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Original Customs is dedicated to creating the highest quality restorations and customizations on the market. We offer a full range of services including mechanical work, rust repair, metal work, engine building, electrical and wiring, fiberglass work, stereo installations, and much more. We can customize your classic car without sacrificing originality (it's why we chose our name) and we can go all the way to wild, fully customized cars.
Rust is a constant battle with our aging classics. Original Customs has experience using Oxy-Acetylene, MIG, TIG, and Arc welding to eradicate the rust that plagues classic automobiles. It's important for us to have access to all four types of welding because different situations call for different tools. There are plenty of shops out there that just use MIG welders. That works okay, but we have higher expectations. Original panels are utilized whenever possible, but many times parts cars or new stampings are not available. In these cases we are able to create panels from scratch. We believe that every car should fulfill its owner's desires. If you love power windows, your car should have power windows. If you want an eight speaker stereo system, you should have one. From minor alterations to major overhauls, we can give you the car your heart desires. To talk to us about your projects, contact Mark De Bernardi at 707-738-5686 or mark@originalcustoms.com. |

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1966 Mercedes 200 We're swapping a 1996 C230 engine into this classic, including the modern manual transmission. It'll be running MegaSquirt. |
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1975 Porsche 914 We're throwing in a BIG FOUR! This super original, two owner 914 is getting a 2432 Type IV motor. But it's not a simple as bolting the new powerplant into place, first we have to mount all the goodies that go along with it. |
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914 Turbo Engine This Raby kit engine is getting a nice big TURBO. Gonna be one monster of an engine. |
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1974 Porsche 914 Another 914, another welding session. This one is getting a six cylinder mount, a new engine shelf, an Engman Long Kit, and a few other items. |
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1973 Porsche 914 We're assembling this 2056 kit to go into a yellow Porsche 914. These are such great engines. |
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1974 BMW 2002 Another 2002 headed for a complete restoration. Phase 1 is to replace all the brakes, tune the engine up, and replace the fluids. Once she's running great, we'll hand the car off so the owner can enjoy it for the summer. |
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1976 Datsun 280Z This very original 280Z is getting a freshening up. Completely rebuilt suspension in front and back, perfect Ferrari Red paint by Altissimo, and minor engine refresh is all on the list. |
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1966 Volkswagen Squareback This extremely well preserved Squareback will get the full treatment and a few Original Customs touches. This is going to be one sweet Squareback. |
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1969 Porsche 911T This 911T is getting a healthy dose of rust repair before heading off to Altissimo for paint. While there is a fair amount of rust damage, it's just your typical early 911 rust. The difficult part is deciding whether to paint it Irish Green or Slate Gray. |
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1971 Porsche 914/6 This 914/6 is in for a thorough de-rusting. Originally sold in Germany, this car has seen the weather and has some problems. We'll strip it down and replace all the corroded metal. |
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1964 Porsche 356C |
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1976 Porsche 914 This yellow 914 is a V8 conversion that is getting some upgrades. A set of steel GT flares will be welded on, strengthening to the inner longitudinal structure, and rear suspension bracing to name a few. |
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1966 Porsche 912 Another 912 getting a complete rebuild. We're stripping this guy down to the bare chassis and repairing all the usual rust spots. |

| 1970 Porsche 914/6 This 914/6 quit running unexpectedly. We are going to sort out the problem, and get it back on the road. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 An alignment, adjusting the shifter, and a general inspection make for a quick in and out service on this hot little 914. |
| 197 Porsche 914 Another classic Porsche coming out of storage and getting back on the road. Tune up, fluid check, new fuel lines and more will make this car ready to run again. |
| 1958 Porsche 356A Super This 356 has been bounced from shop to shop before finally landing here. We're getting it running again finally. Rebuilding wheel cylinders and going through the electrical are the first order of business. |
| 197 Porsche 914 We're taking the engine out to install MicroSquirt fuel injection. Got a little while-were-in-there list as well. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 A few minor updates and inspections for this car. We're going to pull the motor and do some metal work, then we'll install a new Tarrett front sway bar, and some turbo tie rods. |
| 1979 Jeep CJ5 We're mounting new seats into this CJ. A little trim and weld, and it'll be so much more comfortable. |
| 1960 Porsche 356 This gorgeous 356 is in for a few touch ups. We'll check the carbs and timing, fix an oil leak, replace the clutch cable, diagnose a pulsating brake, and install visors. |
| 1967 Volkswagen Beetle The usual Beetle rust attacked this battery pan. We're welding a new one in and tackling a few other minor maintenance items. |
| 1976 Porsche 912e Getting ready for smog test. |
| 1971 Porsche 914 We're transplanting components from a rusty 914 onto this nice clean 71 chassis. Later we'll install a fiberglass body kit and a 911 engine. |
