Frequently Asked Questions


The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding our restoration services, with answers provided by Rick.

1. How much does a restoration typically cost?
2. Is there a waiting list?
3. How long does a turnkey restoration typically take?
4. How do you charge?
5. How do payments work?
6. How will I be kept informed of the progress of my car's restoration?
7. Will you accept any car for a restoration, regardless of condition?
8. Do you provide the parts that need to be replaced?
9. How do you keep my parts organized and separate in your shop?
10. How do you conduct your research to ensure an accurate restoration?
11. Do you use reproduction parts in your restorations?
12. What type of body fillers do you use?
13. Can you pick up and deliver my car and parts?
14. Where can I get references for your restoration work?
15. Why should I have you restore my car?


1. How much does a restoration typically cost?
This can vary greatly depending on the level of restoration and the condition of the vehicle. As a rough idea, a "driver" type topside only body and paint could be about 300 hours. A turnkey restoration on a clean car with few options can be 1000-1200 hours while a rougher car with more options could be 1200-2000 hours of labor. Often a similar restoration from my past can be used for comparison to get a ballpark figure.

2. Is there a waiting list?
Always! It's unusual to find a shop that does high quality work that doesn't have a waiting list.

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3. How long does a turnkey restoration typically take?
Again, this will vary greatly depending on the condition of the vehicle and the level of restoration. The type of restoration makes a difference as well. I would say a minimum of one year.

4. How do you charge?
All jobs are done on a time and materials basis. Billing is based on actual hours spent on the car and parts and materials used. A ballpark cost can be estimated, but final costs are based on real time spent. The variables in restoring these wonderful old cars are countless, and each one is unique and will have its own set of challenges. When a shop quotes a firm price, the trouble starts when that price can't be met toward the end of the project. Corners are cut to make the price, and the job suffers. Nobody wins.

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5. How do payments work?
Billing is done monthly and includes a detailed description of work performed as well as parts and materials used. A balance sheet is used to track payments and expenditures.

6. How will I be kept informed of the progress of my car's restoration?
Contact is made via e-mail, phone conversation, etc. and with the monthly billing. Photos are included to document progress as well as detailed descriptions of work performed and hours logged. Digital photo images are also stored on a backup CD and will be provided at the end of the project.

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7. Will you accept any car for a restoration, regardless of condition?
I can't say I've ever turned away a project because of its condition. In fact I've been told I seem to have a reputation for doing the ones no one else will touch!

8. Do you provide the parts that need to be replaced?
Sometimes I'll get everything needed and other projects will have many parts supplied by the customer. It's up to the customer how it will be done. Many customers enjoy the "thrill of the hunt" part of looking for parts.

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9. How do you keep my parts organized and separate in your shop?
Extensive labeling & inventory records are kept on each car. Each car's parts are kept in separate shelving areas to avoid confusion.

10. How do you conduct your research to ensure an accurate restoration?
Many ways! I often work based on what has been learned and documented from previous restorations. Another way is to study unrestored original cars (these cars are gold mines of information). Many times the car itself will give details too.

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11. Do you use reproduction parts in your restorations?
When necessary or desirable. It really depends on the particular part and the type of restoration being done. Something like carpeting, where you have no other option, is an easy choice. Things like a trunk floor pan or a quarter-skin require more thought. Some reproduction parts are very nice, others can be "massaged" to make them acceptable, and yet others are just simply junk.

12. What type of body fillers do you use?
In the factory seam areas I prefer to weld the seam solid and reapply body solder as originally done. Welding the seam solid prevents moisture from creeping back in behind the lead and causing corrosion problems. Leading these seams is also important because it prevents read-through lines that can occur with plastic fillers in these areas. In other areas, after working with the metal, I use very little if any plastic filler. Properly applied in proper quantity, plastic fillers are perfectly fine. Its also worth noting that it's better to use a small amount of filler than to work sheet metal too thin and likewise using too much primer to fill imperfections instead of plastic filler is no better either.

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13. Can you pick up and deliver my car and parts?
I can arrange for a transport company to pick up a vehicle. Most customers arrange their own transport.

14. Where can I get references for your restoration work?
References and customer testimonials can be found on our Testimonials web page. Please feel free to contact us for additional references.

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15. Why should I have you restore my car?
Since 1978, I've engaged in the comprehensive restoration of Mopar muscle car-era vehicles. We use only the finest materials and techniques to rebuild, repair, perform bodywork, and paint each unique car to perfect "like new" condition, assuring you of a long lasting, top quality restoration. We provide personalized service and unsurpassed attention to detail, and bill at competitive labor rates. We control all aspects of the restoration process with a full range of skills available in-house.

What you get with me is a sincere down-to-earth honest billing of actual time spent working on the car, using the most efficient methods and procedures to maintain the highest level of quality. Communication is also vital to a successful restoration. It's much like a marriage…yes, a marriage! You need to be completely confident that you're getting your car done the way you want it and that you're being charged fairly for the work. Consultation during the project is important to discuss different options for repairs, parts selection, etc.

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