Re: Restoration Cost

Posted by HH56 On 2014/12/30 12:07:39

Welcome and glad to see another Custom being saved. JW is correct in that I haven't updated my blog in some time. Have been on the forum but mostly asking questions or detailing any work done to the car in the post war forum. When the current project is done I will update the blog to provide a couple of links to the more pertinent items.

The Customs are gorgeous cars when all the work is done but being a Custom, expect a bit more expense than if it were a lesser model.

Except for some additional brightwork, the general exterior body is the same as other Clipper models. The trunk rust seems to be common and I have some in mine too. Fortunately, the body structure is basic to the 22-23 series as well so there was enough demand that replacement floor panel pieces are available. None are a perfect drop in fit but the trunk piece in particular lacks a flange at the rear to make it a drop in. If that part is needed, it will have to be made by you or the body shop. The Custom interior is slightly different in design and consists of top quality material and finishes. The wool carpet, wool broadcloth fabric and the upholstery work for some of the unique features is expensive.

Mechanically, if the engine/trans is in good condition, so much the better. Being the 356, because of the counterweights needing to be removed and then reattached to crankshaft, if any machining is needed it is expensive to rebuild that engine when compared to the smaller engines. Some of the more basic mechanical items are the same as lower models but the trans and drivetrain components are more heavy duty. Most of those parts are limited to the super and custom super chassis as far as interchangeability when finding anything needed.

Hopefully you can post a few photos. There are many people here who can assist or if needed, guide you along with your project.