FULL CAR RESTORATION

Based on equipment evaluation, the extent of restoration required for the streetcar is determined. All equipment and parts are removed from the streetcar body and the body is taken to the frame stage. At this point, restoration is begun by rebuilding or re-manufacturing any parts that require replacement. Attempts to replace all parts on the car to original standards are made in order to retain the historical value of the car. For example, brass screws are used throughout the car and wood type is matched to original wood as closely as possible. Then re-installation of all parts removed from the car is performed. The remaining steps in restoring the streetcar involve the complete re-finishing of all interior and exterior wood, installation of the canvas roof, and a final paint is applied to match the original paint scheme.

Restoring Streetcar and Equipment for Static Display

A preliminary evaluation and cost analysis is performed to determine what parts, equipment manufacturing and labor are necessary to restore the streetcar for public or private exhibit in a non-operational static display. If requested by the client, transportation of the equipment to the final display site can be included in the cost analysis.

Full Streetcar Restoration to Operating Status

Similar to the static display evaluation, a cost analysis is provided for restoring the streetcar and equipment to operational status. This analysis would include all parts, equipment manufacturing, and labor to complete the project. Three forms of full restoration are available to the client. The first option allows the streetcar to be restored exactly to manufacturer’s original specifications, when the car was originally built. Second, the streetcar can be restored to a standard shop maintenance status. This means that the car would have various modifications to the original manufacturer’s design, such as interior modifications to the wood and seats or to mechanical sections like the trucks. The third restoration option is to design the streetcar using the client’s specifications such as the color scheme for the exterior paint or a specially designed interior like different overhead lighting and a different style of seats. Modern regulatory requirements play a part in any operational restoration and are addressed on an individual project basis.