I wish my father was here to see how his beloved car has become.
BHPian sohanbala recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Started off as a simple TLC, Team-BHPians helped me reach factory floor spec.
A huge Thank-you to all of you here in this thread for encouraging, supporting and guiding me with the right advices throughout this restoration.
I wish my father was here to see how his beloved car has become.
Adding my last update to this thread by sharing some final photos and mention to all shops and garages that helped me well.
Special mention to Bhpian @leoShashi, Nikhil Wagle and Anthony Francis(AFK) for their continuous support.
Lastly none of this wouldn’t have been possible if not for Mr Sanal and his garage MotoFab who did the entire job.
His passion to work on vehicles speaks loud and clear, despite of completely loosing one hand after an accident in recent years.This specially-abled man still manages to work on vehicles as much as he can. There had been days where he had re-done minor imperfections that I haven’t even spotted and refuses to take money on such works.He was more than willing to accommodate all my requests. At certain instances he himself would call me and say “we’ll take the vehicle to another garage I know, just to know their thoughts on what we have done”
He always had an eye for detail and perfection.
Photos by Alekh Ajayaghosh
Details of shops:
All shops were as per suggestions and recommendations made by MotoFab.
- Full Restoration:- Sanal Kumar MotoFab Thiruvananthapuram
- MotoFab did the entire body works, Air Conditioning, Painting,Interior restoration and more than 80% of the mechanical works
- Engine Works and General Maintenance:-Saji – SAJ Maruti Thiruvananthapuram
- Upholstery:-Joy-West Fort, Near Temple Entrance
- Audio Setup:- Karthik – Ajus Auto Boutique TVM and Mansoor-Car Palace TVM
- MGP Parts – Maurti Suzuki India supported extensively through their dealers Popular Maruti, Sarathy Maruti, Rajkrishna Aditya Coimbatore and Essarr Automotive Bangalore.
After having some initial troubles in getting parts from my local dealer, I sent an e-mail to Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, following to which they connected me to Mr Thanga Prakash (TPM MSI) who assigned Mr Jayan of Sarathy motors, together both of them helped me track multiple part numbers across south India and helped move most of them to my local dealer.They have fully gone to all extends over a duration of 7-8 months in helping me source MGP parts.
Mr Puneeth of Essarr Bangalore has been another lifesaver helping me source many old MGP and SGP parts swiftly.
A word of mention to Mr Lakshman of Rajkrishna Aditya Coimbatore, since Esteem Type 1 had different rear panel, it was impossible to find them anywhere.After a random phone call, Mr Lakshman reached out to me with a list of Esteem Type 1 parts in their dead stock.This really helped in getting replacement for a lot of tiny parts.
Feroz automobiles TVM and Swaraj Motors TVM for old MGP and standard replacement parts and rubber trims.
Tyre, Alignment and Balancing:- Mr Kishore of Travanocre Wheel Club has been very supportive, offering the best rates and services. (I mistakenly got zen 4J wheels and and them on, later swapped to 4.5 within a week.While putting the 4J itself they mentioned to check the size again).Later when I went for replacing they were kind enough to do at no additional costs.
Glass Polishing and cleaning:- Vinod – Pro Automotive Master TVM
They did an excellent job with the glass and had informed me well in advance to what extent they can clean the marks and lines. I was a bit worried since the car was just painted a few days back, however they took extra measures to ensure everything except the glass is well wrapped and protected.
Apart from these people mentioned, there have been several other individuals who had helped on certain issues like electrical etc.
Various Esteem owners groups outside have also supported.
Though the entire restoration took close to 20 months, I believe it was absolutely worth it.
Once again I’d like to extend my gratitude to all the wonderful people here at Team BHP for being with me, leading the way throughout this journey.
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