Course in Restoration of Classic Steel Chassis
Online 300-hour course in restoration of classic steel chassis. 6 modules covering ISO 9606-1 (qualification of steel welders), ISO 5817 (quality levels for imperfections in welds) and AutoCAD (chassis dimensions). Personal tutor assigned and enrolment open.
Course in Restoration of Classic Steel Chassis — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,470 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
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
Identify typologies of classic steel chassis.
Diagnose structural damage and misalignments.
Apply appropriate pickling and cleaning.
Repair and straighten the chassis using qualified welding.
Protect the chassis against corrosion.
Assemble the chassis and verify dimensions.
Document a chassis restoration project.
Who it's for
- Chassis restorer who wants to specialise in Restoration of Classic Steel Chassis.
- Structural welder who wants to specialise in Restoration of Classic Steel Chassis.
- Classic vehicle panel beater who wants to specialise in Restoration of Classic Steel Chassis.
- Jig technician who wants to specialise in Restoration of Classic Steel Chassis.
- Anti-corrosion treatment technician who wants to specialise in Restoration of Classic Steel Chassis.
- Classic vehicle restorer who wants to specialise in Restoration of Classic Steel Chassis.
- Graduates in engineering or science who want to join classic vehicle restoration workshops.
What you'll work with
- ISO 9606-1 (qualification of steel welders)
- ISO 5817 (quality levels for imperfections in welds)
- ISO 17637 (visual inspection of welds)
- ISO 8501-1 (preparation grades of steel)
- ISO 12944 (corrosion protection)
- EN 10025 (structural steels)
- ISO 1461 (hot-dip galvanising)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Ladder and cross-member chassis1.2Ladder, cruciform and tubular frames1.3Historical steels and their weldability1.4Period riveted and welded joints1.5Suspension and engine mounting points1.6Chassis and independent bodies1.7Typical corrosion on chassis1.8Chassis numbers and legality1.9Factory documentation1.10Practice: reading chassis drawings
2.1Visual and hammer inspection2.2Thickness measurement by ultrasound2.3Crack detection by liquid penetrant2.4Magnetic particle testing in critical areas2.5Manufacturer's measurement points2.6Diagonals and squareness checks2.7Accident deformation2.8Defective previous repairs2.9Damage report2.10Workshop: measuring a chassis on a jig
3.1Complete chassis dismantling3.2Shot blasting3.3Chemical pickling by immersion3.4Removal of fillers and old repairs3.5Temporary protection after pickling3.6Post-cleaning inspection3.7Repair of threads and bushings3.8Inventory of loose parts3.9Photographic record3.10Practice: pickling and inspection of a cross-member
4.1Jig and anchoring system4.2Cold and controlled-heat straightening4.3Partial replacement of side members4.4Grafts and internal reinforcements4.5MIG and TIG welding on chassis4.6Hot riveting in period style4.7Recovery of brackets and lugs4.8Control of weld distortion4.9Final dimensional verification4.10Workshop: grafting a section onto a side member
5.1Epoxy primer and chassis enamel5.2Powder coating: pros and cons5.3Cavity wax for side members5.4Anti-vibration mounts and bushings5.5Suspension and steering assembly5.6Torque values and fasteners5.7Aligning the body on the chassis5.8Approval of modifications5.9Roadworthiness inspection of historic vehicles5.10Case study: restoring a 1950s chassis
6.1Chassis selection6.2Documented initial diagnosis6.3Repair plan6.4Pickling and inspection6.5Structural repairs6.6Dimensional verification6.7Anti-corrosion protection6.8Component assembly6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is AutoCAD (chassis dimensions), Fusion 360, advanced Excel (measurement records), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for alignment measurement on a jig, shot blasting and pickling of the chassis, and visual inspection of welds. Assessment is continuous, module by 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.
Identify typologies of classic steel chassis.
Diagnose structural damage and misalignments.
Apply appropriate pickling and cleaning.
Repair and straighten the chassis using qualified welding.
Protect the chassis against corrosion.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with AutoCAD (chassis dimensions), Fusion 360, advanced Excel (measurement records). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the 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 can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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