Now Hiring Auto Body Technician

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team has a body shop job opening! We are hiring an Auto Body Technician for Restoration and Custom Cars at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL!

Are you an experienced auto body repair technician? Are you passionate about breathing new life into classic cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a skill set that transforms vehicles into automotive masterpieces? If so, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop with a great Team culture, competitive salaries, and outstanding benefits. We are seeking a talented and experienced Auto Body Technician to join our dynamic team.

Auto Body Technician Job Description:

As an Auto Body Technician specializing in restoration and custom cars, you will play a vital role in transforming vintage vehicles into works of art in our body shop. You will be responsible for a range of tasks, including bodywork, panel installation and fitment, minor ding / dent repair, fitting of trim, block sanding of fillers, and primers, and body assembly. Your expertise will help preserve the timeless beauty of classic cars while adding custom modifications to meet our clients’ unique visions. You will be a critical member of the team working to perfect our customers’ dream cars!

Technician Responsibilities:

  • Perform top-notch automotive body restoration, including body filler application, sanding, panel fitment, and installation on classics, customs, and muscle cars.
  • Test fit, modify, and perform final assembly on body panels, trim, and other exterior items.
  • Collaborate with our passionate team to ensure every project meets our high standards of quality.

Auto Body Technician Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements:

  • Proven experience as an Auto Body Technician, with a focus on restoration and customization.
  • In-depth knowledge of automotive bodywork and repair techniques.
  • Proficient in welding, metalworking, and fabrication for vehicle restoration.
  • A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently on projects.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for overcoming challenges.
  • Excellent communication skills and a customer-centric approach.
  • Passion for custom cars and the automotive culture.

Join Our Enthusiastic Team!

If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.

Fill Out Online Job Application Below!

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Auto Body Technician like you to our team!

About The V8 Speed and Resto Shop:

We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:

  • We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
  • We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
  • We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:

  • To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.  

Values Statement:

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:

  • Happiness
  • Quality
  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Loyalty
  • Teamwork
  • Passion
  • Innovation

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:

  • To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
  • To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.

LINK: ABOUT THE V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP

This Auto Body Technician job opening requires experience. This is not an entry level position.

  • This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude.
  • This is a full-time position. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
  • This job opening provides many benefits. We provide paid health insurance – PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off starts accruing on day 1. Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
  • Competitive salary based on experience.

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.

If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you! We are hiring for this auto body shop job opening now.

Fill Out This Job Application To Schedule An Interview Today!

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The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Hot Wheels: Chevy Corvette Restomod Build: Custom '64 Corvette C2 At The V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Hot Wheels: Chevy Corvette Restomod Build: Custom ’64 Corvette C2 At The V8 Speed and Resto Shop

We’ve all wanted a full-size version of our favorite Hot Wheels car, and this custom 1964 Chevrolet Corvette built at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop makes that dream come true! The restomod Corvette build features custom paint, performance suspension upgrades from Global West, new disc brakes, and a Holley Sniper EFI system install on the Edelbrock 350 crate engine.

The Design

The main part of the project was repainting the Corvette in custom colors. The goal was to give the overall appearance of a full-size Hot Wheels car, a car that is fun to look at and drive! Custom C2 Corvettes can be controversial, as changing a C2 Corvette from original can hurt it’s collector car market value. However, this 1964 Corvette did not have it’s original engine any longer, and the exterior and interior had been changed from their original colors as well. This allowed for some freedom of expression to build a custom Corvette with a new paint job all it’s own.

Building The Corvette

This custom Corvette video features disassembling the corvette, repairing the fiberglass body, and a bit of Corvette C2 history. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop paint department repaints the Corvette in Ermine White, then lays out the 3 color custom stripe design. We mask off the stripes and custom paint the Corvette in our downdraft Blowtherm paint booth, and spray a final clear coat.

Watch The Build Video

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://goo.gl/RIkdDS

Our team had so much fun with this 1964 Corvette that we even built a 1:64th scale Hot Wheels version to match the full size car!