| 1970 Porsche 914 This V8 powered 914 is getting a new 19mm master cylinder and new rear wheel bearings. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 Another 914, stored for the past few years, is ready to get back on the road. We'll be going through the vital systems and getting everything roadworthy once again. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 This 912 is upgrading it's old 1.7 Type IV to a monster 2270. We're installing taller gears in the transmission, doing a little clean up in the engine bay, and attending to some badly needed shifting maintenance. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This 914 chassis is going to be the basis for a subaru conversion. We're taking care of all of the little rust problems and prepping it for paint. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 We're installing an Original Customs 2056 into this 914 and rekeying the locks to match. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 A kit 2270 longblock and 914 are here to be paired up. The 2270 needs a little assembly before it's ready to go in, and the car needs a little rust repair as well. |
| 1972 Porsche 914 After a bit of a smash-up, this white 914 is getting a new front end. Thankfully the damage was confined to non-critical portions of the chassis and no straightening is necessary. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 A quick tune up will get this very clean 914 back into great running shape. |
| 1976 Porsche 912E This classic is headed in from New York to be converted back to CA smog standards for it's new owner here in NorCal. We'll be reinstalling and tuning the original L-Jet FI. |
| 1973 Datsun 240Z Triple weber carb SYNC!!! This is gonna be fun! |
| 1968 Porsche 912 Autocrossers can never have enough power. So this 912 is going from a stock engine to a monster 2316 type 4 from Aircooled Technology. A small trailer hitch will also allow for a spare set of wheels and a bunch of tools to be quickly and easily transported. |
| 2432 Type 4 Build We're assisting a customer in building this 2432cc Type IV MONSTER! Huge displacement, EFI, headers, and other goodies will make this engine scream around the autocross course. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 We're getting an engine and transmission ready to install in a Porsche 912, once it comes back from the body shop. |
| 1981 Buick Riviera This custom built convertible had a bit of damage to the mechanism. We're going to repair the damage and get it back to working condition. |
| 2001 Land Rover Discovery A coolant leak is getting fixed between the timing cover and the block. We're also installing a new water pump and belt, while we're in there. |
| 1978 Volkswagen Transporter This classic Westfalia comes in regularly for various maintenance and upgrade projects. Among other things we've built a motor, installed oil coolers, added a subwoofer, and more. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 This 912 has been sitting for too long with a nice coating of new white paint. It's time to bring the car back to it's potential. We're rebuilding the motor, installing the interior, detailing the suspension, and taking care of all the other odds-n-ends. |
| 1966 Volkswagen Beetle We're finishing up a few small projects on this bug. A few wiring issues, an oil change, and a couple of nagging mechanical projects and this guy will become a daily driver. |
| 2056 Motor Build This 2056 engine will drop into a 912E and replace that tired OE 2.0. We'll be using the stock FI and stock exhaust, so the engine will still pass smog. |
| 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia This pretty little Karmann Ghia is getting a brand new wiring harness, all new bulbs (and cleaned up connections), and a new set of soft brake lines. For the first time in 20 years she'll have all the electrics working right. |
| 1972 Porsche 914 This 914 isn't quite running, so we're going to do a little sleuthing, find out why, and fix it. |
| 1968 Volvo 142 This driver 142 had a broken throw out fork. So we pulled it, installed a new clutch pack, pilot bearing, and tuned the carbs a bit. |
| 1900 Honda Dirt Bike This dirt bike needs two things: more light and more storage. We're building some custom brackets to hold a set of dual H7 headlights and a set of saddle bags. |
| 1965 Volkswagen Vert This Vert is getting a quick dose of rust repair before heading off for media blasting and then paint. There's surprisingly little rust on this classic, aside from a few places where the fenders mount to the body. Gonna be a great car someday soon. |
| 1957 Volkswagen 23 Window This bus sat after an extensive restoration. We're fixing some minor odds and ends to finally get it back on the road. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 This extremely clean car is coming in for a few small rust repairs, a couple of diagnostic tests, and maybe something bigger. |
| 1969 Volkswagen Squareback This Squareback needs the motor installed and the carbs tuned in. This is the first step to getting this classic back on the road. |
| 1966 Porsche 912 Typical of a lot of 912s and early 911s, this car has rusted out front A-arm front mounts. A new pan from Restoration-Design will fix that right up. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This beautiful 914 is having a custom 2056 Type IV engine being built. It's due to produce 140hp. We're building a custom MicroSquirt install that will look pretty much stock. And while it's in, there are a few odds and ends going on the dash. |
| 1964 Buick Special This classic Buick is getting a mechanical overhaul. We're rebuilding the engine, installing power brakes, and power steering. |
| 2007 Toyota RAV4 We're adding a wired-in Sirius satellite radio unit into this RAV4. We've got a nice permanent mount unit and hidden wiring for a super clean install. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 This beautiful blue Porsche 914 has just come from paint and reassembly. We are prepping the brake system as well as a few other small projects to get it ready for the road. |
