Vintage Auto: 15 Years of Restoring Classics

By: Dave Gregor

The number of trustworthy places to bring your classic Volkswagen for service or restoration has been on a steady decline for many years. We are very fortunate in the Rochester area to still have a few local businesses dedicated to the “preservation of the species”. Vintage Auto, in Scottsville, continues that tradition.

I first realized the challenges of the hobby in 1991 after I purchased my first VW, a 1971 Super Beetle. Discouraged after being scoffed and snickered out of several parts stores and service centers, I finally met up with a cheerful and understanding FLRVWC member (Harry Tilton) who gladly parted with some helpful advice, and his copy of the club newsletter. Flipping through the pages, I came across the listings for parts, and services. One of the places I visited was Vintage Auto. Life as a VW owner suddenly became much easier!

Vintage Auto was started in 1990 to provide restoration services for select European and domestic cars. “We didn’t start out life here doing primarily Volkswagens, but have gone that way due to such a strong demand,” says Owner Dan Loftus. He and his capable crew have collectively dedicated decades to the art. He added, “Their diversity, and the fact that we love to work on them always keeps it interesting.” One only has to wander through their impressive showroom full of vintage Volkswagens to know this is true.

Services provided range from complete body-off restorations to mere oil changes and routine maintenance. The mechanical department offers new motor installation, 6 to 12 volt conversions, replacing wiring harnesses, brake and suspension work, and custom installations.

The paint and body shop is equipped to handle virtually any type of job, and offers collision repair for modern vehicles as well. There’s always room for the vintage scene, though, and their specialties range from minor touch ups, to complete factory-style paint, including welding, metal work, and rust repair.

Other services include chrome plating, polishing, complete upholstery and interior restoration, convertible tops, and sunroofs.

Vintage Auto stocks many parts, new and used, and is a local outlet for such quality lines as Wolfsburg West, Bugpack, Mid America Motorworks (formerly Rocky Mountain Motorworks), and Empi.

One recent addition to this growing business includes Internet sales, as well as offering trades and consignment for customers who wish to move on to other vehicles. In fact, Vintage Auto has gained national and international recognition with their vehicles for sale, and through buying and selling vintage parts online.

Dan’s restoration philosophy is simple: “Start With More Car! When we take in a shop project, we start with extra nice stuff. It might cost more in the short term, but it’s both easier and cheaper in the end to find a rust free, low mileage project vehicle. You just end up with so much more.”

Due to increasing demand through internet sales, Vintage Auto usually rolls out at least one shop project per year. They travel the northeast for solid, low-mileage vehicles to restore, and have run across some rare beauties. Some of their recent projects include a 1958 sunroof microbus complete with original fold-down middle seat and glass partition, a 1959 beetle convertible, and a 1965 21-window bus.

Their current project is a 1965 camper, a solid, original, and uncommon non-Westfalia version found near the eastern shore of Delaware earlier this year. It should be in fresh paint by early April.

Other points of interest around the shop include a pair of 1950 Volkswagens: a Beetle sedan and convertible, recently imported by their new owner from Brazil.

Vintage Auto is once again hosting the FLRVWC annual Swap Meet on April 24, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (set-up at 9:00 am). Refreshments will be available, as well as plenty of space to set up. Last year’s meet was indeed a good time for all. What better time to stop by for a visit?

Whether you’re looking for a restored vehicle, a full restoration, or simply need repairs (large or small), visit Vintage Auto at 376 Scottsville-Mumford Road, just west of the village. They’ll be glad to help! You can also phone (585)889-8780, or visit them on the Web at http://www.nevintage.com. You won’t be disappointed.