Let’s Build Your Dream

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is as full service custom and restoration shop, complete with a full fabrication shop, body shop, paint shop, interior shop, and mechanical departments. We perform stock restorations and complete custom builds, and everything inbetween. LS Swaps, custom body mods, modern driveline swaps, custom interior, custom consoles, high quality custom paint, and dyno tuning are all available. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to see how we can make your custom, restomod, pro-touring, street rod, or performance truck build come to life!

1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ENGINE:EDLEBROCK CRATE 350
SUSPENSION:GLOBAL WEST
FUEL INJECTION:HOLLEY TERMINATOR X
WHEELS:ROCKET RACING
BODY & PAINT:V8 SPEED AND RESTO

CONTACT THE V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP

817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
https://www.v8speedshop.com/contact-us

Take A Desert Cruise in the Corvette! (Thanks to the owner for sharing this video!)

Custom 1964 Corvette Build Photos

#customcorvette #v8speedandresto #corvetterestoration

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

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We had an AWESOME night hosting the Red Bud Chamber Business After Hours. Local businesses had the chance to meet V8 Speed and Resto Shop owners Kevin and Kelle Oeste, and enjoyed shop tours seeing restorations and customized cars from all over the world. We’re happy to make Red Bud our home!

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Special thanks to Route 3 Hut for providing a fantastic selection of spirits along with delicious appetizers by Kathy’s Wings-N-Things.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible restored by V8 Speed and Resto Shop for COMP Cams

Restoring a classic car raises many questions, and we have answers.

Below are answers to many common restoration questions, but we always encourage customers to email or call us anytime to chat! 

Where is your shop located?

  • The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is located in the heart of the USA, 1/2 hour from St. Louis, MO, in Red Bud, IL
  • 817 S. Main Street, Red Bud, IL 62278 (314)783.8325

What do you do in your shop?

  • We perform complete restoration services, ranging from simple classic-car maintenance to full rotisserie, show-quality restorations, custom car designing and building, hot rods, and much more.
  • We currently have 31  people on staff, including dedicated metal fabricators, mechanics, body technicians, painters, interior technicians, parts restoration technicians, detailers, video / TV production, photography, web development, and administration.

How much does a restoration cost?

  • While often asked, it is impossible to predict the total cost of a restoration when considering the numerous variables of a project Including parts choices, and quantity of work.  These variables are discussed in detail as we work with the customer to learn their goals.   Unfortunately, we cannot have any responsible discussions about costs without seeing and inspecting the car in person in our shop. 

Factors affecting costs include:

  • Condition of vehicle
  • Type of vehicle
  • Quality of restoration desired
  • Types and amount of modifications
  • Desired time-frame of job
  • Choice of and Availability of parts for vehicle

These and many more elements determine the overall restoration cost, but we can assist in the planning of your project to help your vision come to life.   

Can you help me plan my restoration?

  • Planning and Project Management are two very important parts of the restoration process, and we work with the vehicle owner to create a solid plan and then stick to the plan to prevent additional time and costs.   

How do I get my car to your shop?

  • Vehicle owners are free to bring the car themselves, or we will help find transport options to deliver the car.
  • Vehicle owners are responsible for packing their car and/or parts safely for transport.   Should a vehicle be returned to the owner disassembled, the owner is requested to supply or pay for packing materials, moving blankets, crating, tie-down straps, or other items needed for safe transport.    An enclosed trailer is also requested.   The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is capable of protecting and loading a vehicle for transport, however the standard shop rate will apply along with any additional materials such as blankets, crating, protective foam, or other materials required.  

What if I do not have a vehicle yet, can you find one for me?

  • We can assist with locating a car.   We provide vehicle location and inspection services for customers for a finder’s fee.

How long do restorations take?

  • Depending on the factors listed earlier, restorations can take months to several years.

Do you do modifications?

