Bill Carlton and the team at Texas Metal are known for their groundbreaking automotive transformations, and one of their latest challenges—a retro race car restoration—showcases their unmatched skills in fabrication, design, and performance enhancement. Carlton, the mastermind behind Houston-based Ekstensive Metal Works, has been making waves in the custom automotive world for decades. His unique ability to transform everything from vintage trucks to modern cars into show-stopping machines earned him a loyal following, especially after the debut of Texas Metal on MotorTrend in 2017.
Source: Facebook
The Restoration Challenge
Restoring a retro race car is no ordinary task, especially for Bill and his team, who consistently push the envelope on creativity and precision. The project involved not just bringing the race car back to life but enhancing its performance while maintaining its historical integrity. The race car's owner likely had big dreams for this restoration, but even they might not have anticipated the level of innovation and craftsmanship the Texas Metal crew would deliver.
The restoration process began with a complete teardown of the vehicle. This is a crucial first step, allowing Carlton and his team to assess the car’s condition and identify key areas for improvement. Often, older race cars suffer from years of wear and tear, especially if they’ve been sitting idle for a long time. Components like the engine, suspension, and frame can be in dire need of repair or replacement. As part of the overhaul, the team ensured the retro race car could not only hit the racetrack once again but also perform at a high level with modern upgrades.
Modern Performance with Classic Looks
Bill Carlton’s philosophy is all about blending the old with the new, and this retro race car was no exception. Like many of his other projects, Carlton likely aimed to retain the vintage aesthetics of the vehicle while upgrading its internal components for modern performance. This balance is key to the success of the project. From previous builds, we know that Carlton and his crew excel at integrating cutting-edge engines and technology into classic builds. For example, when they worked on a vintage F-100, they installed a modern 5.0L Coyote crate engine with a supercharger to ensure optimal performance while maintaining the truck's original look.
For this race car, they may have followed a similar path, upgrading the engine, transmission, and suspension to modern specs. High-performance brakes, a reinforced frame, and an updated suspension would allow the car to handle the demands of the racetrack while ensuring it could take on tight corners at high speeds. It’s not just about making the car fast; it’s about making it reliable and safe.
Source: Facebook
Custom Fabrication and Design
The Texas Metal team is known for its incredible fabrication skills, and custom metalwork is at the heart of their projects. With the retro race car, the challenge wasn’t just about performance upgrades—it also involved meticulous attention to detail in terms of bodywork. Over the years, race cars can lose their structural integrity or need significant repairs to bring them back to showroom quality.
Carlton and his team probably spent hours crafting custom parts for the car. From creating a bespoke roll cage to ensure driver safety to fabricating body panels that match the car’s original design, the project required a delicate balance of craftsmanship and technology. The team at Ekstensive Metal Works often works with high-quality materials like aluminum and steel to create custom parts that are both lightweight and durable—key factors for a successful race car.
In addition to the bodywork, the interior of the race car likely saw a significant overhaul as well. Ekstensive Metal Works has collaborated with specialists in the past to create stunning interiors that combine comfort with style. For this project, they might have installed custom race seats, a sleek dashboard with modern instrumentation, and safety harnesses to meet the demands of modern racing.
The End Result
The restored retro race car is undoubtedly a testament to Bill Carlton’s unwavering dedication to his craft. The final product, much like other builds featured on Texas Metal, blends historical design with modern technology, ensuring that it can compete with the best on the racetrack while turning heads off the track as well. The crew’s attention to detail, from the chassis to the engine bay, showcases why Carlton and Ekstensive Metal Works are at the pinnacle of custom automotive restoration and modification.
For viewers of Texas Metal, this project is another thrilling chapter in a long line of jaw-dropping builds. Over the years, Carlton’s team has tackled everything from luxury trucks to one-of-a-kind lowriders, proving time and again that no challenge is too great. Their ability to elevate each project with innovative design and top-notch engineering keeps fans tuning in season after season.
This retro race car restoration is not just about reviving a piece of racing history—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive customization. And with Bill Carlton at the helm, one can be sure that the finished vehicle is a true masterpiece, ready to dominate the track and the spotlight.
Comments