AUT-AUX9342 - Auto Restoration: Reassembly, Trim Work, & Finishing
Course Description
This course prepares students to complete the final phases of vehicle restoration with professional accuracy and care. Through hands-on instruction, students learn proper reassembly methods for weatherstripping, glass, exterior trim, lighting systems, and interior components while avoiding common pitfalls that can damage fresh finishes. Emphasis is placed on fitment quality, electrical functionality, leak prevention, and maintaining factory-level appearance standards. Students also develop skills in detailing, final adjustments, and conducting OEM-style inspections to ensure vehicles are safe, functional, and customer-ready. A capstone project brings together all competencies for a comprehensive restoration finish.
***IN ORDER TO SIGN UP FOR THIS COURSE, YOU MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AUT-AUX9340 PRIOR TO REGISTRATION ***
Course Outline
- Unit 1: Introduction to Reassembly & Finishing
- The role of reassembly in restoration
- Factory fitment vs. custom fitment considerations
- Common mistakes that damage fresh paint
- Tools and fasteners for reassembly
- Unit 2: Weatherstripping & Seals
- Types of seals: door, window, trunk, windshield, drip rail
- Adhesives vs. mechanical seals
- Preventing leaks and wind noise
- Unit 3: Glass Installation
- Windshield and back glass installation methods (urethane, gaskets)
- Side glass and regulator systems
- Safety precautions for handling glass
- Unit 4: Exterior Trim & Molding
- Types of trim: chrome, stainless, plastic, rubberized
- Fastening systems (clips, adhesives, screws)
- Polishing and refinishing trim before installation
- Unit 5: Lighting & Electrical Accessories
- Headlight, tail light, side marker installation
- Wiring harness routing & connector protection
- Grounding, corrosion protection, and testing systems
- Unit 6: Interior Panels & Trim
- Door panels, dash trim, headliners, and hardware
- Handling fabrics, plastics, and leather without damage
- Fastening systems for interior trim
- Unit 7: Detailing & Final Adjustments
- Paint-safe polishing techniques
- Correcting minor reassembly scratches
- Alignment of panels (doors, hood, trunk) for final fitment
- Detailing for customer-ready finish
- Unit 8: Capstone Project & Final Inspection
- OEM inspection standards for fit and finish
- Final test procedures (leak check, rattle check, function test)
- Documentation and customer delivery process
Learner Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Safely reinstall weatherstripping, seals, glass, and trim without damaging fresh finishes.
- Correctly align and install bumpers, moldings, and exterior hardware.
- Reinstall lighting systems and interior panels with factory-like precision.
- Perform final detailing and polishing for a customer-ready appearance.
- Conduct a final quality inspection to ensure professional reassembly standards.