We perform many kinds of modifications to meet the customer’s needs. These include:

  • Custom car design and building.
  • Custom metal fabrication
  • Electronic fuel injection installs
  • Modern engine installs & tuning
  • Air conditioning systems
  • Custom interior, consoles, etc. 
  • Overdrive transmissions
  • Custom exhaust
  • Audio, navigation, and entertainment systems
  • Improved braking & suspension systems
  • Performance modifications
  • Body fit enhancements & custom work
  • Safety improvements
  • Complete interior restoration & custom work
  • Complete restoration project documentation and photography

… and many more!

Do you complete stock original restorations?

  • Yes.  We can return a vehicle to as-new condition or modify it as the customer wishes.

Do you work with other shops?

  • We perform most of the restoration services in our shop.   We have had customers request that certain stages of their restoration be done by other shops during the process.    While we are generally OK with this, it must be noted that if a partially completed restoration project leaves our shop to visit another, the vehicle has left our control and we are not responsible for the other shop’s work or damage incurred on the vehicle.   This can include paint chips and scratches, “un-doing” of our work for another shop to perform tasks, loss or breakage of parts, changes in our design or installation of parts, other shops not working to the same quality standard as our shop, etc.   The customer is responsible for the time necessary for our crew to package and load the parts and vehicle should it leave our shop.   We will photograph the entire vehicle before it departs to have an accurate description of condition and completeness before it leaves so the customer can be sure of the status when the vehicle left our shop.    Likewise, we will document the condition of the vehicle when it returns to our shop for completion and alert the customer of any issues found that occurred out of our possession.  

How is billing handled?

  • Once a plan is in place, we request a pre-payment for parts to purchase to help us start the process. This amount will be different for each project, but the money is used to help cover the initial parts orders, or material costs needed to begin the job.
  • Our shop sends invoices to the customer every week to ensure that our shop and our customers are in constant communication and “on the same page.”  We charge a shop rate for time, parts and materials are additional.  Parts may incur a shipping charge. 
  • The invoices are generated from our Technicians’ time entries as they work, so there is great detail on our invoices.   However, we are always happy to provide greater detail or explanation of services should the customer request it. 
  • Due to our weekly invoicing structure, payment is expected upon customer receipt of invoice.  If payment is not promptly received, work will be suspended and the vehicle will be placed into storage until the customer account is brought to current status.   Pre-payment terms are available to prevent customers from accruing a balance with the shop.  
  • We understand there are times when a project needs to be “put on hold”, and we will gladly work with customers who let us know in advance that they foresee a work stoppage.   Should a customer fail to submit payment in a timely manner, we will make arrangements to place the vehicle in local storage at the customer’s cost of $150.00 / month until the balance is caught up or a solution is agreed upon.   This protects the customer from incurring any additional labor charges while the vehicle is in storage.   We are flexible and are always willing to work with a customer to help ensure the project is completed to their expectations.   
  • Accepted payment methods include cash, check, or online payments through credit cards and e-checks.   Paying by check or cash is preferred.  Echecks  have  a $3.00 fee . Credit cards are convenient, but there is a service fee charged to us which we in turn add to your next invoice. The average fee is about 3.5%.
  • If you click on the view and the pay invoice button “Debit card” is underlined in green, you can select bank transfer or credit card by clicking on the words.  The bank transfer option allows you to enter your checking account info and pay by check online.
  • Our shop labor rate is subject to change during the lifespan of a project. In the event that our labor rate changes, any project that is within ninety (90) days of completion will be exempt from the rate change. If it is determined that the project will require longer than ninety (90) days to complete, the owner will be notified of the labor rate change prior to invoicing. Our employees are our greatest assets. This adjustment allows us to provide competitive compensation and benefits, fostering a motivated and skilled workforce that is dedicated to meeting your needs effectively.

What happens if I have a question about something on an invoice?

  • Should there be a question about an invoice, we encourage customers to contact the shop as quickly as possible to resolve the matter.  We understand there are sometimes items on invoices that require clarification, and we encourage our customers to review and question the invoices upon receipt to make sure everything makes sense and appears correct.  We are always eager to provide greater detail or adjust for billing errors should they occur.   

How are consumables handled?

