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Original Customs is dedicated to creating the highest quality restorations and customizations on the market. We offer a full range of services including mechanical work, rust repair, metal work, engine building, electrical and wiring, fiberglass work, stereo installations, and much more. We can customize your classic car without sacrificing originality (it's why we chose our name) and we can go all the way to wild, fully customized cars.
Rust is a constant battle with our aging classics. Original Customs has experience using Oxy-Acetylene, MIG, TIG, and Arc welding to eradicate the rust that plagues classic automobiles. It's important for us to have access to all four types of welding because different situations call for different tools. There are plenty of shops out there that just use MIG welders. That works okay, but we have higher expectations. Original panels are utilized whenever possible, but many times parts cars or new stampings are not available. In these cases we are able to create panels from scratch. We believe that every car should fulfill its owner's desires. If you love power windows, your car should have power windows. If you want an eight speaker stereo system, you should have one. From minor alterations to major overhauls, we can give you the car your heart desires. To talk to us about your projects, contact Mark De Bernardi at 707-738-5686 or mark@originalcustoms.com. |
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1974 BMW 2002 Following the lead of others, we are installing a Honda S2000 engine and transmission in this car. Along with all the usual restorations and customizations. |
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1970 Porsche 914/6 This real 914-6 has had a hard life. But we will bring it back to life with some nice upgrades. |
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1976 Datsun 280Z This very original 280Z is getting a freshening up. Completely rebuilt suspension in front and back, perfect Ferrari Red paint by Altissimo, and minor engine refresh is all on the list. |
| 1966 Volkswagen Squareback This extremely well preserved Squareback will get the full treatment and a few Original Customs touches. This is going to be one sweet Squareback. |
| 1969 Porsche 911T This 911T is getting a healthy dose of rust repair before heading off to Altissimo for paint. While there is a fair amount of rust damage, it is just your typical early 911 rust. The difficult part is deciding whether to paint it Irish Green or Slate Gray. |
| 1957 Volkswagen Bug This bug is getting the full treatment. Like most bugs of this vintage it had severe rust issues. After a generous application of reproduction metal, Altissimo gave it a beautiful coat of Horizon Blue PPG paint. A beautiful example of a classic VW. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 This real LE 914 is getting a full stock restoration before heading across the Atlantic for a new life in London. |
| 1970 Porsche 914 This 914 race car is getting the 1.7 four cylinder pulled out and a 3.6 six cylinder put in. The owner is helping out with some of the labor. |
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| 1974 BMW 2002 Following the lead of others, we are installing a Honda S2000 engine and transmission in this car. Along with all the usual restorations and customizations. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 One of our first full restorations. All new interior, full paint by Altissimo, and a bit of rust repair were all on the menu. |
| 1970 Porsche 914-6 This original 914-6 is being fully redone and updated. With a 1995 993 3.6 motor and a WEVO 915 transmission, this is one quick 914. The rust was repaired, the chassis modifications made, paint was applied and finally all the pieces were bolted back on. |
| 1971 Porsche 914/6 This 914/6 is in for a thorough de-rusting. Originally sold in Germany, this car has seen the weather and has some problems. We will strip it down and replace all the corroded metal. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 This 912 has been sitting for too long with a nice coating of new white paint. It's time to bring the car back to it's potential. We're rebuilding the motor, installing the interior, detailing the suspension, and taking care of all the other odds-n-ends. |
| 1963 Volkswagen Beetle A fine example of a very original beetle. This car is getting a full refresh with new floor pans being welded in, full brake reconditioning, and an engine overhaul. And of course the full aesthetic makeover, new parts from Wolfsburg West and new paint from Altissimo. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This 914 is getting one of our 2056 engines and needs a few things before it's road worthy. New brakes, some rust repair and a few other items will be performed before the new powerplant is installed. |
| 1972 Porsche 914 Original black car. Six cylinder 3.2 motor. 915 transmission. Full cage. Flares. What else could you want. |
| 1970 Porsche 914/6 This AMAZING 914/6 doesn't need much. A little rust repair and a custom rear valence are on the schedule. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 We are installing a 3.2 as well as custom air conditioning and a gas heater system in this SC-flared, pearl painted 914. |
| 1971 Porsche 914 We installed GT flares on the chassis before paint, and now we are building a 2.3L four cylinder engine with MicroSquirt fuel injection to put some power behind those big wheels. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This 914 chassis is going to be the basis for a subaru conversion. We're taking care of all of the little rust problems and prepping it for paint. |
| 1964 Porsche 356C Cracking and bubbling bondo hinted at poorly done previous repairs. We are stripping everything off this classic and doing it back up right. |
