cleaned and stripped.  There are numerous ways to proceed and again the process is dependent upon many factors.  Power washing and sandblasting are commonly used for robust items such as suspensions and frames.  Sandblasting is also commonly used for cleaning thicker, stronger sheet metal parts (floors, trunks, firewalls, and “roundy” body panels).  To avoid distortion, sheet metal body panels may also be hand stripped, dipped or soft -media blasted.  The options are many and tailored to each project.  When completed, the paint has been removed and the extent of any rust or structural damage is exposed and subsequently assessed.  This fresh assessment may merit further discussion with the customer and provides an opportunity to regroup and refine the restoration process going forward.  All exposed sheet metal is then etched and epoxy primed for long lasting protection.

METAL WORK & PANEL FIT

At IAA we believe the most critical step in the entire restoration process is metal work and panel fit.  It is during this process that we repair all rust damage and achieve excellent panel fit.  A major consideration in this step is that the car body is “loaded” in a similar manner to how it will be loaded once completed.  Proper loading guarantees accurate door panel fit once the car is painted and assembled.  The importance of correct loading is compounded when working on convertible, flexible, or rusty cars (very common).  IAA either loads the car to reflect the end-state or reinforces the car to ensure there is no flex.  Once properly and precisely supported and positioned, the metal work begins with the repair of any rust on the frame or body panels.  The IAA Team possesses the expertise to perform all necessary rust repair including custom fabrication of replacement panels.  IAA is also very proficient at both MIG and TIG welding and expertly integrate the panels into place as needed.   After the metal work is finalized, only a minimal skim coat of high quality filler is required.  A critical IAA policy is that no car is ever allowed to move into the bodywork phase until all metal work is completed and approved by the body shop Team.

TWO PARALLEL EFFORTS

Once the metal work is completed and approved, the restoration process may vary slightly depending upon the type of car and the scope of work.  Generally the process divides into two parallel efforts that will come together later in the process:

1) Bodywork and paint

2) Mechanical restoration

1) BODY WORK AND PAINT

Our bodywork and paint process has evolved through years of experience leveraging the best equipment, materials, and technologies culminating in “Pebble Beach” winning finishes at a great value (one of the cars we painted won first in class at Pebble Beach!)  The IAA preparation/paint process is methodically performed to guarantee that every panel on the car ends up with a high gloss, deep, scratch-free, and consistent finish on “perfect panels”.  There are infinite ways to paint a car and defining the “optimal approach” is both challenging and critical.  Fortunately, It’s Alive Automotive recognizes the importance of defining the optimal process and leverages countless years of experience to achieve this end.

2) MECHANICAL RESTORATION 

The parallel effort to bodywork and paint is mechanical repair.  Our goal is to always complete as much of the mechanical restoration without working around a recently painted body.  This objective is easily achieved with a body-on-frame car, but is substantially more difficult on a unibody or monocoque car (such as a Jaguar XK-E).  Regardless, we take all of this into consideration and adapt our approach to each individual car.  The chassis and suspension components are either powder coated, painted, or plated (depending upon originality and customer preference).  All the suspension is installed with new bushings, bearings, brakes, and flex lines.  The engine and transmission are also restored to customer performance specifications. The end-state is enhanced performance, reliability, and beauty all packaged and ready for integration with the body.  Regardless of how the chassis is built, we strive to complete and fully test the mechanical systems (engine, transmission, suspension, etc.) prior to integration with the body and painting the exterior of the car.  Again, the process is dynamic and varies greatly depending on car type and customer desires.

PREFORMANCE UPGRADES

We offer upgrades to the drivetrain of many cars.  While we are not a hotrod shop, our customers frequently request performance upgrades on their engines, transmissions, interiors, and suspensions.  We gladly accommodate modern engine upgrades (compression, cams, bearings, exhaust, oil seals, etc.) transmission rebuilds (we rebuild A-type overdrives in house) and frequently perform Tremec 5-speed Transmission conversion upgrades (IAA is a Tremec Dealer).  We also install custom exhaust systems.

BODY/CHASSIS INTEGRATION & PAINT

Generally, once the chassis is tested and the body is “cut in” (painting the floors, door jambs, firewall, trunk . . . ) the chassis and mechanical systems are integrated with the body.  This integration is widely dependent upon the type of car (unibody, monocoque, body-on-frame) and must be designed with maximum efficiency, considering possible paint damage, overspray, and ease.  Please note that many factors are involved in defining the final paint process/sequence, and the final paint may occur prior to or after the integration of the mechanics with the body.   Each car is paint sealed, sprayed with enough base-color to provide excellent coverage and consistency, and finished with at least 3 coats of clear.  We use only the very best Glasurit paint materials.  All paint jobs are color sanded to 3000 grit, buffed with a wool pad orbital sander, and polished with random orbital sanders to achieve a world class finish.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

Once the body and chassis are reunited and the car is painted, color sanded and buffed (not polished), we’re ready for final assembly.  This process starts with the remaining mechanical elements (wiring, gauges, lights, windows, regulators, door latches etc.) and moves to refurbishment and installation of interior and all bright work.  This process is generally completed with the installation of the carpet, door cards, seats, convertible top and front windshield.