  • As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2024, one of our key goals is to continuously improve our services and provide you with the most efficient, effective, and high-quality experience possible. To improve this process, we will be entering one line for all consumables on invoices created after the 29th of March. In order to be fair to all customers, we will be charging 6% of the total invoice. For your reference, here is a partial list of the consumables we will no longer be listing individually on your invoice:
  • Paint, clears, primers, activators, hardeners
  • Wet sand and buffing supplies
  • Electrical terminals, wire, some fuses, flashers and bulbs
  • Aerosol lubricants and cleaners
  • Nuts, bolts, washers and screws
  • Adhesives and gasket sealants
  • Heat shrink, wire loom and techflex
  • Abrasives, seam sealers, tape, masking papers and plastics
  • Paint prep towels and cleaning chemicals
  • Upholstery glues, clips, staples, and other supplies
  • Grommets, trim clips and fittings 
  • Rubber hoses for fuel, power steering, antifreeze and brake lines
  • Zip-ties, cotter keys and other clips
  • Caps and plugs
  • Body filler products
  • Car cleaning products
  • Alignment shims and tire balance weights
  • Hose clamps and other line clamps
  • Some body plugs and rubber bumpers
  • Brass fittings and small brake and fuel fittings
  • Some body bolts and nutserts
  • Trim clips and rivets
  • Patch panel material
  • Bushings and orings
  • Freeze plugs and springs
  • Wire wheels and sanding discs
  • Cut off wheels and sanding belts
  • Tig and Mig wire and tungsten
  • Small carb or fuel parts 

We understand that any change can raise questions, and we’re always happy to discuss this further. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any inquiries or concerns regarding this new process.

Do you sell parts?

  • We are authorized retailers for many industry-leading automotive part manufacturers. We sell everything from restoration parts to performance parts to replacement repair parts.

Who supplies the parts for my car?

  • Our policy is that the V8 Speed & Resto Shop sells the parts we install on cars built in our shop.   Consider the following:
    • We build LOTS of cars, so we are dealers for all the major restoration and performance parts. We work very hard to build relationships with the dealers to get great quality parts and service. 
    • We KNOW the parts. Many times, there are several options for restoration or performance parts, and we know the “good ones” to use. The wrong choice can equate to additional labor time making something fit or work properly, where the right choice can be a huge time saver.
    • When we order the parts, we can track the parts. We maintain a highly detailed spreadsheet for each car in the shop. We log all the part numbers, suppliers, date ordered, order status, shipping date, tracking numbers, and arrival date when they reach the shop. If there is ever a problem, we can track, return, or exchange the parts quickly.    
    • Incorrect parts are delivered to our shop far more often than one might think.    This can come from mis-labeling at the factory, a part not meeting our quality standards, a broken or damaged part, or a variety of other reasons.   Depending on the supplier, returns can be quick and easy, or a drawn-out process requiring constant back-and-forth communication.   Customer supplied parts can add significant time and distress to this process, especially when the crew is waiting on decisions from a customer who is unavailable.    When we order the parts, we can manage these situations more efficiently while reducing headaches for the customer.
    • Because of our strong relationships with our suppliers and our dealer status, suppliers often provide additional services to find us what we need in a timely manner.
    • Have you heard the saying, “You don’t bring steak to a steakhouse?” We spend a lot of time researching the best parts and suppliers to use. By installing what we sell, we can offer better support should a part not perform as expected.
    • We cannot warranty parts supplied by customers.  
    • We are a retailer, not a wholesaler, so there is a markup on parts.   This – fee helps to cover the research, quality control, handling, and administrative tasks associated with parts selection, ordering, and management.
  • KEEP IN MIND that MANY restoration and performance parts have NO FACTORY WARRANTY, and often, the time frame from part purchase to installation can be longer than the factory warranty.  

What happens to parts removed from my vehicle?

  • There are often left-over parts from a restoration or upgrade.
    • We recycle scrap metal and dispose of items that are unusable or destroyed during removal, unless the customer specifically requests these items back before their disassembly.   
    • We request that customers manage these extra parts.  We can help bundle parts for pickup by customers, labor charges may be incurred.    
    • We prefer not to be responsible for the storage, sale, shipping, or other handling of take-off parts, as this process can be very time and space consuming. 

