The problem this solves
Restoration projects need cleaning that's aggressive enough to reach bare metal on a chassis but gentle enough to preserve factory inspection markings, original-paint shadows, decals, body plates, and aluminum patina.
Sand, soda, and walnut blasting take all of that off. Pressure-washing soaks bearings and electrical. Hand-scraping is slow and inconsistent. Dry ice splits the difference at the right pressure.
Why dry ice blasting fits
We calibrate pressure per zone. Concours-grade work uses the lowest viable setting so factory markings survive; driver-grade work uses a higher setting where the customer wants more aggressive cleaning.
The method is low-abrasion, non-conductive, and dry. Chassis, engine bay, trunk, and underbody panels all clean without etching, peening, or soaking the systems that share the same real estate.
Surfaces and equipment we clean
- Frame rails and chassis stampings
- Engine bay (block, intake, valve covers, firewall)
- Trunk wells and spare-tire pans
- Inner fenders and wheel wells
- Suspension and brake hardware
- Original-paint underbody panels
Where this isn't the right method
- Paint correction and polish — that's a detailer's scope.
- Deep pitting rust removal — surface oxide yes, deep pitting needs mechanical or chemical treatment.
How the engagement runs
- 01Build sheet review
We walk the project, identify preservation-sensitive surfaces, and quote with photos.
- 02Test zone
Hidden-area test at the planned pressure before scoping the broader job.
- 03Zone-by-zone blast
Different pressures for chassis vs. engine bay vs. trunk. Documented per zone.
- 04Show binder handoff
Before/after photos per zone for the build documentation.
What drives the quote
- Project grade (driver vs. concours)
- Vehicle size and complexity
- Engine bay in/out of scope
- Trunk and underbody in/out of scope
What we bring, what we coordinate
- Fuel-system isolation.
- Ignition LOTO.
- CO₂ monitoring in enclosed shop bays.
Classic Car Restoration Cleaning — questions buyers ask us
Yes at concours pressure. We test on a hidden area first to confirm before scoping the visible zones.
Often yes, depending on the undercoating type and age. We test before quoting.
We've done show-prep work on-site. Logistics depend on the venue and the day; tell us the show and we'll work the schedule.