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Car Restoration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Classics Restoration

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Auto Body Technician

Anderson, IN · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Must have professional experience in classic car restoration, custom hot rod building, or auto body repair. (Collision-only experience is welcome, but a deep understanding of vintage steel and ...

Urgent

American Classics Restoration

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Auto Body Technician

Anderson, IN · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Must have professional experience in classic car restoration, custom hot rod building, or auto body repair. (Collision-only experience is welcome, but a deep understanding of vintage steel and ...

Urgent

Straightline Customs Inc

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High-End Paint/Body Technician/Metal Fabricator

Prior Lake, MN · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Minimum 3 years professional experience in custom car restoration Preferred Qualifications * Proficiency with TIG welding and sheet metal fabrication * Experienced in auto body painting and panel ...

Straightline Customs Inc

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High-End Paint/Body Technician/Metal Fabricator

Prior Lake, MN · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Minimum 3 years professional experience in custom car restoration Preferred Qualifications * Proficiency with TIG welding and sheet metal fabrication * Experienced in auto body painting and panel ...

Rockstar Mechanics

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Classic Car Interior Restoration Technician

Bethel, CT · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/Disability, 401(k) Classic Car Interior Restoration Technician - Upholstery & Trim Specialist This isn't seat swapping or quick repairs. We're restoring interiors on 350 ...

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Rockstar Mechanics

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Classic Car Interior Restoration Technician

Bethel, CT · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/Disability, 401(k) Classic Car Interior Restoration Technician - Upholstery & Trim Specialist This isn't seat swapping or quick repairs. We're restoring interiors on 350 ...

Urgent

Rockstar Mechanics

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Classic Car Interior Restoration Technician

Bethel, CT · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/Disability, 401(k) Classic Car Interior Restoration Technician - Upholstery & Trim Specialist This isn't seat swapping or quick repairs. We're restoring interiors on 350 ...

Urgent

Straightline Customs Inc

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High-End Paint/Body Technician/Metal Fabricator

Prior Lake, MN · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Minimum 3 years professional experience in custom car restoration Preferred Qualifications * Proficiency with TIG welding and sheet metal fabrication * Experienced in auto body painting and panel ...

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Car Restoration information

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How much do car restoration jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for car restoration in the United States is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is car restoration?

Car restoration is the process of repairing and refurbishing an automobile to return it to its original condition or better. This typically involves disassembling the car, fixing or replacing worn parts, addressing rust and body damage, repainting, and restoring the interior. Restoration can be done for both classic and vintage cars, with the goal of preserving historical value, improving functionality, or enhancing appearance. The process can be time-consuming and requires specialized skills and knowledge of automotive systems.

What is the difference between Car Restoration vs Auto Body Technician?

AspectCar RestorationAuto Body Technician
Required CredentialsSpecialized restoration training, certifications in classic car repairHigh school diploma, certifications in collision repair
Work EnvironmentRestoration shops, vintage car garagesCollision repair shops, auto body shops
Employer & IndustryClassic car collectors, restoration shopsInsurance companies, auto repair centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Car restoration focuses on restoring vintage and classic cars to their original condition, often involving extensive repairs and custom work. Auto body technicians primarily repair and refinish vehicle exteriors after accidents. While both roles involve vehicle repair, car restoration emphasizes preservation and originality, whereas auto body technicians focus on collision repair and cosmetic fixes.

What are some common challenges faced when working on classic car restoration projects?

One of the main challenges in classic car restoration is sourcing original or compatible replacement parts, as many components are no longer in production. Restorers must also address unexpected issues such as hidden rust, outdated wiring, or previous substandard repairs, which can extend project timelines. Collaboration with specialists like upholsterers, painters, and mechanics is often essential to achieve high-quality results. Being detail-oriented and patient helps ensure that finished restorations meet both safety standards and the owner’s vision.

Is 27 too late to become a mechanic?

