Built by a restorer, for restorers

I have been restoring cars since I was thirteen. Throughout that time, I have seen how professional shops complete projects — with the successes and pitfalls of experience — and have bought a half-dozen cars from enthusiasts who got as far as disassembly and then, for whatever reason, abandoned the project. Several years ago I started to envision the kinds of data-management tools that would help keep a project on track. And I am passionate about documenting my work.

Then I began to think of a software product to support the do-it-yourself restorer. Today the small-footprint mobile-app platform is the perfect way to put the tools that make a project successful in the grasp of the restorer, right at the project. No need to go to a desktop, and no need to do paperwork later.

About Resto-Rat

In any restoration project, you are going to invest a lot of time and money bringing the asset back to its original grandeur. Why not spend a few dollars a month, get organized, and add value to the project with good documentation and record-keeping? If you do nothing more than get your part orders organized to leverage savings on shipping and volume discounts, you will realize the investment you make in Resto-Rat several times over.

Resto-Rat is the first comprehensive mobile application supporting the collection and restoration enthusiast. You can choose to use as much or as little as you prefer. If you are a data person who wants to organize and label your screw bins and number your tool trays, you can document as much of your project as you like. And if you are the type with a big foam cooler full of nuts, bolts and washers, Resto-Rat can still help you find parts when you need them — and at least organize the photographs and key data necessary to title, register, and insure whatever you own in that prize collection.

Every collector can use this application. Even if you only store your photos for each asset, this tool gives you an easily organized, catalogued repository for your photos — so you are not searching on your phone for those pictures of the finished product. If you want to leverage the tool to get the most out of it, you will add value to your collection, your current project(s), and your knowledge of the restoration business.

Meet Sam

And remember — this tool was envisioned by a guy who does his own work. Sam has restored over a dozen cars, including Model A Fords, MGAs, and muscle cars such as a 1971 Dodge Challenger and a 1968 and 1976 Corvette. Almost every project has won awards in its class. He has also restored two boats, including a 1931 Chris Craft Runabout to Best-in-Class acclaim. He has three motorcycles in his current collection, three projects underway, and a 1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Sedanca de Ville in the wings. Sam uses Resto-Rat on all his projects — and we hope you will too.

Passing it on

Sam also founded the Tach-Tech³ Foundation, a Texas 501(c)(3) that teaches teenagers to restore classic cars and run the business behind the build — putting the same craft and discipline Resto-Rat was built for into the hands of the next generation. You can watch his restorations come together on the Resto-Rat YouTube channel.

Have a question? Get in touch →