| 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle A monster 2316 from Raby's Aircooled Technology is going in this Super. It's got SDS fuel injection, TWM throttle bodies, and Mallory ignition. We're installing a ton of sound proofing, an oil cooler, a remote oil filter, a new transmission, and of course, the power plant. |
| 1968 Porsche 912 Autocrossers can never have enough power. So this 912 is going from a stock engine to a monster 2316 type 4 from Aircooled Technology. A small trailer hitch will also allow for a spare set of wheels and a bunch of tools to be quickly and easily transported. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 We are upgrading this 914 to a 3.2 911 engine. It will get a front GT style oil cooler and a GT style headlight release mechanism. Oh, and we are backing it all up with a 915 transmission. |
| 2056 Engine Build |
| 1974 Porsche 914 Another 914, another welding session. This one is getting a six cylinder mount, a new engine shelf, an Engman Long Kit, and a few other items. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 This SEMA bound project was delivered with custom rear flares. The rear fenders were trimmed and the flares butt welded on. The front fenders (previously trimmed for fiberglass flares) were replaced with stock fenders, which we then hand hammered into massive flares. The headlight buckets were removed and the stock seal channels extended to fill the gap. Custom brackets were fabbed to install a Porsche GT3 seat onto stock 914 rails to retain the stock adjustments (fore, aft, pivot). The bolt in cage was removed and an Engman Long Kit and JWest rear trunk pivots installed. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 A few minor updates and inspections for this car. We're going to pull the motor and do some metal work, then we'll install a new Tarrett front sway bar, and some turbo tie rods. |
| 1976 Porsche 912E This classic is headed in from New York to be converted back to CA smog standards for it's new owner here in NorCal. We'll be reinstalling and tuning the original L-Jet FI. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 This 914 has rust issues on both sides of the engine compartment. These areas were trimmed back to good metal and patch pieces were welded in. A new engine shelf from Restoration Design was welded to the passengers side. |
| 1966 Volkwagen Kombi We're doing a few little tune-ups. We're also installing a reproduction 3/4 fold middle cargo seat and belts. Previously: A intermittent starting issue and some wiring problems bring this bus to our door. Extensive rust repair is completed on the doors, and a new wiring harness is installed, as well as a new drag link. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 A kit 2270 longblock and 914 are here to be paired up. The 2270 needs a little assembly before it's ready to go in, and the car needs a little rust repair as well. |
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| 1976 Datsun 280Z This very original 280Z is getting a freshening up. Completely rebuilt suspension in front and back, perfect Ferrari Red paint by Altissimo, and minor engine refresh is all on the list. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 We're prepping this car for a paint job and welding some holes shut. The list: rear reflector delete, fill AC condenser hole, fill side marker holes, fill antenna hole, repair floor pan, replace engine shelf, replace battery tray. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 We are doing a bunch of rust repair and installing a 2476cc Fuel Injected Type IV. Gonna be a FAST car... |
| 1976 Porsche 914 This yellow 914 is a V8 conversion that is getting some upgrades. A set of steel GT flares will be welded on, strengthening to the inner longitudinal structure, and rear suspension bracing to name a few. |
| 1965 Volkswagen Vert This Vert is getting a quick dose of rust repair before heading off for media blasting and then paint. There's surprisingly little rust on this classic, aside from a few places where the fenders mount to the body. Gonna be a great car someday soon. |
| 1979 Volkswagen Bus This westy is getting ready for some new adventures, and passing CA smog is the first step. We're going through the engine looking for things that might cause the bus to fail. |
| 1964 Buick Special This classic Buick is getting a mechanical overhaul. We're rebuilding the engine, installing power brakes, and power steering. |
| 1973 BMW 2002 This BMW 2002 is getting a few tweaks and touches, but the big project is installing a complete MegaSquirt injection system to replace the original carburetor. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 This 912 is upgrading it's old 1.7 Type IV to a monster 2270. We're installing taller gears in the transmission, doing a little clean up in the engine bay, and attending to some badly needed shifting maintenance. |
| 1970 Porsche 914 This absolutely ORIGINAL 914 is getting ready for a six cylinder conversion. We're welding in a Rich Johnson engine mount, fixing a few 'hacks' made by the previous owner, and installing new Tarrett sway bar mounts. |
| 2056 Engine Build |
| 914 Turbo Engine This Raby kit engine is getting a nice big TURBO. Gonna be one monster of an engine. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 While Altissimo gives this racer a new coat of paint, we're doing some serious weight reduction. The windshield was removed and the rear trunk was trimmed significantly. The wiring harness was completely removed and the extraneous wires deleted. |
| 1967 Porsche 911 A stock rebuild of the 2.0 911 engine gives an old engine new life. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 This extremely clean car is coming in for a few small rust repairs, a couple of diagnostic tests, and maybe something bigger. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 Typical of a lot of 912s and early 911s, this car has rusted out front A-arm front mounts. A new pan from Restoration-Design will fix that right up. |
