It is difficult to give an exact quote. Rust begins on the inside and works its way out. Restoration vehicles need to be taken apart and inspected to determine the extent of repair and replacement parts needed.

Anyone saying they can do a proper restoration or street rod build for under $20 000.00, I’d be asking for references.  Paint materials alone cost $5-7000.00 with today’s regulations and prices.  Any time you cut corners, it will cost you more in the end:  redoing parts, vehicle fails final safety inspection, or something falls apart at the end of the project = costly.

Over the years I’ve tried every form of payment. I’ve found a system that works – no exceptions. I require an initial set deposit, then I progress bill throughout the project. This way the customer can keep track of the costs and can halt the project when needed.

One to three years in some cases. It really will depend on:

• the extent of repair needed
• is it an original restoration or a hot rod restoration
• availability of replacement parts – tracking them down
• availability of funds…

PPG  – “PPG has always been on the forefront of automotive coating innovation since our beginnings in 1924. Whether the issue is corrosion protection, environmental application concerns or vehicle finish performance improvements, PPG Automotive Coatings has been the responsible leader.”

• Enviro-Prime® 2000 Lead Free Electrocoat
• EnviroBase® waterborne basecoat

I say no to these because my reputation is then linked to the project. I don’t know for certain what is underneath your work. More often than not, I will find rust issues then feel obligated to fix – now my sand and paint quote is blown out of the water. Too risky.

Yes. These days there are new replacement parts for just about any vintage out there. Some are quite good and some even have improvements over the original designs.

In all honesty, rarely.  The days of fixing up a car to flip it are over.  This is why most enthusiasts restore only one in their lifetime.  It is important to find what you want at the start; take the time to find your ultimate dream restoration.

A lot of customers think a more powerful motor is a simple switch – its not!  Switching out a motor has a snowball affect.  It influences the transmission, drive shaft, radiator, gas tank, heavier front suspension, and possible firewall modifications.  In the end you will have a nice car with a costly engine.  Bigger is not always better.

It has taken over 20 years  to realize that interiors is a trade and career in itself.  There are many professional upholsters that specialize in restorations.  A good upholstery shop wants the vehicle completely done, so that they are the final step in the project.