How Restoration Costs Spiral Out Of Control

[@robertr6153]

Agree: on most restorations that aren't eaten up with rust it's the little things that kill you: New mirrors, new stainless rocker molding, new drip rail stainless, new carpet, new dash pad, new headliner, new front bumper, etc... My son and I are starting on a 1974 GMC 1500, and we've bought a parts truck to use for such things. The main truck is pretty much rust free, but I still expect to replace a few patch panels here and there. Still, with us doing all the work and everything, I figure we'll have a total of $12K US in a 'cheap' rebuild/restoration. You gotta do it because you love it. If you're thinking you're going to make money, you'll be sadly disappointed.

[@johnpapa8681]

New car payments helped Bankrupt me. I can do a few repairs.

[@tommcmillan6428]

Just found your channel. I like it! What you said is spot on!

[@shedbythetracks]

A guy has to be realistic when it comes to these old cars. The best thing you can do is keep it drivable.. The world is full of half-done dream cars. Living in poverty most of my life has kept my expectations low... I'm a lucky guy..

[@hermencruz7665]

Naa u just didn't work hard enough do ur own work u save ur self

[@heathlamping6528]

Nope i do my own work and i agree, blowing apart a driveable decent classic car or truck is a kick in balls. Just leave it driveable and enjoy it

[@irocitZ]

I only have one regret since I first got involved in this hobby 35 years ago, selling a nice car in 1998 thinking that I'll just snag another trophy winning show car in a few years. Well, just a couple years later a 10k car became a 25-30k car that's now 60-70k.

[@bufords]

that's why patina finishes are in. Cutting costs is the way it is today. Either give up on the fancy engine or paint. Usually both. I'd rather have a nice interior before spending anything on an engine or paint! Don't get me wrong, I can do my own paint and body, even doing it myself is pricy!

[@jimjames6074]

I know my place, ratrods made of scrap metal and free junk is what I can afford so that's what I do

[@demomandan8087]

I hear ya buddy did this for years #1 never do work for Relatives or friends

[@martinnormand7458]

That chevelle is a good example of why I DO NOT buy classic cars that are already “restored”. I bet it looked beautiful after that black paint job but was doomed to rust!!!

[@edwardcowan7012]

I’ve learned from experience that buying a surviver that’s good enough and leave it alone. Old car are pretty basic and basic maintenance isn’t that expensive. When you have a major problem sell it to someone who wants to restore it, lol.

[@bondpit8750]

Champagne dreams and caviar wishes on a beer budget, not that there’s anything wrong with beer. 😀 Bottom line: It’s an expensive hobby. It’s not for everyone. Even if you know how to do the work yourself, or at least a part of it, you still need a place to do it from and enough spare time and money for parts, materials, tools and special equipment to make it happen. A rotisserie, nut and bolt restoration can easily run $60-100k depending on the car, starting condition, etc.

[@Adrenacyde]

Congrats on clearing a thousand Subs. Been watching the past few months and it looks like you're gaining steam. Definitely unique content. I *HATE* bodywork, but love checking in on the insanity. 😆

[@mikecanam9477]

On an old car no matter condition, all bushings, seals, rubber and gaskets are junk if original.

[@class5bodyworks]

Even explaining all this to potential customers that paint hides a lot, they still try to pin me down for an estimate. Wont do it. Its all billed time and materials. Covers both of us. A lot of people want to save their classic but few want to make the full investment. Champagne taste on a beer budget. I only take everything dowm to metal for the reasons you described. Fortunately ive found an Amish guy in my area that will blast full bodies with parts for about 700(U.S.) Everything gets charged to the customers but consumables. Just remember. They brought you the piece of junk.You didn't find it for them.

[@douglowden8802]

I just finished a 67 C10 for a customer . My initial thought was 20 to 25k , all said and done it ended up in the mid 30s . This truck came to me in random pieces and buckets . Thankfully this was billed at time and materials with a very understanding customer . These old cars can go south on you very quickly . Thank god we werent working on a budget . Only way ill touch a restoration is time and material . You hit it right on the head .

[@707x-y6s]

You are an honest one. There is a place here in the northest that gouges you 4x the price...then holds the car hostage. This is after a very detailed quote....then lots of excuses. Total scumbags....

[@amraceway]

Lower your body work standards, Use more bog, Perfect means not driving in the rain, not going to the supermarket and generally not parking the car out of view. if you take it out somewhere. Steering and brakes should be safe and adequate. Over specked brakes and engine modifications are two needless money pits.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Attention!!!! Unfortunately, all petrol cars will soon be banned in the EU and the USA! In France there is a new law prohibiting combustion engine cars called SCHLABOUBVE and in Switzerland the HESCHLAVVO law! In the Scandinavian countries there will soon be a so-called SMORVERBIDEN law) for Germany there will probably be a federal exhaust gas ban ordinance from 2027!!!!

[@royderouin7510]

Experience is what you get when you couldn't get what you really wanted

[@SteveSummers]

Truer words have never been spoken.