Car restoration is a skilled trade that can be pursued at any age, including 27. Many mechanics start training or apprenticeships later in life, and gaining certifications or hands-on experience can lead to a successful career regardless of age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Car Restoration Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Car Restoration Specialist, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of automotive repair techniques, and experience with bodywork, often gained through vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, welding equipment, paint systems, and sometimes ASE certification is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, problem-solving, and effective communication with clients are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the ability to restore vehicles accurately, maintain safety standards, and deliver high-quality results that meet client expectations.
More about Car Restoration jobs
What cities are hiring for Car Restoration jobs? Cities with the most Car Restoration job openings:
What states have the most Car Restoration jobs? States with the most job openings for Car Restoration jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Car Restoration jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Car Restoration jobs are:
Car Restoration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Restoration job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,090 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Auto Body Technician

Auto Body Technician

American Classics Restoration

Anderson, IN • On-site

Urgent

$52K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

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Job description

Company: American Classics Restoration

Location: Shop Location Anderson, IN

Job Type: Full-Time

Environment: Specialized Classic & Vintage Automotive Restoration (Not a flat-rate collision repair or modern dealership environment)

Job Overview

American Classics Restoration is seeking a skilled, passionate, and meticulously detail-oriented Auto Body & Restoration Technician to join our team. We specialize in bringing vintage automobiles, muscle cars, and classic trucks back to their former glory through high-quality custom builds, resto-mods, and frame-off restorations.

Unlike standard collision repair, this role requires a true craftsman who blends mechanical knowledge, advanced metal fabrication, and artistic precision. You will be working on a variety of American classic vehicles primarily ranging from the 1950s through the 1990s, taking them from bare metal to a flawless, show-quality finish.

Key Responsibilities

  • Disassembly & Organization: Safely disassemble vintage vehicles, carefully documenting, photographing, and labeling all parts, hardware, and trim to ensure accurate reassembly.
  • Metalwork & Fabrication: Perform heavy metal straightening, rust repair, panel replacement (patch panels, quarter panels, floors), and structural alignment. Execute high-quality MIG welding (TIG welding is a major plus).
  • Body Work & Panel Realignment: Master block-sanding, body filling, and panel gapping to achieve completely straight body lines and flawless surface preparation before paint.
  • Custom Modifications & Resto-Mods: Assist with custom fabrication, frame modifications, and the installation of aftermarket performance upgrades (e.g., modern suspension, disc brake conversions, LS swaps, and Procharger systems).
  • Component Fitting: Dry-fit all exterior trim, bumpers, glass, and custom components prior to final paint to ensure seamless final assembly.
  • Collaboration & Problem Solving: Work closely with the mechanical, electrical, and paint teams to navigate the unique challenges of classic cars, such as poor previous repairs, rare parts sourcing, or ill-fitting aftermarket panels.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience: Must have professional experience in classic car restoration, custom hot rod building, or auto body repair. (Collision-only experience is welcome, but a deep understanding of vintage steel and restoration processes is highly preferred).
  • Welding & Metalworking: Proven proficiency in MIG welding and sheet metal fabrication. Experience shrinking, stretching, and shaping metal is highly desired.
  • Artistry & Precision: A sharp eye for symmetry, straight body lines, and proper panel gaps.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Basic understanding of classic vehicle mechanics, electrical routing, and disassembly of vintage chassis components.
  • Tools: Must possess a comprehensive set of personal hand tools and body-work tools.
  • Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods, and perform physical labor typical of a high-end restoration shop.
  • Attributes: High self-motivation, patience, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for classic American automotive history.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus Skills)

  • Experience with custom paint preparation, airbrushing, or high-end show-quality paint finishes.
  • Familiarity with installing Vintage Air conditioning and heating systems.
  • Upholstery or interior restoration experience.
  • ASE or I-CAR certifications in structural repair or refinishing.

What We Offer

  • Pay Structure: Stable pay environment (not a high-stress, flat-rate collision environment).
  • Pride in Workmanship: The opportunity to work on unique, long-term, award-winning legacy projects from the ground up.
  • Team Environment: A collaborative culture working alongside technicians with decades of combined industry experience.
  • Up-to-date shop equipment and a clean, safe working environment.

Company Description

American classics restoration is one of the largest classic cars and trucks restoration company in the central Indiana. Over 22,000 sq. ft. speed shop fully climate controlled with state-of-the-art equipment. Company specializes in introducing modern technology into classic cars and truck, making fun to drive and extremely reliable.