Restoration Tips Needed
I need some help/advice/tips regarding paint and interior work on my '68.
My car is a driver and up to this point I have done all of my own work (mostly mechanical). My driveline (engine, transmission and diff) and suspension (front and back) are in like new condition but now it is time to turn to more cosmetic things for which have neither the expertise nor the confidence that I could do a good job.
I am going to get an estimate for an exterior paint job and a new interior. What are some questions I should be asking potential shops that will do the work?
For the exterior, there is some minor fiberglass repair that will need to be done like cracks on the front wheelwell lips, and other small areas, etc. but the body was removed once before to replace fuel lines and the shop told me that the front was sagging and that some fiberglass in the front end of the car would need to be replaced for structural reasons.
For the interior, (it is in pretty bad shape), the seats are torn at the seams, the carpet is torn, the rear compartment doors are warped and don't latch well, the center shifter console is broken and I need a new dash wiring harness and a new center gauge cluster bezel. Other than that, most of the interior parts are in pretty good shape (but would need some level of re-painting etc.), but I would think that if I just replace the broken pieces that they won't match the 41 year old pieces that I would be left in the vehicle. For instance, if I keep my dash pads but replace my center console, it would seem the colors will not match, if for nothing else due to fading. Am I right to assume that all the interior pieces should be replaced at the same time?
I want to be more educated as I enter this process so that I ask the right questions but also have reasonable expectations for the work to be performed by a restoration shop and some of the pitfalls. We have all heard the story of the out of control restoration. I am a little nervous about farming out this much work. Should I expect the shop to be open to me visiting to see the work progress, etc. Should I be asking for all of my old parts to be kept and returned to me?
Also, other than a recommendation for a complete body off restoration, are there any "while your at its", I should consider. For instance, I intend on having the pedal assembly rebuilt with new bushings, etc. while the interior is out, the gauges restored, and chrome exterior pieces either re-chromed or replaced.
Since my car is a driver, my goal is not to create a show car, but I do want things done right and basically like it came from GM (e.g., no custom interior pieces, etc.).
I know I have asked a lot of questions but any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.
My car is a driver and up to this point I have done all of my own work (mostly mechanical). My driveline (engine, transmission and diff) and suspension (front and back) are in like new condition but now it is time to turn to more cosmetic things for which have neither the expertise nor the confidence that I could do a good job.
I am going to get an estimate for an exterior paint job and a new interior. What are some questions I should be asking potential shops that will do the work?
For the exterior, there is some minor fiberglass repair that will need to be done like cracks on the front wheelwell lips, and other small areas, etc. but the body was removed once before to replace fuel lines and the shop told me that the front was sagging and that some fiberglass in the front end of the car would need to be replaced for structural reasons.
For the interior, (it is in pretty bad shape), the seats are torn at the seams, the carpet is torn, the rear compartment doors are warped and don't latch well, the center shifter console is broken and I need a new dash wiring harness and a new center gauge cluster bezel. Other than that, most of the interior parts are in pretty good shape (but would need some level of re-painting etc.), but I would think that if I just replace the broken pieces that they won't match the 41 year old pieces that I would be left in the vehicle. For instance, if I keep my dash pads but replace my center console, it would seem the colors will not match, if for nothing else due to fading. Am I right to assume that all the interior pieces should be replaced at the same time?
I want to be more educated as I enter this process so that I ask the right questions but also have reasonable expectations for the work to be performed by a restoration shop and some of the pitfalls. We have all heard the story of the out of control restoration. I am a little nervous about farming out this much work. Should I expect the shop to be open to me visiting to see the work progress, etc. Should I be asking for all of my old parts to be kept and returned to me?
Also, other than a recommendation for a complete body off restoration, are there any "while your at its", I should consider. For instance, I intend on having the pedal assembly rebuilt with new bushings, etc. while the interior is out, the gauges restored, and chrome exterior pieces either re-chromed or replaced.
Since my car is a driver, my goal is not to create a show car, but I do want things done right and basically like it came from GM (e.g., no custom interior pieces, etc.).
I know I have asked a lot of questions but any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.
). Just the major interior pieces (door panels, carpet, upper and lower dash pads, pillar and header trim, rear quarters, forward console, parking brake console, gauge bezel and shifter plate) are over $3K at retail. Wow!! And that doesn't include the dash harness and rear compartment stuff and all of the little pieces that will probably add up to another $1500. Then of course I have to pay for the labor to remove and replace. Gosh, I may tackle the interior after all. I always saw the interior work as more an art than a science, but I may try my hand at artistry.
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