What you describe is definitely easier, but a lot more expensive. Leaves a lot of flexability for the shop to pad the bill IMO. Acting as project manager and farming out the work yourself gives you a lot more control and saves money. This method is definitely more involved, but it allows you to tackle tasks that you feel comfortable performing.

 

Generally, you will find two main categories of Mustang hobbyists, the ones who like to turn their own wrenches and the ones who prefer to write checks. There is a smattering of each that frequent this forum. You will also find that due to economic necessity, many are very frugal and for that reason have a difficult time committing precious resources to cover someone else's labor.

That being said, if you have the resources but limited time and prefer to avoid the minutia of project management, then by all means find a one stop shop that will take care of it all. Even then, you still need to carefully consider what you want the finished project to be and make sure that your restorer understands and shares that vision. A written contract with lots of specifics and a pay as you go arrangement will help to avoid disappointments at the other end. Be aware that in many cases, if you farm out 100% of the work to others you will likely be upside down "investment" wise when the car is done.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

It's not easy for a first-timer. You'll most likely make a lot of mistakes that will cost you $$ and the project will most likely take several years to complete. If you simply want a turn-key car, you'll be a whole lot better buying a car that is already done. Restoration hourly rates are in the $50+/hr range and can easily exceed 1,000 hours for a complete nut and bolt restoration. Then figure in parts and additional services required.

 

This method is definitely more involved, but it allows you to tackle tasks that you feel comfortable performing.

There is a lot of work that most people can do so it is really up to how much you want to do on your own.

The nice thing about going with a reputable restoration shop is he probably has more connections and knows the quality level of the people doing the work.

 

What kind of car are we talking about? I assume that it's a sunlit gold '68, but that still leaves out a bunch of details.

Yes, there are restoration shops in NC/VA, but unless you have unlimited disposable income, you're probably not going to be happy with their quote. Define "restoration".... Concours restoration? Daily driver quality? Back to original or modified for safety, handling and performance?

Either way, you're looking at a LOT of money for a car that may never be worth the shops' bill. Your best route is to find an old-timer retired Mustang guy willing to take on a project.

Good Luck,
Dave

 

Hey, I think you are right, this car has tremendous sentimental value as my dad ordered it new, I have been reading about the rates of restoration shops, would probably cost $60 or $70,000 which is crazy. I wish I could find an ol timer, they do the best work in my opinion, thanks!!

 

Charles Turner is getting old.



Dave

 

Charles Turner is getting old.



Dave

Correction; no "getting" about it At least that's what SWMBO keeps telling me!

 

Back on point

You should think about what you can do, what you can learn to do and then farm out the rest.
When I decided to re-do my 66, I knew I could replace parts, strip, sand blast, paint and re-assemble without any problems.
I had never tried body work or welding, build a race engine, overhaul a tranny or re-build a rear housing.
I learned to weld, did the body work (thankfully I had a good friend show me what I did wrong), had another good friend guide me in building the engine and the 3rd member (learned a ton) and my BIL helped me with re-wiring the entire car.
I farmed out re-building the T10

I cannot express the satisfaction after the car was finished. Yeah, it took 9 years to do it all, but it was all worth it after the first drive!

 

Generally, you will find two main categories of Mustang hobbyists, the ones who like to turn their own wrenches and the ones who prefer to write checks.

Or the third category,me. The person who you should not trust with any tool in thier hands.

 

Generally, you will find two main categories of Mustang hobbyists, the ones who like to turn their own wrenches and the ones who prefer to write checks.

Or the third category,me. The person who you should not trust with any tool in thier hands.

I can relate....my brother is mechanically declined! I once found a Far Side t shirt that said so, he wore it all the time :roflao:

 

My 40 year old brother went out and bought a new car because his 4 year old battery went dead....

He once called me for phone assistance on how to change a flat tire.

There's "mechanically declined"... and then there's my "mechanically retarded" brother.

Dave

 

Charles Turner is getting old.



Dave

I could never afford a Charles Turner restoration!

 

My 40 year old brother went out and bought a new car because his 4 year old battery went dead....

He once called me for phone assistance on how to change a flat tire.

There's "mechanically declined"... and then there's my "mechanically retarded" brother.

Dave

he must of been dropped when he was a baby too many times ;-)

 

I could never afford a Charles Turner restoration!

You sure about that? It takes me a whole lot less hours than a typical restoration shop to do a car!

BTW Dave, I'm not quite 40 yet(38 this year), I think I still qualify as "whipper-snapper" status!

 

If you have limited experience turning wrenches then you will have to farm out the body/paint and drivetrain rebuilding. These two things alone will cost you in the neighborhood of $8000-20000 dollars depending on a LOT of factors.

The cheap number figures $5K for the paint and $3K for the drivetrain which is probably very optimistic.

Then that leaves the purchase of all the other parts (probably $2-5K) and you doing the reassembly. If you farm out the reassembly add another $10K.

Just no way you are getting out for less than $15K unless you do most of the work yourself.