A very typical question out there is “what is it going to cost to restore my classic car or truck?”; so waht are the restoration cost basics?
The answer should always be it depends.
That vague answer is the reality of a lot of variables; starting with the current condition of the classic car, the type of vintage car, what level of restoration is desired, the type of restoration or even modification, and who is doing the work.
The quality restoration shop will be able to give you an estimate which is really a ballpark cost that they believe at that moment in time is the approximate cost to provide a finished product. We will dive into these variables in the future.
These factors can include:
- The overall condition of the car.
- Just how rare is the vintage car and can old car parts to be sourced for the project.
- How many parts does it need?
- The quality of the restoration; do you want a 100-point show car?
- Types of interior upholstery and convertible top.
- Power train (engine, transmission, rear end) components.
- Chassis and power train upgrades.
- Hidden problems.
- Hourly labor rates vary.
A simple guide to restoration costs:
The labor rates for a car varies from shop to shop and even regionally. These rates can be anywhere from $75 per hour to well over $200 per hour. Shopping around, and understanding the shop and workers can be critical.
The labor rates for a car varies from shop to shop and even regionally. These rates can be anywhere from $75 per hour to well over $200 per hour. Shopping around and understanding the shop and workers can be critical.
The above is just an average. Costs can come in under or above, depending on parts used as well as the labor rates.
We will do a deeper dive as we go since you will need more than just eh restoration cost basics to achieve your goals!!!
