Restoration FAQs

Planning a new chapter for your van? Find practical answers about restoring a classic VW with LiveTheVanLife in La Paz, from your first estimate to the drive home.

Start here: Request a free estimate · Contact us

Getting started

What vehicles and restoration work do you specialize in?

We specialize in classic Volkswagen vans, including Vanagon/T3, Westfalia, and VW Bus projects. Our work includes paint and bodywork, rust repair, mechanical repairs, upholstery, and selected upgrades. Tell us your model, year, condition, and goals so we can confirm whether your project is a good fit. Explore our paint and bodywork, mechanical, and upholstery services.

Why bring my van to LiveTheVanLife in La Paz?

We combine hands-on classic VW experience with the labor-cost advantages of working in Mexico. That can make a substantial restoration more accessible, while allowing related work to be coordinated in one place. Our team has completed more than 140 van restorations. Look through our work and customer stories in the Restoration Services menu to see the kinds of projects we take on. Parts, transport, and travel still need to be included in your overall budget.

How do I request an estimate, and what information should I send?

Start with the free-estimate form on our Paint & Bodywork page. Include the vehicle year and model, your wish list, known faults, previous repairs or modifications, budget priorities, and preferred timing. Clear photos of every side, the interior, rust, window surrounds, seams, and damaged areas help us assess the scope. We may request more photographs and arrange a brief video call. A photo-based estimate is a starting point; hidden conditions can only be assessed in person or during disassembly.

How much does a restoration cost, and what is included?

Our published basic exterior paint and bodywork package starts at US$9,995 when retaining the original color. Window seals, body rubber, replacement parts, and required metal panels are additional. Color changes, interior painting, extensive rust repair, mechanical work, upholstery, and upgrades affect the total. Review the current service pricing and your written estimate for the exact inclusions. Tell us your budget priorities early so we can discuss the work that matters most to you.

Where is your workshop, and when can I visit?

Our workshop is in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, near the airport. Visits, drop-offs, and pickups are by appointment, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., La Paz local time. Contact us for an appointment and directions before coming over. You are welcome to discuss your project and arrange a visit; hands-on restoration work is carried out by our team.

Booking, payments & timing

How do I reserve a place, and what if my plans change?

Once we agree on your project and drop-off date, a US$500 reservation deposit secures your intake slot. The full deposit is credited toward your project when it proceeds; it is not an extra charge. Our standard cancellation policy is non-refundable, subject to the exceptions and rescheduling provisions in the Deposit Policy. If your plans change, contact us promptly and obtain written confirmation of any new date and deposit transfer before relying on it.

What are your payment terms?

Our standard schedule is 50% at drop-off/start of the project, a further 25% when the work is approximately halfway complete, and the remaining balance at completion. Your invoice should show the reservation-deposit credit, payments received, and any approved additions. We accept bank transfer, wire transfer, Zelle, and Venmo; confirm current payment instructions and the amount due before sending funds. Allow for processing time before pickup.

How should I plan for the time my van will be with you?

Every restoration is different, so we do not offer a standard or guaranteed completion date. For initial planning, allow roughly six months and retain flexibility for longer. This is a broad allowance for arranging life without the van, not a promised turnaround, a maximum duration, or a confirmed pickup date. A complex restoration may take substantially longer. Tell us about any essential deadline before booking, and wait for us to confirm readiness before making non-refundable collection plans. Read our Timeframe Expectations guide for more detail.

Why is it difficult to give an exact completion date?

A classic van comes with decades of wear, earlier repairs, and modifications. We can plan the work we can see, but the full condition often only becomes clear as we take it apart. Several factors affect how the project moves forward:

Hidden damage changes the work required. Rust beneath seals, old filler, poor previous repairs, and undocumented wiring can reveal repairs that were impossible to assess from photographs or an initial inspection. Metal fabrication and fitting replacement panels take different amounts of time on each van.

The stages depend on one another. Metal repairs need to be completed before surface preparation and paint. Primers, coatings, and other materials need appropriate drying or curing conditions. Reassembly follows painting, and rushing an earlier stage can compromise the finished result.

Parts and specialist work affect the sequence. Availability, backorders, shipping, customs, incorrect parts, and compatibility issues can interrupt the next stage. Mechanical, electrical, paint, and upholstery work also need the appropriate people, materials, and workshop space.

