Restoration Workshop

Got a project car waiting for some love? Head over to The Restoration Workshop and pick up tips from the pros who’ve been there, done it, and got the oil-stained overalls to prove it.

The crew from Gilbert-Michaelson Ltd — led by restoration guru Mike Coman — will be firing up tools and passing on decades of hands-on know-how. Whether you’re just getting stuck into your first classic or looking to sharpen your skills, this is where you’ll learn how it’s really done.

From panel beating and lead loading to polishing paintwork like a pro, you’ll get practical demos and solid advice. Got questions? Ask away — the team’s happy to chat, one-to-one or in the crowd. 

GILBERT MICHAELSON

Gilbert-Michaelson is a specialist, skilled classic car body shop and restoration specialist based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The company, established in 2015, draws upon the combined 40+ years experience of Steve Gilbertson and Michael Coman in restoring classic cars themselves and teaching people the skills required to restore their own classics.

Offering a high quality, personalised service to all of their clients, both new and returning, Steve and Michael's skills range from body shop work and paint refurbishing to mechanical expertise.

The 2026 Schedule

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10:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    120 mins
    Explore how 'lead loading' can smooth panel imperfections at home. This cost-saving technique is ideal for dents and damaged joints, helping you tackle your own repairs with confidence.
12:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    120 mins
    Explore different fillers with Gilbert Michaelson's team and see how to mix, apply and shape body filler. Their expert tips make the process straightforward for enthusiasts of all levels, helping you …
14:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    90 mins
    See how paint correction and polishing can improve your car's finish. Gilbert Michaelson will explain why these processes matter, how polishing improves paintwork and how to spot defects, giving you k …
15:30
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    90 mins
    Explore traditional techniques for restoring classic car panels with hand tools and a wheeling machine. Learn how to mark, cut, shape, stretch and shrink metal, and form curved flanges, with expert gu …
17:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    60 mins
    Discover how 'lead loading' can fill panel imperfections at home. This cost saving technique is ideal for dents and damaged joints, helping you tackle your own repairs with confidence.
10:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    120 mins
    Explore how 'lead loading' can smooth panel imperfections at home. This cost-saving technique is ideal for dents and damaged joints, helping you tackle your own repairs with confidence.
12:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    120 mins
    Explore different fillers with Gilbert Michaelson's team and see how to mix, apply and shape body filler. Their expert tips make the process straightforward for enthusiasts of all levels, helping you …
14:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    90 mins
    See how paint correction and polishing can improve your car's finish. Gilbert Michaelson will explain why these processes matter, how polishing improves paintwork and how to spot defects, giving you k …
15:30
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    90 mins
    Explore traditional techniques for restoring classic car panels with hand tools and a wheeling machine. Learn how to mark, cut, shape, stretch and shrink metal, and form curved flanges, with expert gu …
17:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    60 mins
    Discover how 'lead loading' can fill panel imperfections at home. This cost saving technique is ideal for dents and damaged joints, helping you tackle your own repairs with confidence.
10:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    120 mins
    Explore how 'lead loading' can smooth panel imperfections at home. This cost-saving technique is ideal for dents and damaged joints, helping you tackle your own repairs with confidence.
12:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    120 mins
    Explore different fillers with Gilbert Michaelson's team and see how to mix, apply and shape body filler. Their expert tips make the process straightforward for enthusiasts of all levels, helping you …
14:00
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    90 mins
    See how paint correction and polishing can improve your car's finish. Gilbert Michaelson will explain why these processes matter, how polishing improves paintwork and how to spot defects, giving you k …
15:30
  1. Restoration Workshop Hall 4
    90 mins
    Explore traditional techniques for restoring classic car panels with hand tools and a wheeling machine. Learn how to mark, cut, shape, stretch and shrink metal, and form curved flanges, with expert gu …