 SHAKEDOWN

At IAA we consider the shakedown process critical in our goal of achieving total customer satisfaction.  We believe that all too often cars are delivered without identification and resolution of the “kinks” associated with a major restoration or repair.  We strive to put over fifty miles on each car while validating the operation of all systems in varying and extreme conditions.  Our goal is to identify any and all defects long before the customer leaves the shop with a quest of avoiding all customer surprises.  A final polish with a random orbital sander and final Safety Inspection and she’s ready for delivery.

DISCUSSION CRITERIA

Fundamental to the process is that both the customer and It’s Alive have a mutual understanding of the criteria most influential in the restoration planning process.  We keep the process simple and recommend that the customer come prepared to discuss the following:

                              - Vision of the desired end state? 

                              - Budget and schedule constraints?

VISION OF THE DESIRED END STATE

We start the discussion by asking the customer to describe in detail both the mechanical and cosmetic upgrades they envision and the degree to which the car is to be restored.  Throughout the discussion the It’s Alive Team will leverage their vast experience and offer options and recommendations for the envisioned work.  At the completion of the discussion there is an understanding of the ultimate vision with limited budget constraints to ensure that we fully grasp the customers ultimate desires.

BUDGET 

Unfortunately, the budget must be considered when developing the plan.  There is frequently a powerful battle of “Scope Vs Budget” with the potential to preclude the customer from achieving their restoration goals.  We therefore balance and massage both the requirements and the techniques until migration to the “sweet spot” is achieved.  We usually start with the “must haves” and define the most cost effective approach to achieve that state.  We then prioritize the remaining requirements and identify those that could likely be achieved with the remaining budget.  Often we find that the desired end state driven by family memories or a lifelong dream will erode the budget barriers.  Regardless, at It’s Alive Automotive we strive to keep our customers fully apprised of the costs while constantly suggesting opportunities to maximize every dollar and avoid surprises.

OVERVIEW OF THE RESTORATION PROCESS 

 Once the scope and budget have been discussed the vehicle is inducted into the restoration process.  Throughout the process the customer will receive estimates from our Service System explaining the services to be completed, the parts to be procured, and the associated costs.  The customer will have the option of approving the suggested/estimated work.  Once approved, the parts are ordered and the work begins.  At the completion of the job, the customer is invoiced for the work performed (there may be interim invoices if the work scope is large).  No upfront payment is required.  Addendums will be provided for any unforeseen work encountered.  This process continues until the work is completed.  Note that throughout the restoration process, we post annotated pictures of your car on our Website Gallery page.  These pictures document the work performed allowing our customers to view and share the progress with their friends and family.  More importantly, these pictures are a catalyst to enhanced communication triggering customer questions, preferences, and ultimately new requirements that can be implemented in a timely and cost effective fashion.  Also of benefit is that at the completion of the work the customer has extensive documentation of their repair/restoration (a significant value enhancer):

                               - Statements for all labor performed

                              - Invoices for all parts utilized

                              - Pictures documenting the process

CONVENIENT LOCATION

IT'S ALIVE AUTOMOTIVE is conveniently located in the greater St. Louis area facilitating excellent communications, timely decision making, and allowing the customer to be an integral part of the process.

The VERY BEST EQUIPMENT 

IT'S ALIVE AUTOMOTIVE has invested in over 75,000 square feet of shop and showroom space equipped with the very best equipment to efficiently and effectively produce stunning, high quality restorations.

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

IT'S ALIVE AUTOMOTIVE has established quality plans and processes to ensure the job is done right the first time while achieving exceptional value.

TEAM CULTURE

IT'S ALIVE AUTOMOTIVE has assembled a Team of world class technicians skilled in all aspects of restoration.  More importantly, our culture of safety, continuous improvement, working as a Team, and attention to detail is ingrained in everything they do. 

An "OPEN DOOR"

IT'S ALIVE AUTOMOTIVE has the administrative staff and service software tools to provide a correct analysis of the project and efficiently coordinate the multiple tasks engaged while constantly tracking the budget and providing exceptional customer communication.  Over the years, Jeff has developed an “open door” policy which provides for an honest approach to resolving the many challenges that inevitably surface in a restoration.