Changes and final checks take time. Added work or outstanding choices can alter the sequence. Even when the van looks nearly finished, seals, trim, equipment, reassembly, testing, and adjustments may still need attention.

Hands-on labor hours do not translate directly into calendar time: a restoration also includes time between stages for materials, parts, decisions, and scheduling. We focus progress updates on what is complete, what comes next, and what is needed to move forward. A progress photo or an early estimate should not be treated as confirmation that the van is ready to collect.

Does work begin immediately on the day I drop off my van?

Your drop-off appointment is the intake date. Inspection, parts planning, and individual stages follow the project schedule, so it does not mean every part of the restoration starts that day or that work is continuous every day. Major mechanical jobs are generally completed before paint where included. We coordinate the sequence around your van and the work required.

What happens if you find hidden rust or I want to add work?

We will explain the finding or requested change, discuss the proposed work and its effect on cost and timing, and seek your authorization for additional work. Rust beneath seals, old filler, earlier repairs, or undocumented wiring may only become visible during disassembly. Keep decisions in writing and tell us about a firm budget limit before approving changes. An initial estimate cannot account for damage that was not visible or disclosed.

How will we communicate during the restoration?

Use WhatsApp for brief coordination and photographs, and email for detailed questions, parts lists, work requests, and approvals. Keep project decisions together in writing so everyone has the same record. You will communicate directly with Shane; please allow time for a response during workshop hours. For a useful progress update, ask what is complete, what comes next, which parts or decisions are outstanding, and what is needed to move the project forward. Email shane@livethevanlife.com.

Paint, rust repair & color choices

What does a proper paint and bodywork project involve?

Much of the work happens before the final color is applied. Our process includes removing exterior accessories, glass, and doors; assessing and repairing rust and dents; preparing and priming the surfaces; painting; finishing; and reassembly. We use PPG paint systems. A typical project can involve roughly 400–500 labor hours, with more required for extensive repairs. Your estimate identifies the agreed scope and the seals, trim, or other replacement parts needed.

Will my van be stripped completely to bare metal?

Not necessarily. Sound, compatible existing coatings may be retained, while rust, failing paint, contamination, or poor previous repairs may require local or more extensive stripping. The preparation depends on the actual condition of the surface and the selected paint system. See Common Paint Questions and Answers for more detail.

Do you use body filler when repairing rust or dents?

Suitable filler can be used to refine contours after the underlying metal repair. It should not replace necessary metalwork or cover unresolved corrosion. Rusted areas requiring replacement are cut out and repaired with new metal. If you have a question about a progress photo, ask us to explain the repair; a photograph alone cannot establish the thickness or condition beneath the surface.

Can you paint the inside of my Westfalia as well?

Yes, but interior painting needs its own agreed scope. Removing and reinstalling camper cabinetry, trim, and equipment takes additional labor and can uncover fragile components or previous modifications. Before quoting, agree on which interior panels, openings, and hidden areas you want painted and what needs to come out to reach them.

Can I change the color of my van?

Yes. A color change can transform the van, but usually adds preparation and disassembly. Original paint may remain in areas outside the agreed scope, such as behind the dashboard or fixed cabinetry, and future chips may expose earlier layers. Keeping the original color makes those differences less noticeable. We will agree on the jambs, openings, interior areas, trim, and any two-tone details before work begins.

Can you match a photo or a design from the Virtual Paint Booth?

Use photos and our Virtual Paint Booth to explore ideas and show us the look you want. For the actual paint selection, provide the color code where available and an appropriate physical sample, then confirm the color and finish in writing. Screens, cameras, lighting, and metallic effects can change the appearance, so a digital preview is not an exact color standard. Choose upholstery from a physical swatch where possible too. See our guide to colors and photographs.

Can I choose metallic, pearl, or another special finish?

Our focus is on proven paint systems that are durable, long-lasting, and suited to vans that are driven, traveled in, and used outdoors. For that reason, we do not offer or recommend exotic paint finishes. We often use single-stage paint for suitable solid colors; other approved colors may use a basecoat and clearcoat system. If you have a metallic or pearl color in mind, send us the paint code and a physical reference so we can confirm whether it is suitable for the systems we use. We will agree on the color, finish, and any additional cost before work begins.

Parts, upgrades & preparing your van

Can you install parts or upgrades that I supply?

