Restoration Checklist

[sandy beck]

I'm preparing to have my '69 coupe restored. Is anyone aware of a comprehensive restoration "checklist" which I could use to ensure that there's no misunderstanding between potential restorers and me about what specific work will be performed?

[Jack H.]

Re: Restoration Checklist

Each restoration is unique depending on what correct/original parts are there (will they clean up? do they need to be sent out for restoration?) and which are missing, have been replaced, Etc. The common approach is to use a copy of the current NCRS Flight Scoring Sheets for your '69 along with the NCRS Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide book. Define an objective with your restorer (Top Flight; 94.8%, Etc.) and work the job within your budget constraints. There WILL be surprises that can't be reasonably foreseen as the car goes through disassembly & re-assembly.

[Steve Westphal]

Re: Restoration Checklist

Sandy, The best advice I can give you is to keep checking in with people like Jack,on the discussion board,as you go along. Their advice is priceless and always to the point. And, they are always willing to share.

[Chuck M.]

Re: Restoration Checklist

Sandy,

If you dont mind me asking, where are you having it restored.

Thanks

Chuck

[Harmon C.]

Re: Restoration Checklist

Sandy I don't know what options you have on your 69 or personal reasons why you may wish to have it restored. If you have someone do a complete restoration for you the total price is what you should know up front to see if it is what you wish to spend. Their are 69's for sale which are total restoations which the owner wishes to sell at a price that may be much less than they have spent in money and their own labor at 0 per hour. My restorations cost me more than what the finished product is worth but I get to enjoy doing the work myself and then showing them and this is hard to put a price on. Good Luck Lyle

[sandy beck]

Re: Restoration Checklist

Thanks for the quick response, Jack. I understand that there will undoubtedly be unexpected issues attendant to each restoration. What I was trying to get to was a means to ensure that the restorer and restoree are clear on what work will be undertaken, not necessarily how it will be done. Perhaps this becomes a "no-brainer" when doing a restoration for show, but I would think it would be important for a "driver". For instance, will serviceable splash shields be removed and cleaned or not? I received a quotation for a complete mechanical restoration for my car, and you probably wouldn't believe what's NOT detailed on the proposal. When I asked the prospective restorer about some specific things, the response was "yeah, we do that" or "it looked OK to me". That was what prompted my question. I recall coming across a website a couple of years ago for a restoration enterprise where each and every step (by category) for a frame-off restoration was detailed with labor hours listed for each step. That's what I'd like to find now.

Sandy

Sandy

[Kent K.]

Re: Restoration Checklist

Sandy, Jack, Chuck, Lysle, Steve and everyone else out there,
1. Take photographs of everything, every nut, bolt, screw and washer! Photos of before and after!!! I personally lost a pristine '67 steering wheel to a chassis cleaning, if you can believe that.
2. Document in writing everything in writing signed by both parties exactly what you wish accomplished and the estimated cost. Include some sort of agreement for not-to-exceed price without another agreement for each step along the way.
3. The restorer should be close enough to visit at your leisure, daily, weekly, or whenever it suits you without restrictions during normal business hours.
4. Include the alternative to extract your car anytime you wish, just as long as payments are up to date and agreeable to both parties.
5. Include an option to hold on restoration operations and some mutual storage/payment arrangement (unless you extract the car to store in your garage).
6. Ask your restorer to document everything with videos, photos, drawings and notes. This is invaluable in the long run even on the most mundane items.
7. Talk to as many previous customers of the shop as possible.
8. Consider talking to people; like Jerry Bramlet, the Nabors, etc.
9. Ascertain your own deep pockets prior to engaging anyone to restore your Corvette.

Good Corvetting, Kent #6201