Will my car be photographed during the restoration process?

  • All the cars are photographed for internal documentation and communication purposes, some are displayed in public galleries to share with the world, and some are even featured on V8TV‘s TV and Web show! 

Do you do partial restorations / modifications, or only complete cars?

  • We perform everything from simple classic car maintenance to rotisserie show-car restorations and complete custom and hot rod construction.

What about mechanical upgrades, like fuel injection or air conditioning installs?

  • We install many popular upgrades  to make them safer, more reliable, and more enjoyable to drive.

How do you safety check, tune, and “break-in” a completed restoration?

  • We drive and tune the cars we restore to ensure all systems are safe, working properly, and the car performs as intended. This can be up to 300 -500 miles on complex cars, less on others. We resolve minor issues that come up while the car is still in our possession before delivery so we can quickly remedy them. Keep in mind that if a customer mandates a timeline that does not allow our team to perform the required driving “break-in”, the customer may encounter issues with the vehicle that arise with initial usage.

How does a restoration affect the value of my vehicle?

  • There are many factors that determine the value of a vehicle, including:
    • The total production amount of a vehicle – lower usually means higher value
    • The mileage of the vehicle
    • The documentation of the vehicle, original bill of sale, build sheets, etc.
    • The condition of the vehicle
    • The options installed from the factory – sometimes cars with no options are worth more than those with many!
    • The current state of the market
    • Level of originality of vehicle
  • They say “They are only original once” and that statement holds bearing on vehicle values.   For example, a sought-after car like a 1970 Chevelle, outfitted from the factory with the SS 454 performance package, in bright red, with low miles, and in excellent original condition, is most likely going to be worth more than a restored version with performance upgrades that are not original.  
  • It is very possible to spend more on a restoration than the car is worth on the open market.   
  • Our shop specializes in what we call “Heirloom Cars”, meaning these are vehicles that have more sentimental or nostalgic value than current street market value.    These are cars that the owners never plan to sell.   Perhaps the car belonged to a family member or was bought new and never left the family.   Perhaps it is a car that a customer had years ago and always regretted selling, and how has another.    We understand the value of these sentimental attachments and treat the cars with the same level of respect as our customers do.
  • We are NOT the shop to come to if you want to “flip” a car bought cheaply and try to make a big profit… we do not perform “quickie” paint and restoration jobs just to make a car look good for a sale.    The term is “putting lipstick on a pig” and that’s not how we operate.  We maintain a specific set of core values that dictate how we work and the quality we deliver.   
  • If a customer is seeking a fun car to drive, it might be best to start with a lower-level version of the car of choice… for example, it’s probably not a good idea to heavily modify a numbers-matching 1969 Camaro Z/28 with a different engine and aftermarket performance parts.   However, finding a “plain-Jane” version.. a base model Camaro, maybe a 6-cylinder car, will not reduce the overall value by a V8 conversion and modified parts.  

What happens if the plan changes midway through a restoration?

  • We work with the customer to formulate a solid build plan, but there is a situation that we call “Might as well syndrome”, where the customer adds items to a restoration purely because of an opportunity to do so.     For example, if the crew is restoring the front suspension, and the parts are disassembled, that’s logically a good time to upgrade the stock suspension to something offering better performance.   After all, the parts are already disassembled, why do the work twice?  “Might as well do it now while it’s apart!”     The customer needs to recognize that these changes WILL add additional time and cost to the restoration of a vehicle, and will negate any original budget plan or estimate made.      A simple analogy is a restaurant… the steak dinner might list as $20.00 on the menu, but when you add drinks, salad, dessert, and tax… the bill is no longer $20.00.     Change Orders will be agreed upon by the customer and V8 Speed & Resto Shop when the plans change, so that everyone has the same understanding of the scope of work and costs involved. 
  • It’s important to keep in mind that these are old cars, and they have possible crash damage, hidden rust / corrosion, or previous repairs that might present themselves during the restoration process.   As hard as we try, we cannot always “see through the paint” and know what a car might require until the job has started.    We always present our findings to the customer for discussion and a repair plan and then proceed as directed, but these situations can add costs and time to a project.   
  • If the customer orders a work stoppage on the car, the customer will be charged storage fees while work is stopped.  This includes if the stoppage is due to a customer mandated outside service provider doing work on the car (customer mandated machine shop or other outside service, for example).  However, if a delay or work stoppage is motivated by the V8 Speed & Resto Shop, there will be no storage fees incurred.   
  • Our goal is to provide quality and efficient service, so we request that when we contact you with a question or concern, please respond as soon as possible so we may proceed with work or parts ordering without delay.   As you can understand, parts production and availability can be delayed, and we do not wish to add time to the process. 