| 1972 Porsche 914 This 914 gets a brand new battery tray and front sway bar. The clutch tube is also repaired and the bent clutch cable pivot bracket was replaced. New brake lines are installed and the rear windows is removed and resealed. |
| 1984 Porsche 928 This beautiful 928 is getting the old stereo pulled out and a really nice new stereo installed. And while the door panels are off, we'll get rid of the annoying window rattles. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 It's my car! | |
| 1976 Porsche 912e Getting ready for smog test. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 Going over a list of rust repair to bring this car back to original. |
| 2270 Engine Build | |
| 1969 Volkswagen Squareback This Squareback needs the motor installed and the carbs tuned in. This is the first step to getting this classic back on the road. |
| 1960 Volkswagen Bug A stall project gets a jumpstart at Original Customs. This bug has sat disassembled, but painted for too long. Within a few hours of being in the shop, it already looks like a Bug. Another one back on the road! |
| 2432 Type 4 Build We're assisting a customer in building this 2432cc Type IV MONSTER! Huge displacement, EFI, headers, and other goodies will make this engine scream around the autocross course. |
| 1974 BMW 2002 After a list of mechanical repairs, this BMW 2002 was sent off for a fresh coat of Malaga Red paint. Once it was back in our hands, all new seals and new trim were installed. |
| 1960 Volkswagen Bug This bug needs a tune up and we will also look into a little performance tuning. With dual Kadron carbs this 1641 engine should have a lot of pep. We will check the carb sync, timing, as well as inspect for any vacuum leaks. |
| 2056 Motor Build This 2056 engine will drop into a 912E and replace that tired OE 2.0. We'll be using the stock FI and stock exhaust, so the engine will still pass smog. |
| 1966 Volkswagen Bus This rad 66 bus is not quite living up to its big-motor potential. We are going to install a CSP Bellcrank linkage, check over all the basics and sync the carbs the right way. All just in time for spring driving season. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 This autocross bound 914 is having a bit of metal work done before it heads in for a new coat of paint at Altissimo, here in Napa. We'll be filling the sidemarker holes and removing the rollbar trim, among other things. |
| 1972 Porsche 914 After a bit of a smash-up, this white 914 is getting a new front end. Thankfully the damage was confined to non-critical portions of the chassis and no straightening is necessary. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This beautiful 914 is having a custom 2056 Type IV engine being built. It's due to produce 140hp. We're building a custom MicroSquirt install that will look pretty much stock. And while it's in, there are a few odds and ends going on the dash. |
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| 2270 Type 4 Build |
| 2056 Engine Build This is one of the $5000 2056 Type IV engines I build. These have been wildly successful and are a great value. |
| 1900 Honda Dirt Bike This dirt bike needs two things: more light and more storage. We're building some custom brackets to hold a set of dual H7 headlights and a set of saddle bags. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 We are installing five lug suspension and a 3.2 engine into this 914. Later we will be adding a front mounted oil cooler and a custom air conditioning system. |
| 1966 Dune Buggie After romping through the mud, this buggie needs a little attention. We're gonna rebuild the carbs and give it a general tune up. |
| 1957 Volkswagen 23 Window This bus sat after an extensive restoration. We're fixing some minor odds and ends to finally get it back on the road. |
| 1960 Porsche 356 This gorgeous 356 is in for a few touch ups. We'll check the carbs and timing, fix an oil leak, replace the clutch cable, diagnose a pulsating brake, and install visors. |
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| 1970 Porsche 914/6 This real 914-6 has had a hard life. But we will bring it back to life with some nice upgrades. |
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| 1973 Porsche 914 This 3.2 conversion 914 stopped in for a few finishing touches. What a great looking car! And the speed to match. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 We're getting an engine and transmission ready to install in a Porsche 912, once it comes back from the body shop. |
| 1966 Mercedes 200 We are swapping a 1996 C230 engine into this classic, including the modern manual transmission. It will be running MegaSquirt. |
| 2002 Porsche 911 C4 We are doing an IMS bearing upgrade, a new air/oil separator, new spark plugs, and a few other modifications. Not our usual classic car, but its a nice change of pace. |
| 1977 Porsche 911S Doing a tune up on this car after 10+ years in storage. |
| 1969 Porsche 911 Fixing a few minor points on this RSR style 911 before it heads off to a new owner. |
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| 2056 Engine Build |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This car came in for a quick paint job from our partner, Altissimo. While in the shop a few minor things were taken care of, including delivering the wheels to Harvey Weidman for polishing and straightening and chroming of the front bumper. |
| 1968 Porsche 912 This 912 needed a little carburetor tuning and a few throttle linkage bushings installed. |
| 2056 Engine Build | |
