Ina,
Restoration is a whole different game from repair.
You will almost never get an up front quote as there
are simply too many variables. Underneath the paint,
that solid looking quarter panel may be made from
bondo and an old beer can. Time and materials is the
standard practice in restoration.
That being said, there are some phases of a project
where you may get an estimate. For example, a shop
that has disassembled 10 amphicars should tell you
that it takes approximately X hours to complete the
disassembly. This will not be a guaranteed fixed
price as the shop could encounter surprises. At the
same time, you should be kept informed as surprises
are encountered. For example, if you need to remove
an exhaust manifold it is not too bad if all of the
bolts come off as they should. If some of those bolts
are rusted solid and break flush with the head,
additional hours will be needed to remove them. (By
the way, never use an extractor to do this. Just take
your MIG welder, tack a bead to the broken stud, weld
a hex nut to the bead and the broken stud will come
right out).
Some shops will do partial restorations, there are
others that will only undertake full restorations.
White Post is a well known operation and also one of
the most expensive (really, really expensive). Their
web site does give some details on the process
regarding contracts, payments, etc. Check it out at
http://www.whitepost.com/fine.html Of course every
shop is free to establish their own procedure so agree
up front with the owner. All this should be discussed
prior to any work starting. A contract is not
required but certainly protects both parties.
There are some good articles to be found at the
automotive restorers guild.
http://www.guildclassiccars.com/flat_rate_vs.htm
I also have a friend who owns a multi-million dollar
car collection including multiple best of show winners
at events like Pebble Beach and Amelia Island. He
gave me a great list he wrote up entitled, "What I
expect from a restoration shop and what they should
expect from me". I will try to post that later this
evening.
Full restorations are major commitments so you need to
choose your shop carefully. Unlike a repair, this is
a long-term, high dollar relationship. There are a
lot of good shops out there but many others which are
not nightmares. You need to find the right mix of
craftsmanship, business professionalism, experience,
communication, and trust. Likewise, if a restoration
starts going bad you must quickly resolve it or else
take your vehicle elsewhere.
Mike I.
--- Ina & Bob Cabanas <ribcab@davisp.com> wrote:
> Just looking for anyone who had their Amphicar
> restored at East Cost Amphicar from Billy Syx. I'd
> like to talk to you (off line) to get info about
> your restoration.
>
> I'm also interested in how other restoration shops
> work with their customers. For instance, are
> contracts signed when cars are left? Are fees
> quoted for all work to be done? Is a time frame
> given as to when car will be completed?
>
> If you can help with any of these answers please
> call me at 609-726-0341 or e-mail me at
> ribcab@davisp.com.
>
> Thanks, Ina in the Boro
>
