LiveTheVanLife · La Paz, Baja California Sur
Our workshop.
Your van’s next chapter.
Bodywork, paint, mechanical care, and upholstery brought together in one place, powered by the Baja sun.
A good restoration brings hundreds of small decisions together. Our workshop was built to give those decisions the time, space, and attention they deserve.
LiveTheVanLife Restorations is based in La Paz, Mexico, with classic Volkswagen vans at the heart of our work. Our facility brings the main stages of a restoration under one roof, so the people working on your van can coordinate the details from the first repairs through to the finished interior.
One workshop, the whole van in view.
Our purpose-built space brings bodywork, a dedicated full-size paint booth, mechanical service, and upholstery together. That proximity makes it easier to discuss a repair, check a fit, and plan the next stage while the vehicle is here in front of us.
It also helps us consider how one part of a project affects another. Body repairs influence panel alignment and trim fit. Mechanical access matters when planning interior work. Upholstery and finishing details need to suit the van as it comes back together.
The aim is a thoughtful, cohesive result: a classic VW that retains the character you love and works for the way you want to use it.
Four disciplines, working together.
Our focus is paint and bodywork and larger restoration projects. The combination of services depends on your van’s condition, your priorities, and the scope we agree with you.
Bodywork & preparation
Addressing rust, repairing body damage, and preparing panels provide the foundation for a lasting finish. Disassembly can reveal areas that were hidden at the start, so findings need to inform the repair plan.
Explore paint & bodyworkA dedicated paint booth
Our full-size booth gives paintwork its own dedicated space within the restoration process. Preparation, panel fit, and the agreed finish all matter to how the completed van looks when it comes back together.
Explore colors in the Virtual WorkshopMechanical care
Brakes, suspension, cooling, electrical systems, and drivetrain work help make a restoration more than a visual refresh. We discuss the systems your van needs alongside the cosmetic work.
Explore mechanical servicesUpholstery & interiors
Seats, materials, and interior details shape how the van feels every day. Working alongside the other trades allows upholstery to be considered and fitted as part of the overall project.
Explore upholstery & interiorsEngine work currently focuses on stock Vanagon replacements. We do not currently offer engine conversions; our mechanical services page explains the options.
Better coordination at every stage.
Start with your priorities
Tell us what you want to preserve, what needs attention, and how you use your van. Photos, known issues, previous repairs, and an idea of your budget help us have a useful first conversation.
Let the vehicle guide the work
Older vans can reveal surprises as they are taken apart. We discuss findings and seek approval for additional work, keeping the scope and decisions clear as the project develops.
Check how the details fit together
With the trades close at hand, questions about trim, access, materials, and fit can be considered in the context of the whole vehicle. Careful sequencing helps us avoid treating each stage as a separate job.
Plan time for the handover
At collection, allow time to review the completed work and ask questions. Keep travel flexible until we confirm readiness, and allow time locally before setting off on a long journey.
Restoration takes planning
Our work is generally scheduled months in advance. Timing depends on the vehicle, agreed scope, discoveries during disassembly, and the availability of parts and materials. Contact us for current availability and read our restoration FAQs before planning delivery or collection.
An off-grid workshop, powered by the sun.
Our workshop operates completely off grid. Two solar systems power the office and restoration shop, putting La Paz’s sunshine to work across the business.
That independence reflects something we love about van life: making practical use of the resources around us and building a setup that supports the way we want to live and work. It is part of the long-term home we are creating for the business here in Baja.
See our solar readings on the homepageStep inside the workshop.
These short videos offer a look around the facility. The vans and projects on site change as work progresses.
Near the airport. At the heart of your Baja plans.
We are located next to La Paz International Airport, approximately 15 minutes from central La Paz by car or taxi, depending on traffic and your starting point.
Many clients drive down from the United States or Canada, or arrange vehicle transport. Others fly in for drop-off or collection. Agree the workshop appointment first, then plan the journey around it.
We will share directions when arranging your visit. Use La Paz local time when discussing dates and appointment times.
Thinking about a project? Arrange a visit.
If you are considering having your van restored with us and will be in the La Paz area, we would be happy to discuss a workshop visit. A tour is a chance to see the facility, talk about the kind of work you have in mind, and get a feel for how we work.
Visits are by appointment
We are an active restoration workshop, with our customers’ projects taking priority. Tours depend on availability. We are not open for public walk-ins and do not offer walk-in service.
Please wait for us to confirm a date and time before coming over. A tour request does not reserve a restoration slot or confirm a vehicle drop-off.
Help us plan a useful conversation
- Tell us your van’s year and model.
- Describe the work you are considering.
- Suggest a few dates and times in La Paz local time.
- Let us know whether you will be bringing the van.
Still exploring the possibilities?
Start with our paint and bodywork guide, browse ideas for your van, or get in touch. If a visit becomes part of a longer trip, our Baja guide will help you make the most of your time here.
