Testimonials
We say we make dreams come true but why believe us? See what our customers have to say...
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Another Panelworks restoration … Mike’s 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback.
Hi MIKE here, owner of the Roush Mustang mentioned!
Just read Malcolms comments on me build. And got to say he under-sells himself and the work they do! The work these guys do have blown me away, from intial discussions and insights on the project to the 'final' reveal. It was without doubt above my expectations, and I'm one happy motorhead.
HOW CAN I DESCRIBE IT? - OK, It was like one of those moments you see on the FINAL reveal of an eposode of Overhaulin (Chip foose)!! But in good old gods own, these guys really do know what they are talking about. If you are looking to restore or reinvent your ride and want to do it to the best possible standard, then give Malcolm a call.
There is another guy also behind the larger than life frame of Malcolm called Ian ( "the guys with the grease on his his hands"!!) thanks also your knowledge is impressive.
Thanks boys!
PS: "The 1st Place in Restomod catagory at the recent National Mustang Convention is testament to all you guys at Panelworks".
Mike, thanks for the kind words, mate. I think a few bevvies might be in order!
Cheers,
Malcolm (Sanks) Sankey, 18 January 2011.
The "AFTER" photo
The amazing story of Rich's RED '69 Convertible 302 Windsor
"The workmanship is fantastic! It’s good to know there are people out there who will do a great job in a reasonable time, and can deliver the quality we all desire."
The car had started its life in California and then Colorado.
"I first saw this car in 2005 soon after it was imported from USA by Lindsey Sanson. The car had started its life in California and then Colorado. I see Lindsey regularly through work and knew he had gone to a lot or trouble travelling to the ‘states to purchase the car after turning down many others before it. I also knew that if he thought it was a good car then it probably was. It was a very straight unmolested car with almost no rust, and the major appeal to me was that it looked completely original. I told Lindsey the first time I saw it that if he ever wanted to sell it to give me a call.
That call came early 2007.
Lindsey was collecting a nice stable of cars, with another one on the water so something had to go. We agreed on a price and he reluctantly let her go, after seeking many assurances that I would “do the right thing” and “don’t drive it in the rain” and don’t let “just anybody” touch those beautiful straight panels. If you know Lindsey you’ll know what I mean.
With that in mind I was in a bit of a dilemma...
The car was very good, but some parts of the paintwork let down the rest of the car. It drove and braked superbly, but I really wanted to get it rust-proofed and decided on new paint. It also came with a new set of upholstery and new convertible hood so we needed to get these fitted as well. I was not confident to do this myself and so went looking for someone who could do the whole project. My dilemma was I felt that if I gave this car to the wrong people it could come back as an “average” restoration, which would effectively devalue it. Being such a good car to start with I wasn’t prepared to take this risk.
I did my homework...
With few contacts in the paint / panel / restoration field I did my homework asking around the club, reading magazines and generally researching the industry as best I could. One name that kept popping up was Matamata Panelworks. At first it all sounded a bit scary and expensive, but after checking out the quality of workmanship it was hard to argue with. After several meetings with Malcolm and Ian I felt confident that these guys weren’t “just anybody”, would “do the right thing” and would “look after those beautiful straight panels”. We talked about budget and quality expectations on my part and we came to an agreement. Then I dropped into conversation that I would like it back for the convention… in 3 months time. No pressure.!
It was a complete...
The job was a complete rotisserie / engine-suspension-out restoration, but with most of the original parts including all suspension and driveline etc being put back into the car.
The car lived up to its’ reputation by being very straight and rust free ( thanks Lindsey ) and consequently didn’t take much time in the panel shop. I had regular photographic updates from Malcolm throughout the process and visited every couple of weeks to see the progress and make those little decisions on repairs and replacement bits and pieces as the car came back together.
I certainly felt part of the rebuild and was able to discuss options and details at any time.
