RE: Recent restoration of a

[Jeff Adams <ledman_70@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with you 100% Gary...the whole point of this hobby is enjoying 
the cars. I have been wrenching on my cars for over 30 years, started 
due to lack of finances more than anything, now it's a pride thing. The 
only person to turn a wrench on my Polara besides me is my buddy that 
aligned the car after I rebuilt the front end. I recently learned from a 
friend how to weld patches in rusted out wholes on my Dart. I figure I 
need to learn everything about restoring old cars since I have plans to 
do many more after the current one is done. The Dart was my first paint 
job and turned out pretty decent I think (if you don't stand too close). 
I have about 8k in my car now, including the $3200 I paid for it. I did 
it all myself except for the block/head machine work. I have about $2500 
in the motor including the cost of the 426 block itself. I have about 
$750 in my exhaust including the $100 to have tailpipes bent and $100 in 
RR exhaust tips. The car still needs paint, chrome, and the interior 
redone, but I will paint it myself. I did luck out and start with a 
clean rust-free body, I know rust repair is a big part of the cost and 
some aren't as lucky as I was. I'm sure I will pay for that on the next 
car I start. I suppose labor prices may be regional, too. I try to do it 
all myself. Sorry for the long-winded post!
spigot2039@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> 
> I request if you reply to Doug to CC the mail list if possible. This is 
> a good topic. :) 
> 
> My 2c: the biggest cost is labor. Therefore, the more you do yourself 
> the lower the resto $.
> 
> Now, you need to at least enjoy what you are doing. For example, lying 
> on your back under a car with a propane tank and scraper removing old 
> undercoating for 8 hours is one person's Zen moment, another person's 
> private Hell. Do the resto items you are interested in (e.g., learning 
> to rebuild a transmission) and farm out what irks you (e.g., getting a 
> car's bodywork ready for a black paint finish).
> 
> At least one person on this mail list clubhouse has learned to weld 
> because of the resto process. 
> 
> Gary H.    
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> >If you have recently purchased a rusted/dented, non-running 62-65 B-body 
> >car and restored it -- please email me off-list.
> > 
> >I am trying to get an idea of the general cost for restoring a rough 
> >car.
> >I know the trim and parts are difficult to find and expensive, but I 
> >want ball-park figures on restoring major car systems and areas on a car 
> >that needs to be completely redone.
> > 
> >I have been told to expect:
> >20K for body and paint 
> >(average dents, typical rusted areas)
> >3-4K to rebuild engine
> >2K for a Legandary interior
> >1-2K for transmission rebuild
> >rest of drivetrain?
> >Exhaust?
> >Suspension?
> >Brakes?
> >Electrical?
> >Cooling?
> >what else?
> > 
> >Thanks,
> >Doug 



Jeff Adams
64 Polara


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