Course in Restoration of Iconic American Cars
300-hour online course in restoration of iconic American cars. 6 modules covering Royal Decree 892/2024 (Historic Vehicles Regulation), Regulation (EU) 952/2013 (Union Customs Code) and advanced Excel (cost and parts control). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Restoration of Iconic American Cars — studying from Ireland
Ireland has an active heritage vehicle and classic machinery community, supported by clubs, restoration workshops and specialist suppliers serving classic cars, motorcycles and agricultural equipment. Engineering skills in this area combine historical knowledge with modern techniques in fabrication, materials and diagnostics. Restoration work is often linked to heritage conservation and museum collections, and classic vehicles operate under national roadworthiness and vehicle registration rules. Professional bodies and enthusiast organisations help maintain standards and knowledge across the sector.
Fees for Ireland: €797 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Is there a recognised professional body in Ireland for classic vehicle restoration?
Classic vehicle restoration in Ireland is largely a craft and hobby sector, supported by enthusiast clubs and heritage bodies rather than a regulated professional title. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so they do not confer membership or formal recognition. Check the requirements of any club or body you wish to join.
Would Irish restoration businesses or employers value this qualification?
Restoration businesses in Ireland often rely on hands-on skill, reputation and portfolio work. A private online qualification may add to your CV, but employers decide for themselves whether it is relevant. Your final project can help show your capability, though there is no guarantee of any outcome.
Can I study this part-time while keeping my current commitments?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from home around existing commitments. Durations are 300, 800 or 1,900 hours depending on the course, so plan your schedule accordingly. Fees can be paid in instalments, and each student has an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Interpret factory documentation and identification codes of classic American cars.
Repair ladder-frame chassis and large-format bodies.
Rebuild period engines and automatic transmissions.
Restore suspension, steering and brakes of the rolling chassis.
Recover paintwork, chrome and interiors to show quality.
Manage the import and approval process as a historic vehicle.
Prepare the vehicle for shows and regular use.
Who it's for
- Classic American car restorer looking to specialise in Restoration of Iconic American Cars.
- Classic V8 engine mechanic looking to specialise in Restoration of Iconic American Cars.
- Show-finish painter looking to specialise in Restoration of Iconic American Cars.
- Classic vehicle importer looking to specialise in Restoration of Iconic American Cars.
- Judge at concours d'elegance looking to specialise in Restoration of Iconic American Cars.
- Chrome and metal finishing technician looking to specialise in Restoration of Iconic American Cars.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter classic restoration workshops.
What you'll work with
- Royal Decree 892/2024 (Historic Vehicles Regulation)
- Regulation (EU) 952/2013 (Union Customs Code)
- SAE J429 (bolt grades)
- SAE J1703 (brake fluid)
- FMVSS 116 (brake fluids)
- SAE J300 (engine oil viscosity)
- FIVA Turin Charter
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Eras and reference models1.2Independent chassis and bolt-on body1.3Identification numbers and how to read them1.4Trim tags and build sheets1.5Option codes and their verification1.6Authenticity: matching numbers1.7Clubs, registers and archives1.8Market and valuation by specification1.9Importation and registration in Spain1.10Workshop: documentary verification of a vehicle
2.1Diagnosis of the independent chassis2.2Corrosion in side rails and crossmembers2.3Floors, wheel arches and rocker panels2.4Removing the body from the chassis2.5Available reproduction panels2.6Alignment of gaps and openings2.7Welding and sheet metal forming2.8Treatment and protection2.9Dimensional checking of the frame2.10Practical: structural repair of a chassis
3.1V8 and straight-six engine families3.2Rebuilding the block and cylinder head3.3Carburettion and its tuning3.4Period ignition and its improvements3.5Exhaust systems and their reproduction3.6Period automatic transmissions3.7Manual gearboxes and clutches3.8Rear axles and ratios3.9Cooling and lubrication3.10Practical: engine tuning and carburation
4.1Front suspension and its bushes4.2Rear axle and leaf springs4.3Steering box and its rebuild4.4Drum brakes and conversion to disc4.5Hydraulic circuit and lines4.6Wheels, hubcaps and period tyres4.7Geometry and tracking4.8Safety and permissible upgrades4.9Balancing originality and use4.10Practical: rebuilding the front end
5.1Colour codes and period finishes5.2Preparation and primers5.3Single-pack versus modern paint5.4Chrome and its restoration5.5Mouldings and trim pieces5.6Reproduction upholstery and carpets5.7Instruments and clockwork5.8Radio and period accessories5.9Glass and rubber seals5.10Practical: vehicle finishing plan
6.1Judging criteria at shows6.2Restoration levels and their cost6.3Preparing for a display6.4Road use and reliability6.5Maintenance and storage6.6Project documentation6.7Valuation and insurance6.8Realistic budget and control6.9Common errors on these vehicles6.10Final project: documented restoration project
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is advanced Excel (cost and parts control), Fusion 360 (part reproduction), PicoScope (ignition diagnostics), Standowin iQ (colour formulation), in free, academic or trial versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for rebuilding period V8 engines, chrome restoration and show-quality paintwork, and rolling chassis road tests. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Interpret factory documentation and identification codes of classic American cars.
Repair chassis side rails and large-format bodies.
Rebuild period engines and automatic transmissions.
Restore suspension, steering and brakes of the rolling chassis.
Recover paintwork, chrome and interiors to show quality.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with advanced Excel (cost and parts control), Fusion 360 (part reproduction), PicoScope (ignition diagnostics), Standowin iQ (colour formulation). Free, academic or trial versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
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