During this time I found the personalised plate, and then purchased some aluminium valve cover blanks from Etchells, had them engraved with the plate and the painter dropped some candy apple red into the engraving for a nice personal touch. Added to this the only other real deviance from original was a set of 17 x 8 American Racing Wheels “Shelby Cobra” wheels with BFG 235 / 45 / 17. The wheels also came via Matamata Panelworks who hold a Performance Wheels agency.
The car was delivered back...
in pristine clean condition just 12 and a half weeks after I dropped it off. The workmanship is fantastic on what is now a great looking car ( in my opinion of course ) and we ran 2nd in 69 to 73 convertible category at the convention. This car is definitely a “driver” so expect to see it out on club runs this summer. Please feel free to ask any questions about the rebuild process.
We’re not all blessed with the talent or time to be able to restore these classics ourselves ( I have huge respect for the guys that are capable of this ), and so it’s good to know there are people out there who will do a great job in a reasonable time, and can deliver the quality we all desire."
- Rich.
Michael Reeves' Mustang Mach I Transformation
"I commend Matamata Panelworks without hesitation. They are honest and committed, good communicators and committed to excellence."
The 69
At the beginning of 2007 I started the search to acquire a 1969 Mustang Mach l. lt was certainly more challenging than what I had anticipated.The standard of what is available in New Zealand is remarkably poor and of course trying to buy one from the US or Australia is fraught with challenges and dangers. Around November, after numerous attempts, I eventually purchased a 1969 Mach I Mustang which had been owned by the same gentle man since around 1972. After having missed out on so many cars, based on the inspection of photos, I agreed to pay $40,000 from the proud Auckland owner for the car. lt superficially was in quite remarkable condition.
I had the car picked up and delivered to Wellington, thus I never met the vendor in person.
Research
I then joined the Manawatu division of the Mustang owners club and started researching who were the quality providers of service and who would have the expertise for a restoration and conversion from left hand drive to right hand drive.
After much enquiries the parties of the proficiencies and competencies and confidence to take on such a task, clearly was Matamata Panelworks.
I had to take into account I needed extensive panelwork, mechanical work, adherence to excellence, and I needed to deal with people that were good communicators and had the utmost of integrity. The bottom line is that I needed to have a lot of confidence in the party.
Matamata Panelworks
I travelled from Wellington to Matamata for the day and had the pleasure of meeting Malcolm Sankey. I immediately liked Malcolm because what he said is what he meant. Malcolm is one of two owners. I would describe Malcolm as a big teddy bear that is earnest and meticulous.
Process
After considerable discussions and agreement on specifications, which was no easy feat, I had decided on a complete rotisserie restoration, inclusive of new wheels, new suspension, new running gear, new brakes, new exhaust system, new glass, complete panel and paint restoration, new chrome, new fittings, new suspension, in fact I can't think of anything that I didn't replace. The process, attention to detail under taken by Matamata Panelworks was exhaustive.
The team at Matamata Panelworks are clearly a class act. They have achieved excellence in array of expertise's being mechanical, panel and paint. The car is of course, in vastly superior condition than what it was on the day it was made new.
Conclusion
The process entails in the first instance agreeing on the scope of the work to be completed. In this matter Malcolm was extremely helpful. There is no end of decisions to be made with different causes and effects. lt very much depends on what outcome you want and expect, and of course, can afford. We then agreed on the specs as to what work would be done.
The process was incredibly consultative. I was consulted on dozens of occasions for input and received countless emails from the team, including continuous updates of photos by email, which of course was quite enjoyable.
The bottom line issue is, for anyone seeking the services of a professional team to restore car I commend Matamata Panelworks without hesitation. They are honest and committed, good communicators and committed to excellence. And for anyone wishing to complete a quality restoration of your car, they are certainly the team.
- Michael Reeves, 31 March 2008.
Level 6
The Todd Building
95 Customhouse Quay
Wellington
New Zealand
Tel: 04 499 5522
Fax: 04 499 8850
e-mail: michaelreeves@clear.net.nz