Real Steel

Custom Automotive

RESTORING HISTORY

ONE CAR AT A TIME

RESTORATIONS

PANEL BEATING

RUST REMOVAL
& REPAIRS

SPRAYPAINT

WHAT WE DO

Restoring your vintage classic isn't just a job, it's our passion.

No fluff or fancy talk here, just solid work from guys who know what it takes. Whether it's rust removal, repairs, panel beating or giving it that showroom finish with top-notch spray painting, we put precision and care into everything we do.

What makes us stand out?

Simple.

A lifetime warranty on all our work and a relentless drive to perfect every detail, so your ride doesn’t just look good—it steals the show.

We have an open door policy too !

You can drop in ANYTIME during the course of your restoration works to have a peek a boo

BEHIND THE SCENES

Join us behind the scenes and get a glimpse of the workshop where the magic happens.

Our team specialises in every aspect of vehicle restoration—from precision restoration and custom fabrication to flawless paintwork.

Whether it's bringing a car back to its original glory or building something entirely new, we put the same level of detail and passion into every project.

REAL REVIEWS

Anthony Galanakis

I had plans to build a tuff streeter out of an old Holden Ute from the 70s. I originally took my car to another panel beater which promised the world. Cut a long story short this POS made the whole experience a nightmare. Was referred to Ray and he made the dream come true. An honest, open, transparent and old school values type of bloke who worked on my car as if it were his own. He showed me so much trustworthiness that I am proud to call this bloke a mate. His skills are second to none and I have said all along that he deserves his own TV show. It's a rare craft to restore old cars to his level but take comfort his daughter has picked up the skills from her old man and will carry on the legacy.
If you need any resto work on your old classic do not hesitate to go and meet Ray and his daughter Jade.

Reece Wolferston

Just want to say a massive thank you to Ray Ogilvie and all the team at Real Steel Customs. 3 years ago to the day I brought you guys a rust bucket and you guys turned it into a gem. I'm sitting in the shed looking at it pinching myself that it's finally done and sitting in front of me. I really appreciate all your hard work and attention to detail to get the car to where it is today. Also a bonus to have made a great mate along the way. Once again, guys thank you. Can't wait for you guys to see it on the road

Mac Henshall

I wish Google reviews had 10 stars because Ray and his uber talented team at Real Steel Custom Automotive so deserve it. They have just turned my pigs ear Jowett Javelin into a silk purse and one of the best in Australia. You would be nuts to take your classic car anywhere else if it needs lots of skill, care and love that Real Steel excel at and pride themselves on

Meet Ray

Ray’s journey into the world of custom automotive began long before he ever picked up a welder. As a boy, he was already shaping and creating — bending chicken wire into tunnels for his model train sets, completely absorbed in the process of building something from scratch. That same curiosity and creativity has been the driving force behind his career ever since.

Originally from the UK, Ray migrated to Australia in 1974 and discovered a lifelong passion for old-school muscle, classic and prestige cars. By 17, he was already immersed in the trade, working in numerous car wrecking yards, moving onto panel beating, and then spray painting. Over the years, he refined his craft, gaining certifications including a welding ticket, and developing the meticulous, perfectionist approach he’s known for today.

For Ray, this isn’t just a job — it’s a passion. He founded Real Steel Custom Automotive because he couldn’t find anyone delivering the standard of quality he believed classic cars deserved. Today, the business is proudly family-owned and run, built on trust, hard work, and shared dedication. His open-door policy means clients can drop in, see the progress first hand, and share in the journey of their car’s transformation. It’s this transparency, combined with his eye for detail and relentless pursuit of perfection, that sets him apart.

Ray’s favourite tool is the welder, though you’ll often find him with a hammer and dolly, grinder, flap disk, or files in hand. He’s as comfortable fabricating custom steel parts as he is bringing a tired muscle car back to its showroom glory. And while his tattoos and tough exterior might give off a certain impression, his clients are often surprised to learn he’s not nearly as hard as he looks.

What keeps Ray going every day is simple: the thrill of the craft. He’s an adrenaline junkie at heart, whether it’s chasing speed or chasing perfection. For him, restoring cars isn’t work — it’s a way of life. Every project is another chance to breathe new life into a machine that carries history, character, and soul.