[@RustyZipper]

I’m just thankful that he’s giving me the Buddy price and putting me at the front of the line and doing a rotisserie restoration for $4200 plus tax.

[@nickhoffman5524]

50k to get the exterior done on the chevelle just the sheet metal and quality paint job not a show paint job

[@Toyotajunkie]

Definitely things people need to hear! Thanks again

[@TheLostWrenchGarage]

I have done a few vintage motorcycle restoration's that can to me in box's!! And the owner was wondering why it was going to cost so much when I told him! Yep better get ready for a kick in the nuts!! LOL!! I love when they call and say can you do it for 6K? Nope!!

[@Stainlessdude]

Can’t use the Word Investment when putting money into cars !! 😂😂😂

[@robertgoodwinr6523]

Yup.......I sold mine in 2000 before things got even more out of control.

[@DayTwo-w8n]

I've been telling folks for years why I avoid the old car hobby for 2 reasons : 1.)cost, 2.) fraud. Will they ever learn?

[@kars_tony]

no....

[@mikeman230]

Maybe an idea for a video. Explaining the different types of automotive paints. IE single stage, duel stage. I’m doing a 69 Dodge PU. I’m a mechanic not a body man. It’s going to be matte black. Would it be better to use matte clear or can I get away with single stage? Thanks.

[@bondpit8750]

SEM Products HOT ROD black might be the ticket. It’s a reasonable price, matte, two-component, single stage black. Stacy David featured it on one of his truck projects a few years back, “Knuckle Buster” I think it was called. Matte finishes are more maintenance than gloss to keep looking in top shape. A single stage urethane in a non metallic gloss might also be a cost efficient option.

[@Haffschlappe]

In Germany they take 5000 Euros just for replacing bearings and seals on a Positraction rear dif of a C3 Vette

[@Schlipperschlopper]

a friend of mine in UK paif 10 grand (pounds!) for a rear axle repair of an E type

[@thebrain7065]

Yep..lol. Doing a 63 Grand Prix. Have a complete parts car that the body is rusted out on...and another one I found in Idaho with a good clean body. Even with me doing all the mechanical, interior, glass work, trim and so on has me scared $$ 😅. My wife said to me "well you're in it now". $6k to disassemble, take down to bare metal and epoxy coat to see where we are at. Needs a trunk pan an a small area on the right rear wheel well...rest is rust free. We'll see what minor dings and scraps will cost to fix...along with paint....😐

[@kars_tony]

That will explain why hahahaha.

[@mess68]

Yes the list can go on and on..... have a 59 chevy truck in the shop right now lol. Great video

[@FabriceClosier]

Busy with second car. Totally true! Unless you actually restore vs buy. And do everything yourself. Meaning you can keep it affordable, but the real sacrifice is keeping at it. It will cost you weekends of free time for years. The days these cars needed just a paint and new set of wheels are over!

[@bondobob21]

Be prepared for that Chevelle to eat your lunch . I did a twin to that car over a year ago. Those cars are a GM engineers tribute to gradually fading dreaded reverse curves....black no less - I can see what looks to be evidence of a previous vinyl top (hopefully not)....My car had deeply pitted covered up rust pockets under what appeared to be stable paint, and I had to recommend a roof skin to an already pissed off customer. The things that I uncovered on the doors were also a nightmare on elm street. Thanks for the entertaining videos. I've been doing bodywork a little longer than you, and have more experience licking my wounds than your cat.

[@TheRotaryPoweredGarage]

true enough,it costs a bit even when doing it yourself like i do.i just retired from the body and paint world for this very reason after 37 years.no one wants to pay for your time to do a quality job and the skyrocketing cost of materials.

[@nickbeatty1969]

Paint, engine, drivetrain are expensive, but its all the little knick-knack stuff that gets you--probably gunna be 150k to get that chevelle to a nice level if having a shop do it--probably 100k if doing yourself- and you can buy a damn nice one for 60k-- thats why dealers buy done cars and not restoration projects

[@michelle-lz8tg]

it cost me $6500 just to rebuild the engine in my old willys jeep...i did most of the work myself....it is 16K to replace the rusting body...that doesn't include prep and paint....then theres wiring axles transmission rims tires etc...it could be north of 50k when all is said and done.

[@oellasawandtool]

Look at bat auctions on restored Porsche 911/912 short wheel base sales that’s my car interest. Look at the seller receipts. Incredible investments in repairs and parts and then you see the sale price do the math. It’s scary. Let other guys fall in love with their car and sort out the issues and put their money and time Then buy their restored car. Unless you have the interest and resources don’t waste. Your money put your savings in real estate or equities and wait for a killer deal. Don’t get too zealous and remember there’s always a deal coming down the pike

[@harryjohnson8605]

You must be a dream killer

[@RustyZipper]

Not in the bedroom 🤫

[@royderouin7510]

Somebody had to do it

[@frankreckenberg8785]

You are spot-on!