Whose insurance covers the car during the build?

  • The owner is required to insure the car, but we maintain a full shop-keeper’s policy to protect the vehicle under our care, custody, and control. 
  • We store all vehicles indoors each night, and our facility is gated with alarms and security cameras. No customer vehicle is stored outside overnight.
  • We are not responsible for damages resulting from previous work performed by other shops.
  • Our insurance company will not insure a customer’s car stored at our off site storage units.  Customers’ insurance must cover the car when in the storage units.

Is there anything you do NOT do in-house?

  • We do not perform engine machine work, although we do engine assembly,  we are adding engine machining services to our business in 2024.
    • We work with a variety of race-proven engine machinists for block work, head work, rod resizing, crankshaft modification / repair, etc., and can send engines out for these services with customer approval.   We photograph engines and note ID numbers and casting numbers to ensure the same engine returns from the shop.  
  • Although some services are not completed by our staff, we have resources to manage these tasks on any project, such as media blasting.

These policies and procedures are subject to change and improvements as needed without notice. 

1957 Ford Ranch Wagon 427 SOHC Roadster Shop Chassis at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Never Judge A Book…

The goal of this 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon build is to add modern car handling with barely-streetable power from a Ford 427 legendary Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) V8, all while keeping a stock (ish) sleeper appearance. 

A Modern Twist on a Legendary Engine

The elements include a 700+ HP John Kaase built 540-cube SOHC engine, 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, a Roadster Shop chassis and suspension, and great brakes.  The wagon will ride on 17” steel wheels – or Halibrand kidney-bean style wheels, depending on the mood.    The chassis will deliver a slightly lowered, but usable stance.   

A Stock 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon. Or is it?

One of the goals of this custom hot rod 1957 Ford is to make it look unassuming. No racing bucket seats for this one, as it will feature the original style bench seat and steering column mounted shifter. The Ranch will wear an original Starmist Blue and Colonial White color scheme, with a coordinating restored interior.  New Old Stock or restored original trim will be used in all the original and correct locations on the car. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is handling the build, and it’s going to be an amazing ride!

Follow The Build

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team is chronicling the build of the 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon in thousands of photos and videos, and you can follow them all right here. And if you’re inspired, we encourage you to contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop to chat about your Classic or Muscle Car dream ride today!

 

TECH DATA - 1957 FORD RANCH WAGON

ENGINE:

Aluminum Ford Single Over Head Cam (SOHC) built by John Kaase

Horsepower: 840
Torque: 800 (est.)
Compression Ratio: 10:1.
Displacement: 540 cubic-inches 

TRANSMISSION:

GM 4L80E 4-speed automatic

FRONT SUSPENSION:

Roadster Shop

REAR SUSPENSION:

Roadster Shop

BRAKES:

BAER

ENGINE MANAGEMENT:

Holley EFI, 2 4-BBL Throttle Bodies

COLOR:

1957 Ford Starmist Blue

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle restoration and upgrades video at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop

We recently did some work on this clean 1969 Chevelle for a cool customer who’s become a good friend over the years.     The car came to us with most of the pieces in place, but just not playing that well together.    In fact, it’s been a repeat visitor over the years getting better upgrades each time. 