Yes, subject to compatibility and an agreed installation scope. This can include pop-top tents, seals, lighting, audio equipment, and other suitable accessories. Before buying, send the supplier, part number, quantity, vehicle year, modifications, and included hardware. Customer-supplied parts and installation labor may have different warranty terms. Label everything with your name and van details and include it in your drop-off inventory.

Are parts cheaper in Mexico, and can I ship them to you?

Many classic VW parts must be imported, so they can cost more to obtain in Mexico. The main savings generally come from labor. Bringing pre-approved parts can reduce shipping and handling, but customs requirements still apply. We can coordinate sourcing; ask for the total delivered cost, including freight, import charges, handling, and our parts margin. Confirm receiving instructions before sending anything. Read Shipping Parts and Costs.

Should I sort out mechanical problems before driving to La Paz?

Have a qualified mechanic assess whether your van is suitable for the journey, especially its brakes, steering, tires, fuel system, and cooling. Tell us about starting problems, overheating, leaks, or other known faults before making travel plans. If it is not suitable to drive, arrange transport. Mechanical repairs and upgrades can be discussed as part of your restoration, but a paint job does not renew components outside the agreed work.

Can I arrive with camping gear and personal belongings?

You can road-trip down, but the van must be prepared for workshop access at drop-off. Remove valuables, food, and nonessential belongings. Store remaining items securely in cabinets or enclosed compartments and keep seats, beds, floors, aisles, and work areas clear. If we are working on the cabinets, remove their contents too. Arrange separate storage for excess gear.

What should I bring and document at drop-off?

Provide a complete written inventory of everything left in the van, including the contents of cabinets, bags, and boxes, plus tools, spare parts, and removable accessories. List descriptions, quantities, and storage locations; keep a copy. Photos support the inventory but do not replace it. Bring keys and relevant manuals, and disclose aftermarket wiring, alarms, solar, inverters, and every battery system. Coordinate electrical isolation with us instead of disconnecting unfamiliar equipment yourself. Use the preparation guide and battery guide.

Who is responsible for my batteries, and should I install a kill switch?

We strongly recommend having a suitable battery kill switch (battery disconnect or isolator) professionally installed before bringing your van to us. Have a qualified technician confirm that it is correctly rated for your system, accessible, clearly labelled, and installed with appropriate arrangements for the starter and any house batteries.

Your existing starter and house batteries remain your responsibility during restoration and storage. Battery charging, monitoring, and maintenance are not included unless specifically agreed in writing. We do not guarantee the charge level, condition, or remaining service life of pre-existing batteries.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, we are not responsible for battery discharge, deterioration, or failure caused by age, pre-existing condition, normal self-discharge, or existing electrical faults and parasitic loads in the van. This does not exclude liability for our negligence, improper work, or responsibilities that cannot legally be excluded.

At drop-off, show us how the switch works and identify every battery, charging source, and accessory that can draw power while parked. One switch may not isolate solar, shore power, inverters, or separate battery banks. Coordinate isolation and any required battery care with us at handover, following the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Read our Battery Liability Policy before arrival.

Getting to La Paz & planning your stay

How do I get my van to your workshop?

You can drive through Baja or use an independent vehicle carrier between Tijuana and La Paz. You can also ship one way and enjoy a road trip the other way. We can help coordinate the workshop handover. Request a current written transport quote for your van, including dimensions, modifications, operating condition, insurance, and any additional fees. A carrier drop-off date is different from arrival at our workshop. Read the vehicle transport guide before booking.

Which airport should I use?

Compare flights to La Paz (LAP) and Los Cabos (SJD). La Paz is the local airport; SJD requires a road transfer to La Paz, so include that time and cost in your plans. Routes, seasonal services, fares, and transfer prices change. Confirm them directly for your dates and allow a buffer before a workshop appointment. Our Cabo transfer guide explains what to arrange.

Can I stay in La Paz while the work is being done?

We strongly discourage staying in La Paz for the duration of your restoration. The work involves multiple stages, and there may be periods waiting for parts, materials to cure, specialist work, or the next workshop stage. Progress can be difficult to predict, so planning an extended stay around the project can become costly, frustrating, and stressful.

Our recommendation is to visit for drop-off, return home or continue your travels independently, and come back once we confirm readiness and agree on a pickup appointment. Staying locally does not shorten the work required. If you choose to remain in La Paz, keep accommodation and onward travel flexible. We cannot plan completion around the end of a rental or holiday unless a specific completion commitment has been agreed in writing.