| 1967 Volkswagen Beetle OC is replacing all the exterior trim and seals, after this beauty got a fresh coat of paint. A complete exterior make-over. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 This beautiful blue Porsche 914 has just come from paint and reassembly. We are prepping the brake system as well as a few other small projects to get it ready for the road. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 A quick tune up will get this very clean 914 back into great running shape. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 We are fixing some transmission and clutch issues on this very original 914. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 Installing carbs on this double duty autocross daily driver. |
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| 1993 Porsche 968 After a stereo 'mishap', we're putting in a brand new Alpine iDA-X001 head unit. This is a very slick stereo that trades in the near-obsolete CD player for iPod connectivity. Plus Sirius satellite radio install. |
| 1911 Type IV Engine This 1911 is one of our base model engines. Built with the intention of being a solid little motor to get another car back on the road affordably. This engine will provide reliable and smooth power for years to come. |
| 1978 Volkswagen Transporter This classic Westfalia comes in regularly for various maintenance and upgrade projects. Among other things we have built a motor, installed oil coolers, added a subwoofer, and more. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 We're assembling this 2056 kit to go into a yellow Porsche 914. These are such great engines. |
| 1967 Porsche 912 This great starter 912 is getting a fuel system refresh with a new tank and new fuel lines. While it's in we're also doing a quick tune up and some brake work. Just a few bits and pieces to get this classic road worthy for the spring. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 We're installing an Original Customs 2056 into this 914 and rekeying the locks to match. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 An alignment, adjusting the shifter, and a general inspection make for a quick in and out service on this hot little 914. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 Another 914, stored for the past few years, is ready to get back on the road. We'll be going through the vital systems and getting everything roadworthy once again. |
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| 1971 Porsche 914 |
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| 1973 Porsche 914 |
| 1986 Porsche 911 Aging calipers have sidelined this 911. We are installing restored calipers all around from PMB Performance, as well as all new components. A complete tune-up and some misc repair are also on the schedule. |
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| 2270 Engine Build |
| 2001 Land Rover Discovery A coolant leak is getting fixed between the timing cover and the block. We're also installing a new water pump and belt, while we're in there. |
| 1958 Porsche 356A Super This 356 has been bounced from shop to shop before finally landing here. We're getting it running again finally. Rebuilding wheel cylinders and going through the electrical are the first order of business. |
| 2270 Engine |
| 1989 Volkswagen Bus Installing a new stereo and new door panels. |
| 1970 Porsche 914/6 This 914/6 quit running unexpectedly. We are going to sort out the problem, and get it back on the road. |
| 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia This pretty little Karmann Ghia is getting a brand new wiring harness, all new bulbs (and cleaned up connections), and a new set of soft brake lines. For the first time in 20 years she'll have all the electrics working right. |
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| 1975 Porsche 914 |
| 1979 Jeep CJ5 We're mounting new seats into this CJ. A little trim and weld, and it'll be so much more comfortable. |
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| 1974 Porsche 914 This sweet little red 914 has a Raby 2270. We're doing a little tuning, a little tweaking, and a four wheel alignment. |
| 2007 Toyota RAV4 We're adding a wired-in Sirius satellite radio unit into this RAV4. We've got a nice permanent mount unit and hidden wiring for a super clean install. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 Another 912 getting a complete rebuild. We're stripping this guy down to the bare chassis and repairing all the usual rust spots. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 We are swapping a temperamental 1.7 for a 2.0 engine. |
| 1972 Porsche 914 |
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| 1968 Volvo 142 This driver 142 had a broken throw out fork. So we pulled it, installed a new clutch pack, pilot bearing, and tuned the carbs a bit. |
| 1972 Porsche 914 This 914 isn't quite running, so we're going to do a little sleuthing, find out why, and fix it. |
| 1966 Volkswagen Beetle We're finishing up a few small projects on this bug. A few wiring issues, an oil change, and a couple of nagging mechanical projects and this guy will become a daily driver. |
| 1973 Datsun 240Z Triple weber carb SYNC!!! This is gonna be fun! |
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| 1984 BMW 323i |
| 1971 Porsche 914 We are transplanting components from a rusty 914 onto this nice clean 71 chassis. Later we will install a fiberglass body kit and a 911 engine. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 A broken CV joint necessitated this visit, but while it is in the shop we are sealing a few leaks and replacing a few transmission parts. |
| 915 Transmission Rebuild This 915 ate a few gears. So we installed new ones, and took the opportunity to also add a Guard TBD and Wevo side cover in preparation for installation in a 914. |
| 901 Transmission Rebuild Giving this 914 transmission a thorough checking over and replacing any parts that need it. |
| 1971 Volkswagen 412 This rare classic is in need of a basic refresh to bring its maintenance back into line. A clunk in the front end and a thorough inspection are first on the list. |
| 2270 Engine Build |
| 2270 Engine Build |