[@kars_tony]

😎

[@anthonypaules7893]

They'll roll around for decades full of rusty paint. Enjoy them for what they are and reduce your stress. It's fun to blow away a new f150 with a rusty old bucket hiding a monster big block.

[@stuartjohnston4353]

Bought a 58 ford custom 300 to restore. Boy did I step in cow shit. Thank god I have your channel to save me from stepping in more shit, I'll be able to fix it🤣.

[@kurtfoulke5130]

"That's the way the cookie bounces" 😂

[@paulday-lh5mx]

No truer words spoken. Get ready! It's gonna hurt for most of us.

[@RayZilke]

If you want to go fast or sporty, buy newer. You can pick up a newish Chally/Charger/Mustang/Camaro/Vette from Carvana with a 10 day return policy, 100 day bumper to bumper warranty, and extended/factory warranties. Plus a Carfax. Old cars from the 60's or 70s are great, but stick to the larger cars. They are never flipped, and often have big blocks, HD trans and HD rear ends. So go buy a newish Mustang from Carvana that will smoke all of the cars you see here and then find an old LTD or a Marquis (for instance) that you can actually take the fam out in. You'll have 2 great cars, both fun to drive and the Mustang could even be pressed into service as a daily if you need a backup. Of course, you can do this with Mopar or Bowtie as well. This is what I did, and I have a modest fleet of fun to drive, well maintained, well loved cars for not too much money.

[@jpowers667]

If your not OK with spending 40 to 60 grand on a classic restoration, go out and buy a new car that look just like the other 50 million others on the road😊

[@peterplouf2836]

A proper "Restoration" regardless of the car, eats around 1000 man hours. Do the math for your local shop-rate. And not one of those new shiny chiniseum parts is going to fit. Just learn to love survivor cars and spend $$$ on the mechanicals/drivetrain. Shiny cars get driven the least.

[@jerryhatrick5860]

Dudes a riot but this is so damn true. Thing is? Buy a car with original pain n yu know what you have.

[@SesameStreetRacingChannel]

I think I sold you a Rainbow tilt deck trailer in Calgary in 2006...That was my first car trailer.

[@kars_tony]

@@SesameStreetRacingChannel yes sir, I still have it too.

[@tomrunning357]

Still a better value them smoking or golf but what ever gives you enjoyment.

[@davidnonnenmocher5122]

Great advice

[@pault.9842]

The fun the way I see it is starting with something fairly rust free and doing most of the work yourself.Same as with anything even stuff around the house only rich folks can have others doing shit for them eh!

[@RustyZipper]

Every time I walk through Lowe’s or HD depot I look at the prices and wonder how TF people can afford this junk? 🤷‍♂️ my only thought is It’s all borrowed money and people spend borrowed money far easier than when it’s earned money from their checking account 🤷‍♂️

[@bondpit8750]

@@RustyZipper That’s why some of these projects can take years to complete doing it pay as you go. Banks won’t loan money on a car “project”.

[@stevieraycharles1799]

Not counting my thousands of hours, $50k and 20 years into a 65 Vert Cutlass. Much nicer than your subject car. Even a gallon of Rage is outrageous now.

[@class5bodyworks]

No doubt. I use the Rage Ultra and even with my business discount it's around 110 a gallon. I make comparisons with customers to my 69 Cutlass convertible. Even doing all the work myself it's still expensive with the cost of materials and paint.

[@kq2799]

@@class5bodyworks Just pick up some ol' Z-grip; half the price and twice the sanding,,,

[@class5bodyworks]

@kq2799 Exactly!😅 Not to mention burning up sandpaper.

[@aaadamt964]

​@@class5bodyworks I'm in Ohio so everything is rust. Guys ask me about rockers, cab corners an arch patches all the time. They act like it should be $400 to hack their truck cab back together. I try to get them to start with something else from down south, save their drivetrain and scrap whatever is left.

[@class5bodyworks]

@@aaadamt964 I hear that! I'm in Northern Indiana so same rust belt. It's hard to balance between quality to last and someone's unrealistic budget. Most people lean toward budget. The "it don't have to be perfect" comment. Not until it's rusting again in 6 months.

[@texanwd8387]

Never do a restoration to make money , very opposite . And plan on spending 10x your budget

[@commentdeleted173]

It will take as much time and money as you want to give it and then it will ask for more.

[@neilerickson3158]

This is what crusher recycling is for. Bin there. To much pain.

[@thevictim2072]

Have you heard of a shop named Money Pit Restorations.

[@kars_tony]

Don't think so no.

[@nathanbeutler1059]

You’re right they will break up you if you do things in a very stupid way?

[@darylarmentrout252]

I'm going to quote what the veteran bodyman told me on my first day "oh you're a bodyman? Your job is to eat shit and say it's gravy." 😂

[@jdsmith556]

The answer to how restorations spiral out of control? FAST!

[@rodhurst5831]

😂 ya you get bent over especially these days.

[@shamusdiecastkustoms8363]

Yep it seems everyone that works or sales classic parts is trying to retire off each job they complete.

[@darrenoliverio7259]

That’s the way the cookie bounces?