Question for the veteran car restorers

[Joseph W.]

I’ve been working on my 1969 L71 for about a year and a half now. I’ve been sending out parts on my recently acquired 1969 L89.
I try to utilize the experts in each respective fields and for the most part have been very happy with the work provided.

My question is how common is it to send an item to be restored and when you have it returned, the original parts aren’t on it. In some cases the original parts have been replaced with reproduction parts.

Is this normal?
Too late now, but, apparently I should have specifically requested that I want my parts kept and used.

[Joe L.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

I’ve been working on my 1969 L71 for about a year and a half now. I’ve been sending out parts on my recently acquired 1969 L89.
I try to utilize the experts in each respective fields and for the most part have been very happy with the work provided.

My question is how common is it to send an item to be restored and when you have it returned, the original parts aren’t on it. In some cases the original parts have been replaced with reproduction parts.

Is this normal?
Too late now, but, apparently I should have specifically requested that I want my parts kept and used.

Joseph------


Your intentions need to be clearly explained to whatever vendor is doing restoration work. Preferably, this should be done in writing with a copy going to the vendor and a copy retained. Even if components are to be replaced during the restoration, your instructions should include that any and all replaced parts are to be returned to you.

[Leif A.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

I’ve been working on my 1969 L71 for about a year and a half now. I’ve been sending out parts on my recently acquired 1969 L89.
I try to utilize the experts in each respective fields and for the most part have been very happy with the work provided.

My question is how common is it to send an item to be restored and when you have it returned, the original parts aren’t on it. In some cases the original parts have been replaced with reproduction parts.

Is this normal?
Too late now, but, apparently I should have specifically requested that I want my parts kept and used.

Joseph,
Out of curiosity, could you be more specific with what was sent out for restoration and what original parts weren't returned with the restored item? There may be an explanation as to why the original parts weren't used i.e. wear items. Please list exactly what parts you're asking about.
And, as Joe mentioned, there should always be a written list of what is sent out and what you expect to have returned.

[Gary C.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

Joseph,

As Joe said, document your expectations. Secondly, take good photos of your part your sending for restoration.

Gary
....

[Joseph W.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

Joseph,
Out of curiosity, could you be more specific with what was sent out for restoration and what original parts weren't returned with the restored item? There may be an explanation as to why the original parts weren't used i.e. wear items. Please list exactly what parts you're asking about.
And, as Joe mentioned, there should always be a written list of what is sent out and what you expect to have returned.

[Richard F.]

[Michael J.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

Whenever I send brakes to Lone Star Caliper, I always ask for their "babysitting" service, so that I know my original ones are sent back after rebuilding. Especially important for J56 units.

[Leif A.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

Leif,
I’d rather not say, but I will tell you that it has happened with 3 different sets of folks.
Now, the one place that caused me to start this thread did call me to discuss and it ended up ok.
But that person did not use my original parts but they were real GM parts that he replaced them with.

I think Joe has it right. Put everything in writing and make sure you take plenty of pictures.

Joseph,
I'm not asking for the restorer's name, I'm asking about what parts you sent out and what was not returned.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

Whenever I send brakes to Lone Star Caliper, I always ask for their "babysitting" service, so that I know my original ones are sent back after rebuilding. Especially important for J56 units.

I agree just let Kenny know that you want your exact parts restored. Take pictures.

[Joseph W.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

Joseph,
I'm not asking for the restorer's name, I'm asking about what parts you sent out and what was not returned.

[Keith M.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

Telling you the parts would be an almost dead giveaway as to who it is as a couple of these fellows are the hobby “go to guys”.
Let me pm you Leif

I totally understand your sensitivity around this issue. OTOH transparency might save others some heartache. Food for thought.

[Keith M.]

Re: Question for the veteran car restorers

Leif,
I’d rather not say, but I will tell you that it has happened with 3 different sets of folks.
Now, the one place that caused me to start this thread did call me to discuss and it ended up ok.
But that person did not use my original parts but they were real GM parts that he replaced them with.

I think Joe has it right. Put everything in writing and make sure you take plenty of pictures.

One thing you touched on here is a good add to Joe's advise. In addition to clarifying all expectations up front as much as possible, ask the vendor to contact you should they encounter something that might deviate from that so that one has opportunity to be involved in any decision.