| 1963 Volkswagen Beetle A fine example of a very original beetle. This car is getting a full refresh with new floor pans being welded in, full brake reconditioning, and an engine overhaul. And of course the full aesthetic makeover, new parts from Wolfsburg West and new paint from Altissimo. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 This 914 has rust issues on both sides of the engine compartment. These areas were trimmed back to good metal and patch pieces were welded in. A new engine shelf from Restoration Design was welded to the passengers side. |
| 1967 Porsche 911 A stock rebuild of the 2.0 911 engine gives an old engine new life. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 This sweet little red 914 has a Raby 2270. We're doing a little tuning, a little tweaking, and a four wheel alignment. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This 914 is getting one of our 2056 engines and needs a few things before it's road worthy. New brakes, some rust repair and a few other items will be performed before the new powerplant is installed. |
| 1973 BMW 2002 This BMW 2002 is getting a few tweaks and touches, but the big project is installing a complete MegaSquirt injection system to replace the original carburetor. |
| 1984 Porsche 928 This beautiful 928 is getting the old stereo pulled out and a really nice new stereo installed. And while the door panels are off, we'll get rid of the annoying window rattles. |
| 1970 Porsche 914-6 This original 914-6 is being fully redone and updated. With a 1995 993 3.6 motor and a WEVO 915 transmission, this is one quick 914. The rust was repaired, the chassis modifications made, paint was applied and finally all the pieces were bolted back on. |
| 1911 Type IV Engine This 1911 is one of our base model engines. Built with the intention of being a solid little motor to get another car back on the road affordably. This engine will provide reliable and smooth power for years to come. |
| 1966 Volkwagen Kombi We're doing a few little tune-ups. We're also installing a reproduction 3/4 fold middle cargo seat and belts. Previously: A intermittent starting issue and some wiring problems bring this bus to our door. Extensive rust repair is completed on the doors, and a new wiring harness is installed, as well as a new drag link. |
| 1979 Volkswagen Bus This westy is getting ready for some new adventures, and passing CA smog is the first step. We're going through the engine looking for things that might cause the bus to fail. |
| 1970 Porsche 914 This absolutely ORIGINAL 914 is getting ready for a six cylinder conversion. We're welding in a Rich Johnson engine mount, fixing a few 'hacks' made by the previous owner, and installing new Tarrett sway bar mounts. |
| 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle A monster 2316 from Raby's Aircooled Technology is going in this Super. It's got SDS fuel injection, TWM throttle bodies, and Mallory ignition. We're installing a ton of sound proofing, an oil cooler, a remote oil filter, a new transmission, and of course, the power plant. |
| 1993 Porsche 968 After a stereo 'mishap', we're putting in a brand new Alpine iDA-X001 head unit. This is a very slick stereo that trades in the near-obsolete CD player for iPod connectivity. Plus Sirius satellite radio install. |
| 1966 Dune Buggie After romping through the mud, this buggie needs a little attention. We're gonna rebuild the carbs and give it a general tune up. |
| 1960 Volkswagen Bug A stall project gets a jumpstart at Original Customs. This bug has sat disassembled, but painted for too long. Within a few hours of being in the shop, it already looks like a Bug. Another one back on the road! |
| 1967 Porsche 912 This great starter 912 is getting a fuel system refresh with a new tank and new fuel lines. While it's in we're also doing a quick tune up and some brake work. Just a few bits and pieces to get this classic road worthy for the spring. |
| 1975 Porsche 914 We're prepping this car for a paint job and welding some holes shut. The list: rear reflector delete, fill AC condenser hole, fill side marker holes, fill antenna hole, repair floor pan, replace engine shelf, replace battery tray. |
| 1967 Volkswagen Beetle OC is replacing all the exterior trim and seals, after this beauty got a fresh coat of paint. A complete exterior make-over. |
| 1974 Porsche 914 This autocross bound 914 is having a bit of metal work done before it heads in for a new coat of paint at Altissimo, here in Napa. We'll be filling the sidemarker holes and removing the rollbar trim, among other things. |
| 2056 Engine Build This is one of the $5000 2056 Type IV engines I build. These have been wildly successful and are a great value. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 One of our first full restorations. All new interior, full paint by Altissimo, and a bit of rust repair were all on the menu. |
| 1968 Porsche 912 This 912 needed a little carburetor tuning and a few throttle linkage bushings installed. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This 3.2 conversion 914 stopped in for a few finishing touches. What a great looking car! And the speed to match. |
| 1957 Volkswagen Bug This bug is getting the full treatment. Like most bugs of this vintage it had severe rust issues. After a generous application of reproduction metal, Altissimo gave it a beautiful coat of Horizon Blue PPG paint. A beautiful example of a classic VW. |
| 1970 Porsche 914/6 This AMAZING 914/6 doesn't need much. A little rust repair and a custom rear valence are on the schedule. |
| 1972 Porsche 914 This 914 gets a brand new battery tray and front sway bar. The clutch tube is also repaired and the bent clutch cable pivot bracket was replaced. New brake lines are installed and the rear windows is removed and resealed. |
| 1973 Porsche 914 This car came in for a quick paint job from our partner, Altissimo. While in the shop a few minor things were taken care of, including delivering the wheels to Harvey Weidman for polishing and straightening and chroming of the front bumper. |