Fancy shop doesn’t guarantee perfect restoration

Don’t assume a fancy, well-equipped shop with high-dollar equipment will equal a perfect restoration. Bar none, the best restorers are those found in modest shops, some even without paint booths. These shops turn out absolutely incredible restorations. There is no substitute for raw talent, patience, and pride.
 
When you do finally pick a shop, ask for a project plan with a timeline, including detailed accounting throughout the project. Request weekly updates with detailed photos via email. Expect to pay invoices on a set schedule. You need to make regular visits to the shop to confirm that work is being done properly and on schedule.

Our shop is not "pretty" but we bring out outstanding cars for about $ 140,000. This is assuming that the car needs no significant metal work and had no missing expensive or unobtainable parts, either of which could easily add tens of thousands of dollars to the total. We would, of course, discuss with you any additional moneys that needed to be spent.

As you can see, restoration is a serious commitment. Your first and most important decision is figuring out to which level you want to take a car, and why.

Then, after picking the right car, it is paramount that you do your homework to find the right shop for your particular needs and that the members of your new team share your philosophy of racing and restoration.

Furthermore, experience shows us that being involved from start to finish will reward you with "your car" being restored "your way."