Round One

The first time, we did some driveline repairs, but the fun project was creating and installing a custom contoured firewall we made in our fabrication shop.  It was made from 18 gauge cold rolled steel, and the design added strength and a style that didn’t look out of place on the Chevelle.  Once that was body worked and painted, we moved on to the engine.   

It originally arrived sporting a crate big block Chevy, but we eventually installed a Fast Times Motorworks built 460 cube torque monster for more laughs from the right pedal.   This one started as a 454 with a 4-bolt block, but was bored and stroked to 460 cubes with Scat I-beam rods, Keith Black pistons, and ARP hardware throughout.    The top end relies on a Howard’s roller cam and Edelbrock heads and intake inhaling the mix from an MSD Atomic EFI system.   

Stirring The Gears

It’s bolted to a Tremec TKO-600 6-speed manual transmission shifted by a Hurst stick and a hydraulic clutch for smooth action.   We installed 3.55:1 Motive gears in the 12-bolt housing along with a Detroit TruTrac differential for better grip.    We love the sound of a rumbling big block through the stainless x-pipe Borla mufflers.  

Handling is improved with a QA1 tubular coil-over suspension system up front for adjustability, a nice ride, and a lowered stance.   The upsized QA1 sway bar resists body roll when you whip the Grant steering wheel and Delphi quick-ratio steering box around.    The rear is hung with more QA1 coil-overs, tubular arms, and sway bar.  We added Wilwood disc brakes all the easy around, which hide behind 17” Rocket Racing Booster wheels.   The calipers are squeezed by a Hydratech hydraulic brake assist unit.  

Inside, you’ll find Dakota Digital Gauges, a tilt steering column, Scat seats, and a Vintage Air A/C unit with it’s compressor and belt held in place by a Vintage Air Frontrunner serpentine accessory drive system.  

Stripes For This Star

The Chevelle wears a handsome shade of metallic charcoal gray, but it really came to life when we added some custom-made silver SS396 stripes to the sides.    It’s a sharp car that drives like a champ.  

You can see more photos of the work on this one by clicking on the link in the description, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if your muscle car needs some upgrades, tuning, or a complete do-over… we’re happy to help!

Contact The V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for all your restoration and performance needs!

314.783.8325 https://www.v8speedshop.com

The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications.    Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help.   Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you.      Transport services are available.

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

 

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

 

1969 Camaro "Carbon Flash" Restoration At V8 Speed & Resto Shop

Sometimes it’s advantageous to take over a project than to start from scratch.   In this case, the customer wanted a cool ‘69 Camaro, and we happened to find him one that was already undergoing a restoration.   The owner of this clean Arizona car changed his mind and decided to sell his project, so we had the car shipped to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, where it transformed into the Pro-Touring Camaro the new owner has always wanted.     Features include a Holley Terminator EFI system, Vintage Air A/C, Scat seats, restoration parts from Classic Industries, Axalta paint, ARP engine hardware, COMP cam, and much more.   

 

 

 

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

 

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZR9 built by V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Welcome to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop – Your Premier Destination for Muscle Car and Classic Car Restoration, Now in Our 20th Year!

Imagine the ultimate expression of your automotive passion. What features would make your car truly yours? Share your ideas with us, no matter how big or small. We’re experts in:

  • Complete Custom Builds: Bring your concept to life, from design idea to driving it home. Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Customs, Trucks… we build them all.
  • Restorations: Breathe new life into a classic car.
  • Custom Modifications: Enhance your existing car with your unique vision.
  • And Everything In Between: We handle everything from mechanical upgrades to full custom interiors, paint, fabrication, engines, and more.

Weather you dream of rocketing down the road in a 1932 Ford Hot Rod, cruising the dark streets of town in a chopped 1950s kustom, banging through the gears in a hot Muscle Car, or showing that restored family heirloom classic car or truck, we’re here to make it happen for you.

Tell us your dream car story. Fill out the form below and let’s turn your vision into reality!

Check out our Car Build Photo Galleries and Latest Videos!

V8 Speed & Resto Shop
(314) 783.8325
817 South Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278-1216, US
Email Us: resto@v8speedshop.com

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Logo White Background

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278 314.783.8325