Classic Car & Kit Car Recommissioning

Based at our workshop in Leicester, we provide vehicle recommissioning services for classic cars, kit cars and historic vehicles from across Leicestershire and the surrounding counties. Whether a vehicle has been stored for a few years or several decades, returning it to the road safely often involves much more than fitting a new battery and turning the key.

Our vehicle recommissioning service is aimed primarily at classic cars and kit cars that have been out of use and need careful inspection, maintenance and preparation before they can be enjoyed again. We also work with vehicles that are still running but would benefit from a thorough assessment after a long period of limited use.

Recommissioning is not the same as restoration. Our aim is to return a vehicle to a safe, reliable and enjoyable condition while preserving as much of the existing vehicle as possible. Where practical, we repair, service and maintain rather than replace unnecessarily.

What is Vehicle Recommissioning?

When a vehicle remains unused for an extended period, components can deteriorate regardless of its mileage. Fluids absorb moisture, fuel degrades, rubber components harden, brakes seize, electrical connections corrode and seals can begin to leak.

Recommissioning is the process of inspecting these systems, addressing defects and carrying out the maintenance needed to make the vehicle suitable for regular road use again.

Who We Help

We regularly recommission:

    • Classic cars
    • Kit cars
    • Sports cars
    • Historic competition cars
    • Vehicles returning from long-term storage
    • Project cars
    • Vehicles purchased at auction
    • Cars inherited from family members
    • Vehicles that have failed an MOT after a period off the road

For vehicles that are not roadworthy, we can also arrange collection and transport to our workshop.

Common Reasons for Recommissioning

We are often contacted by owners whose vehicle has:

    • Been stored in a garage for several years
    • Been standing outside unused
    • Recently been purchased as a project
    • Failed its MOT after being off the road
    • Been inherited
    • Not been started for a long period
    • Been partially restored but never finished
    • Been sitting since an engine rebuild

Our Approach

Every vehicle is different, so we begin by understanding its history, how long it has been off the road and what the owner hopes to achieve.

Some owners simply want a safe, reliable car for weekend use, while others are looking to improve the overall condition over time. We tailor the work to suit the vehicle and the owner’s objectives rather than applying a fixed package of repairs.

Throughout the process we keep owners informed of our findings and discuss any recommended work before proceeding.

Initial Safety Inspection

For many vehicles, the first step is a general inspection designed to identify the key items affecting roadworthiness and safety.

This inspection typically includes checks of:

    • Braking system
    • Steering and suspension
    • Tyres and wheels
    • Fuel system
    • Cooling system
    • Engine condition
    • Electrical system
    • Exterior lighting
    • Visible structural corrosion
    • General mechanical condition

Following the inspection, we provide a written report outlining our findings together with recommendations for any work required.

Detailed Condition Assessment

Where required, we can carry out a more comprehensive inspection once the initial safety work has been reviewed.

This allows us to assess areas that may not prevent the vehicle being driven but could improve its reliability, appearance or long-term condition.

Depending on the vehicle, this may include:

    • Cosmetic improvements
    • Minor paint correction
    • Light paint repairs and touch-ups
    • Dent removal where appropriate
    • Interior condition
    • Weather seals
    • Trim and fittings
    • General presentation

Mechanical Recommissioning

The work carried out varies depending on the condition of each vehicle, but commonly includes:

Engine and Drivetrain

    • Engine servicing
    • Engine oil and filter replacement
    • Coolant replacement
    • Inspection and replacement of belts and hoses where required
    • Ignition system servicing
    • Fuel system cleaning and inspection
    • Carburettor or fuel injection inspection and adjustment
    • Engine tuning
    • Diagnosis of non-running vehicles
    • Gearbox and differential fluid replacement where appropriate

Fuel System

Vehicles that have stood unused often suffer from stale fuel and contamination within the fuel system.

Where required, we inspect, clean or replace components including:

    • Fuel tanks
    • Fuel lines
    • Flexible hoses
    • Filters
    • Pumps
    • Carburettors or injectors

Brakes

Safety is always a priority during recommissioning.

Brake work may include:

    • Brake inspection
    • Hydraulic system checks
    • Brake fluid replacement
    • Caliper servicing or replacement
    • Wheel cylinders
    • Brake pipes and flexible hoses
    • Disc and drum inspection
    • Pad and shoe replacement
    • Parking brake adjustment

Suspension and Steering

We inspect suspension and steering components for wear, corrosion and deterioration, replacing components where necessary to restore safe operation.

Electrical Systems

Long periods of storage can lead to damaged wiring, poor connections and unreliable electrical systems.

Where required we inspect wiring, repair faults and replace damaged sections to restore reliable operation.

Welding and MOT Repairs

Where corrosion or wear prevents a vehicle from meeting roadworthiness requirements, we can carry out welding repairs and other MOT-related work as required.

Once the vehicle is ready, we can arrange MOT testing through a trusted independent testing station before the vehicle is returned to its owner.

Bodywork

Our recommissioning service is intended to improve the condition and presentation of a vehicle rather than restore it.

This may include:

    • Thorough cleaning
    • Paint decontamination
    • Paint correction
    • Minor paint repairs
    • Stone chip touch-ups
    • Light dent removal
    • Inspection for corrosion

We do not offer complete restorations or full vehicle resprays as part of this service.

Documentation Throughout the Process

We believe owners should understand the condition of their vehicle and the work being carried out.

Throughout the recommissioning process we document our findings with photographs and provide updates as work progresses.

Any additional work identified during the project will always be discussed before it is undertaken, allowing owners to make informed decisions about how they would like to proceed.

Returning Your Vehicle to the Road

Once the agreed work has been completed, the vehicle can be prepared for regular road use.

Where appropriate, we can:

    • Carry out final inspections
    • Perform road testing (where suitable)
    • Arrange MOT testing through an independent test station
    • Ensure the vehicle is ready to be collected and enjoyed

What We Do Not Offer

To keep our recommissioning service focused, we do not currently offer:

    • Full vehicle restorations
    • Complete body rebuilds
    • Full vehicle resprays
    • Concours-level restoration work

Where more extensive restoration work is required, we are happy to discuss the condition of the vehicle and advise on the most appropriate next steps.

Location

Our workshop in Leicester welcomes customers from throughout the East Midlands, including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. If your vehicle is not roadworthy, we can also arrange collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

My car has not been started for over ten years. Can you still help?

Yes. We regularly work with vehicles that have been stored for many years. The first step is an inspection to determine the vehicle’s condition before any attempt is made to start the engine.

My vehicle doesn’t run. Can you collect it?

Yes. We can arrange transport for vehicles that are not roadworthy.

Do I have to have all the recommended work carried out?

No. Following the inspection, we will discuss our recommendations with you. You are free to decide how much work you would like us to undertake.

Can you restore my classic car?

Our recommissioning service is intended to return vehicles to safe, usable condition rather than carry out full restorations. If your vehicle requires more extensive restoration work, we will advise you accordingly.

Do you carry out MOT testing?

We arrange MOT testing through an independent third-party MOT test station once the vehicle is ready.