What vehicle insurance should I arrange?

Arrange vehicle insurance valid in Mexico for your route and length of stay. Ask the insurer specifically about liability, the van’s value, modifications, roadside assistance, and cover while at the workshop, in storage, or with a carrier. Do not assume your home-country policy or the carrier’s policy covers every stage. Baja Bound is one provider you can contact; confirm suitability and terms directly.

Do I need a Temporary Import Permit for Baja?

A Temporary Import Permit is generally not required for a foreign-plated vehicle traveling only within the Baja California peninsula. Continuing by ferry or road into parts of mainland Mexico outside the exempt zones can require one. This does not replace immigration, registration, insurance, or customs requirements. Confirm the rules for your vehicle, residency status, and full route before traveling; see the U.S. Embassy’s driving guidance and Banjercito’s permit guides.

How should I plan a Baja road trip, and is it safe?

Many clients enjoy the drive, and good preparation makes a difference. Plan highway travel in daylight, allow time for fuel and rest stops, carry water, and download maps for areas with limited reception. Check weather, road closures, and current advice for both Baja California and Baja California Sur; conditions differ by location and no route is risk-free. Use the Baja Guide menu for itinerary ideas and our Baja safety guide for preparation. Check the current official travel advisory before departure.

I am traveling through Baja and need a repair. Can you help?

Contact us first with your location, vehicle details, and symptoms. We sometimes help travelers when our workload allows, but our primary focus is scheduled restorations and we cannot guarantee a last-minute appointment. Please do not arrive unannounced. For a breakdown, use your insurer or a suitable local recovery service; our workshop is not a 24-hour roadside-assistance service.

Pickup, storage & aftercare

When should I book my return flight or arrange collection?

Wait for us to confirm readiness and agree on a pickup appointment before making non-refundable travel plans. An estimated finish date or a progress photo is not a pickup confirmation. Allow a buffer for travel delays and plan collection during weekday workshop hours. The pickup guide explains how to prepare.

What happens at handover, and should I stay locally afterward?

We review the completed work with you, explain relevant new equipment, and discuss any questions or follow-up. Compare the result with the agreed scope and check belongings against your inventory. Where practical, allow one to three days of local driving and normal use before a long journey so you can raise concerns while nearby. This is especially useful after mechanical or equipment work; untouched components in an older van still need appropriate maintenance.

Can you ship my van home without me coming to La Paz?

Yes, this can be arranged, although we recommend an in-person inspection first. If you cannot attend, discuss a documented remote handover or a representative inspection, review the final work and any outstanding items, and authorize release to the agreed carrier. Photos and video cannot fully convey color, finish, or driving feel. Review transport insurance and document condition at both ends. See Shipping Vans Without Seeing Them.

What if I notice a problem after pickup?

Contact us promptly with the symptoms, when they occur, and useful photos or video so we can assess the concern and agree on next steps. Your written warranty sets out the coverage and process for your project; ask for a copy and clarification before handover. Our La Paz workshop is the normal location for warranty work. Obtain written authorization before arranging non-emergency repairs elsewhere on the assumption we will reimburse them. Shipping the van does not by itself cancel the written warranty.

Can you store my van before or after the restoration?

Storage is subject to availability and must be arranged in advance. We offer two weeks of complimentary storage after completion. Published monthly rates after that are MXN $2,000 for uncovered storage or MXN $2,500 for shaded storage (subject to availability); confirm the space, start date, billing period, and any additional services with us. Early arrival also needs an agreed arrangement. The restoration balance remains due at completion. Battery care or regular driving should be agreed separately. Read Storage after Completion.

How should I care for the new paint?

Follow the written instructions for the paint system used on your van. At handover, confirm when washing, wax, sealant, ceramic coating, decals, protective film, or a cover can be used. Fresh paint can be damaged by abrasive cleaning or treatments applied too soon. Rinse loose grit before touching the surface and ask us about stubborn contamination or a proposed coating. Keep the Paint Care Tips handy and share them with any detailer.

Still have a question?

Tell us about your van and what you have in mind. Get in touch or request a free estimate. Already booked? Contact us directly for the preparation, timing, payment, transport, and aftercare guides for your project.