Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

[Dave R.]

I know this is a very broad subject but, I was hoping to get a ballpark idea of what it would cost to restore my 1969 L46 coupe. I have been able to determine that the car has all of its original components so I would not have to hunt anything down. The car is in good "driver" condition with, what appears to be, a no hit body.

I would have to send the car to a reputable shop since I don't have the knowledge, skills or tools to perform such a large project and I would be afraid that I would get it started and loose focus and have a half completed car in my garage.

So, if you guys could give me a ballpark figure for such a restoration I would appreciate it.

[Tony Merendino]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

It is way too broad a question to be able to answer. I suggest you take it to a reputable Corvette restoration shop and get some estimates. There are many factors involved including where you are located(labor rates), what paints are legal in your area, what parts are salvagable, and on and on. The only thing for sure is if you are going to have a shop do all the restoration work it will be very expensive.

[Dick W.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

Before you can get a reasonable estimate on the cost of the "restoration", you will need to determine your ultimate goal for the car. Do you want a very nice "show and shine" type car, or do you want a car that is capable of obtaining a NCRS Duntove Award of Excellence? VERY LARGE difference in the cost of the two, both in labor and materials cost. We spend quite a bit of time with the owner making sure of what he wants and that he is aware of the financial obligations that he will undertake.

A top notch restoration will most certainly exceed the value, sadly but true, of your car when it is completed.

[Joseph T.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

Figure 1000 hours plus parts.

Joe

[John S.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

Dave,

If you are aiming your car for an NCRS show field, plan on spending $60K, (plus or minus $10K, depending on where you live), for a nice frame-off restoration.

[Dave R.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

Wow, 60k to restore the car; I know that's just a guess since no one has seen my car. I would like the car to be restored to a very nice driver quality; one that could compete in local shows but nothing that I am afraid to drive.

I guess I'd better start collecting some tools, reading some books and join a local Corvette club.........maybe I can do some of it myself and save some cash.

As far as spending more than the car is worth; I figured as much since the car isn't particularly rare although it is a factory black car. It's just that I want the car to be as good as I can afford it to be while keeping it to a point where I can still take it out for a long cruise without sweating getting it a little dirty; they're cars after all and are meant to be driven and enjoyed.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

I had 800 hours in my last C-3 with no paint,or internal engine work. 1000 hours or 60K is in the ball park. If the restorer farms out trailing arms, a-arms,steering gear box, and ect. The hours go down but then you have farmed out bills to pay. As Dick said add in what you payed for the 69 and you will be in the red when you sell.
Lyle

[Chuck R.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

I'll have over 1,500 hours and in the range of $15,000 invested before my 68 rolls out of the garage under it's own power. And that's performing all but the most intricate machine shop work myself.

It do get expensive quickly if you get all caught up in the "correctness" game.

I started my project planning on patching the rotted frame and bird cage, body work, putting the interior back together and replacing only the parts that wouldn't look "nice"

Five years later I have a completed rolling chassis (with a rust free California frame) and the entire drivetrain has been totally rebuilt. Oh and as for the rotted bird cage?......I ended up picking up a rust free body from Colorado. So much for just buttering it back together Dave.

Once I got going, I just couldn't bring myself to butchering up my pride and joy that will be a direct reflection of me. That's where the fork in the restoration road presents it'self.

You have to be really honest with yourself on where you want to end up with your 69 and either commit 100% or be satisfied with less.

Best of luck Dave,

Chuck

[Roy B.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

"It's just that I want the car to be as good as I can afford it to be while keeping it to a point where I can still take it out for a long cruise without sweating getting it a little dirty; they're cars after all and are meant to be driven and enjoyed."

With out R&R-ing your body on the vett ,even with little mechanical knowledge you can do quite a bit and learn at the same time. Go at it a section at a time , mechanics, inside then out side.Most work can be done local with out going to those big name Corvette shops. Don't rush it and the money wont hurt so fast. I'm lucky because I was and can do all mechanical work myself ,only paint and interior NO. But using local people saves big time $. Every one said my paint looked wonderful it cost 2K just found a good painter, but I had it ready, striped and apart.My 55 was in boxes when I got it and about 35K later I had it looking like it is in 6 months (retired). Chroming was the biggest $$. OK I'm no trailer queen but dint wont one so I could enjoy driving it.

[Peter K.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

The restoration of a car, in my opinion, is a hobby something we all enjoy doing. If not why are we then? Don't be concerned on how many hours its going to take or how much money its going to cost, if you can't afford a part now, wait until you can but don't try to save some money on a cheaper one because more times then none, you pay for what you get and then you end up buying the more expensive part anyway! Ya, I learned the hard way!. I 'm starting on my third restoration this winter, my last one took me three years, weekends, nights when ever I felt like working on it. I never kept track of my time but have held on to every invoice, but still don't know what I have spent. My goal like my other two is to have fun, learn and enjoy the spetacular finished product.

Good Luck

[Dick W.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

The problem with owner's restoration of an automobile is that most people do not realize the committment that it requires. I have done restorations both as a hobby and a vocation. I figure 1,000 hours to restore a Corvette or an International Harvester truck. Many hobbists do not have the space, at least a good sized 2 car garage and the tools. I agree it is very rewarding to watch the finished product roll out the door.

I am not making this post to discourage anyone from doing their own work, but just to hopefully make the potential restorer aware of the committment.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Typical cost of restoration (1969 Coupe)

The fun is in the restoration and when you are done you can break even if you do the work yourself. You may even make $5.00 per hour. The original poster said he had no tools no time no space and did not want a half done car. If he hires a restorer I think he will have more in it than what it's worth which is no problem if you love the car but is something to think about before you start sending the checks to the restore each week for $1000.
Lyle