How much does a restoration really cost?

[Salvatore]

You must of been 18, 30 years ago. Even on a non-frame off you spend $2000 to $3000 just for the material. If you could get a car non-frame off painted for $7000 and it makes it a very strong #2 car, than you are doing something. I have all receipts for my 1969 Z/28 with doing the engine and paint with all used or new parts you are looking at least $20,000 plus buying the car. Everything becomes itemized. Making the car very nice does NOT mean that it is very correct! What do you think it costs just to get things replated or oxided? Hood hinges, brake booster, coil bracket etc.? How about the correct horns rebuilt? My interior is original except carpets and dash pad and I still have $20,000 in receipts. I don't think you can get anybody to paint stripes on your car for $630.00. Just my opinion. P.S. It might be crazy,but that is what it takes! I am just talking a strong #2 car! sam

[skierkaj]

Well, well, I must've gotten a deal then, cause my whole car got painted for $630. Sorry for the miscommunication on the rebuild vs. restoration.
Oh, and just for the record, I'll be 19 in March.

[Salvatore]

You got better than a deal! Post some pictures young fella! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img] Whoops you arn't old enough for that yet.... Sam

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Sam is correct, I painted my own car and I had very close to $2000 in just materials. If you got a collision shop job for $630, and are happy with it, then that's all that counts.

For a full frame off resto, you will find that it is hard to decide where to stop. Once you restore one portion, and see how it looks next to the part that you decided 'looked good enough' - you will probably change your mind. The restored portion will only make the unrestored portions look really bad - where before they looked 'ok'.

Also, it doesn't cost a lot more to do the correct overspray, chalk marks, and paint daubs, but the time it takes to research that stuff can add up. No sense copying another car's markings either, then they're 'happy marks'!

[Salvatore]

Post some pictures and we will tell you if you got a deal or not. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

[hvychev]

Don't Macco paint jobs cost more than $630.00?

[micky69396]

Unless you have a coupon.. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img]

[skierkaj]

Alright, you asked for em! I know the front stripes aren't correct (they don't go onto the header panel), but no 76 camaro ever came with stripes.

[skierkaj]

another

[skierkaj]

another again