Collision Repair
The Body Shop Collision Repair — Hawthorne
With 26 years in business, The Body Shop Collision Repair has built a reputation in Hawthorne for handling everything from…
El Segundo Auto Body has served the El Segundo community since 2001, operating out of its shop at 717 E El Segundo Blvd. The business is licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair and has built a long track record handling collision repair and auto body paint work for local drivers. As a small, independently owned shop, it offers the kind of personal attention that’s harder to find at larger chain locations — customers deal directly with the same team from estimate through pickup. Whether it’s a minor parking-lot scrape or more involved bodywork after an accident, the shop handles the full range of collision repair and refinishing services for El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, and nearby South Bay neighborhoods. Call (310) 322-8411 to ask about an estimate or check on scheduling.
Looking for classic car restoration in El Segundo? Restoring a classic is very different from everyday collision repair. Parts for a 1967 Mustang, a ’57 Bel Air or an old Porsche 911 haven’t been made for decades, so a restoration shop has to find original parts, buy reproductions, or make new metal by hand. The job takes skill, patience, and a shop that treats your car like a project, not a work order.
This page lists restoration shops that serve El Segundo and the South Bay, including drivers from Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, Torrance, Redondo Beach and Long Beach. Each listing has a phone number and address, so you can compare shops before you call.
There are no classic restoration shops listed in El Segundo yet. These nearby shops serve the area:
Torrance Auto Body – Torrance
19010 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: (310) 370-1077
Services: Classic Restoration, Collision Repair and more
Diamond’s Auto Body & Classic Restoration, Inc. – Long Beach
5363 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90805
Phone: (562) 359-5124
Services: Classic Restoration, Auto Body
Do you run a restoration shop in El Segundo or the South Bay? List your shop to reach local classic car owners.
El Segundo sits right on the coast, between LAX and the beach. That’s great for weekend drives down Vista del Mar, but tough on old steel. Salty ocean air speeds up rust, especially on cars built before modern corrosion protection.
Watch these areas closely on a classic that lives near the coast:
Rust that looks small on the outside is often much worse underneath. A good restoration shop will media-blast or strip the affected areas to find out how far it really goes before giving you a final price.
The South Bay sun is the other enemy. UV light fades single-stage paint, cracks dashboards and dries out vinyl and rubber seals. If your classic sleeps outside, a garage or a quality car cover will protect your restoration investment.
| Type | What it means | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Driver restoration | The car is made safe, reliable and good-looking, but not perfect. | Owners who want to drive and enjoy the car |
| Street show / restomod | Classic looks with modern upgrades like disc brakes, A/C, fuel injection or new suspension. | Daily or weekend driving with modern comfort |
| Frame-off restoration | The body comes off the frame and every part is restored or replaced. | Valuable or rare cars, serious collectors |
| Concours restoration | Restored to factory-correct condition, down to the hardware and markings. | Judged car shows, top-value collector cars |
Every restoration is different, but these are general price ranges in the LA area:
| Job | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Rust repair (small patch panels) | $500 – $3,000 |
| Floor pan replacement | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Quality classic paint job | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
| Interior restoration | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Driver-level restoration | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Full frame-off restoration | $60,000 – $150,000+ |
Restoration shops usually bill by the hour, and most projects take months, sometimes over a year. The biggest unknown is rust and hidden damage, so expect the estimate to change once the old paint comes off. Use our Repair Cost Estimator for smaller body and paint jobs.
For more tips, read How to Choose an Auto Body Shop in Los Angeles: 10 Questions to Ask and Auto Body Shop Red Flags.
A regular auto policy usually pays only the “actual cash value” of an old car, which can be far below what a restored classic is worth. Many owners use agreed value classic car insurance instead, which pays a set amount if the car is totaled. If your restored classic is damaged in an accident and the other driver is at fault, you may also be able to file a diminished value claim for the car’s lost market value.
Need something besides restoration? Browse more auto services in El Segundo:
Are there classic car restoration shops in El Segundo?
There are no restoration shops listed in El Segundo yet. Nearby options include Torrance Auto Body in Torrance and Diamond’s Auto Body & Classic Restoration in Long Beach, both a short drive from El Segundo.
How long does a classic car restoration take?
A small project like rust repair or paint can take a few weeks. A full frame-off restoration usually takes 6 to 18 months, depending on the car, the parts and the shop’s schedule.
How much does it cost to restore a classic car?
A driver-level restoration in the LA area often costs $25,000–$60,000. A full frame-off or concours restoration can cost well over $100,000.
Is it worth restoring a classic car?
It depends on the car and your goals. Rare and high-demand models can gain value after a quality restoration. For many cars, though, restoration costs more than the finished car is worth, so it makes most sense if you plan to keep and enjoy it.
How do I protect my classic car from rust near the beach?
Keep it in a garage or under a breathable cover, wash off salt and sand regularly, treat the underside with rust protection, and check hidden areas like floor pans and rocker panels at least once a year.
What’s the difference between a restoration and a restomod?
A restoration returns the car to how it came from the factory. A restomod keeps the classic look but adds modern parts like better brakes, air conditioning, fuel injection or upgraded suspension.
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