Every truck is different. Some are clean and straightforward.
Others look solid on the outside but need far more work once you get into them.
What affects the build:
All of that determines the direction, timeline, and overall scope.
Two trucks can look similar and require completely different levels of work once they’re taken apart.
That’s normal.
Most of the real work isn’t what you see.
It’s what’s underneath.
It comes down to condition and decisions.
Rust and Hidden Damage
If rust isn’t fully removed, it continues to spread under the surface and can eat through metal over time.
Previous Paint and Body Work
Painting over old work doesn’t fix it.
If what’s underneath isn’t corrected, new paint can crack, bubble, or peel.
Body Filler and Hidden Repairs
If damage was covered instead of repaired, it will show back up.
That’s why everything has to be stripped and checked.
Worn Mechanical Components
Old parts don’t just wear out. They affect everything around them if they’re left in place.
Missing Parts and Trim
Sourcing original or correct parts takes time, especially on older trucks.
Chrome and Finish Work
Pitted or worn chrome doesn’t come back with a polish.
It either gets restored properly or replaced.
Patina vs Full Restoration
Leaving a truck original can look right, but only if the underlying metal is solid.
Otherwise, it continues to deteriorate.
A lot of the work in a restoration isn’t just about making it look good.
It’s about making sure it stays that way.
Paint Over Old Work
If a truck has had previous bodywork or paint that wasn’t done properly, painting over it can lead to peeling, cracking, or bubbling later.
Rust That Isn’t Fully Removed
Rust doesn’t stop. If it’s not treated properly, it spreads underneath and eventually comes back through.
Hidden Repairs
Filler over damage can shift or crack over time if the structure underneath wasn’t corrected.
Mechanical Wear
Leaving worn components in place can create problems across the entire system.
On the surface, they may look fine. But over time:
Most of this comes from skipping steps or covering problems instead of fixing them.
Most of the difference comes from the work that happens before the final finish.
This is where the real work happens:
When it’s done right:
We’d rather be upfront about that than make it sound easier than it is.
Most people reach out before they commit to anything.
Not because they’re ready to start immediately, but because they want clarity.
At Ekins Garage, the focus is simple:
No pressure. Just straight answers.
The only way to understand your truck is to look at it.
Text us a photo of your truck (435) 840-3275
We’ll give you a clear, honest perspective based on what we see.
No pressure. No commitment.
You don’t need a number first.
You need to understand what you’re getting into.
That’s where it starts
