How much does a restoration really cost?

[skierkaj]

I got my "paint job" for $630 at the local body shop. The guy did some exceptional work. That's a base-clear job with 3 coats of clear! Not to mention that he got me in the shop in under 1 week. That's service! He said he really liked doing those "old cars" for "us kids" (I was 18 at the time). I'm still not sure if the money went to the shop, or if it went right into his pocket, but I don't give a sh*t. I could justify spending an exceptional amount on paint, but when you start talking over $8,000, that's just crazy.