Valenti Classic Cars, Inc.
Franklin, WI
9848 South 57th St.
Franklin, WI 53132
valenticlassics.com
Wisconsin’s Valenti Classic Cars, Inc., known for their iconic Corvette on the roof, is a classic, antique, and muscle car dealer and auto body. After a devastating fire in the shop, their operation was forced to temporarily close for extensive repairs resulting from fire, smoke, soot and water damage.
View/Download PDF Version of this Restoration Story
Fire Damage Challenge:
Remove the elements of fire & smoke damage and restore the vintage 1960’s shop to its previous glory, with a modern twist.
October 1, 2011
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Wisconsin Remodelers Award Judges
Re: Fire Restoration Work
Located in Southern Wisconsin we pride ourselves in being one of the top dealers and restorers of classic cars in the Midwest.
Whether it is a total restoration from a barn find, or sprucing up Dad’s old Chevy, our work stands for itself.
On February 11, 2011 a fire from welding a few hours after closing devastated our shop. The fire and resulting degrees of damage completely shut down the shop area of our business. Connecting with the restoration company we did was one of the best things out of a bad experience that could have happened. The company was not only efficient, but also managed the project so we could continue to operate our business.
During the restoration process we were able to make some improvements to the shop. The contractor was very familiar with commercial facilities and diligently worked to restore items that were able to be saved and offered suggestions for finishes and items that could not be. The Estimator, Bob, and Project Manager, Ryan, worked with our management and the insurance carrier to relocate lifts that previously did not offer a good work flow. Work benches, airlines and shop equipment were repositioned to best suit our present needs. Their staff was always knowledgeable, positive minded and offered options and solutions. Everything from the floor up was refinished and is now refreshed. The company went as far as helping us restore vintage signs.
The restoration company turned a bad situation into as good as possible. Not only was everything done efficiently, the final product was way beyond expectations. If someone has a similar incident we would highly recommend them. We consider our refinished shop award winning and could not be more pleased!
Sincerely,
Don Valenti, Owner
Fire & Smoke Damage:
An early evening fire ripped through the vintage Valenti Classic Car Body Shop located in Franklin, WI. A 1955 Chevrolet model 210 raised on a lift burned and caused damage in the northwest corner of the shop. Fortunately, the extent of the structural damage was contained to the 1000 sq/ft shop.
The Revamp:
The owner wished to create an environment with better flow so cars could enter and leave the shop floor without disrupting other work stations. An additional wish was for modern lifts that offered greater flexibility and safety mechanisms.
The Result:
One symmetrical and one asymmetrical lift were replaced by two asymmetrical lifts. More importantly, a new layout was introduced. The lifts were re-positioned in a parallel fashion to provide ease of access from the garage door entry.
The Challenge:
PVC tubing for airlines ran the perimeter of the shop and presented code and safety concerns for employees and patrons.
The Solution:
PVC tubing was re-placed by copper lines throughout the shop allowing for controlled and safe air pressure.
The Heat/Smoke Damage Challenge:
No surface was untouched from the ceiling to the floor. Intense scorch marks, dark soot and extensive heat damage devastated the shop. Note the intense and visually graphic heatline around the perimeter of the facility.
The Solution:
Special attention was paid to all surfaces. The block walls and structural concrete panel ceilings were cryo blasted and then went through a rigorous power washing. All hard surfaces were refinished.
The Window Challenge:
Many windows were broken or badly damaged by the heat. The 1960’s structure and original windows had asbestos in the glazing. Furthermore, functionality simply was not there because the windows did not open, making the shop conditions uncomfortable to employees.
The Solution:
Security bars were unsightly and unnecessary so were removed and not replaced. Insurance dollars were reallocated by eliminating the bars and placed towards upgrading the windows. The windows are now operable and offer a refreshing cross breeze in addition to increased energy efficiency.
The Finishes:
Stainless steel counters withstood the water, heat and fire damage. The wood finishes did not withstand the extreme elements. Thirty-two feet of butcher-block was replaced. Notice how the contrast of metal and wood add visual interest to the shop, yet boasts strong functionality and durability for the mechanics.
The Process:
Special attention was paid to restoring existing tool chests, storage lockers, and cabinets. The Bald Head Cabinets, known for industrial durability, survived the fire and other elements. With refinishing, the scarlet red metal sheen pops against the black accent banding white walls and gray floors.
The Green Challenge:
The owner was looking for a sustainable lighting solution that produced less excess heat. Mercury vapor lighting, in place before the fire, took a long period to power-up, producing unnecessary downtime, and required double the power of new lighting options.
The Green Solution:
Energy efficient fixtures were installed both meeting the lighting needs of the auto shop staff and offering the desired sense of sustainability the owner was seeking.
The Collectible Damage Challenge:
Valuable vintage and antique signs, collected over many years, were important to the Valenti family. The fire damaged all surfaces and aesthetically compromised the metal and ceramic signs around the heat-line.
The Collectible Restoration Solution:
Many of the owner’s collectible pieces were successfully restored to pre-loss condition and are again proudly displayed throughout the vintage building.
Additional Smoke Damage:
Thirty collectible cars were parked on the sales floor at the time of the fire. The cars and all other surfaces were covered with a fine black soot and a fire odor was present.
The Solution:
This section of the building required detailed restoration and cleaning. The sales floor also received a soft facelift. Dark paneling was painted white to refresh and update the space. Additionally, flooring was upgraded from Pergo to a VCT commercial tile, a much more practical surface for automobile tires.
The Fire Restoration Result:
Valenti Classic Cars vintage 1960’s dealership was restored, improved and updated following an extensive fire. Valenti once again serves as a national hub, and Wisconsin icon, for local car collectors and enthusiasts.
