Re: Help wanted, I'm getting depressed!!

Posted by ewrecks On 2012/12/16 1:35:29

The mechanic you talked to is a thief in coveralls. I am not familiar with the cost of vehicle repairs or paint and body work in Europe but the suggestion that it would entail a fraction of those hours or that much money is absurd. We are currently doing restoration- nut and bolt/ frame off- of a 55 Caribbean and painting and general renovation of a 55 400 series. My friend is doing the body and paint work and I am consigned to mechanical and scud work- finding parts and cleaning and polishing .
My friend is a perfectionist and we have been forced to replace both quarters,one door and the entire front end sheet metal . There is a large amount of work involved but suggesting it will take that many hours is a joke.
The car that you own is not a high dollar item even if completely restored but if it is mechanically sound and you enjoy the car, why consider this proposal.
All good body and paint shops are charging more money these days due to the higher price for materials and the need to deal with environmental regulations that require extra expense.
Why not check around to see if you can locate a good technical school that teaches body and paint work to see if you can get an impartial evaluation of what is actually needed. Some here will actually do the work to afford the students the opportunity to deal with vehicles that are out of the ordinary. There may be training facilities that specialize in classic restorations.
At the very,least - get another estimate or three before abandoning your car.
Good luck.
RJR