As much as we try to educate the classic car hobbyists about doing your homework before engaging a car restoration shop it seems the same mistakes are being made by not understanding the restoration shop risks. Restoring a vintage car can be one of the most rewarding experiences for the car hobbyist, but failures or problems can make the whole endeavor a very miserable and costly period of one’s life.
Disputes involving car restoration work are in the upper echelon of the “Legal Files” Top 10 Hit Parade. That should not be surprising.
Restorations have many elements that can easily lead to disputes:
- It is hard to know up front what level of work and cost most restorations are going to involve. For example, how deep the “surface rust” really goes cannot be discovered until you take things apart. No one has a crystal ball.
- Given the estimation difficulties, many projects are handled on a time-and-materials basis. Although logical, that can reduce the incentive to work efficiently. Most shops pay their workers based on their billable hours — in effect splitting the billings with them. That adds a second layer of disincentive toward efficiency. Writing off time means the worker gets paid less and, if the customer later complains about the cost, adjustments require a worker “refund.” The shop owner feels pressure in both directions.
- Restoration work can be very profitable. In strong markets, such as today’s, unqualified “restorers” can be drawn into the industry. Similarly, capable craftsmen become very hard to find, and shops often have little choice but to use less-experienced labor than they would prefer.
- Strong markets also bring people into the hobby that do not really know very much about collector cars at all, let alone what a restoration can entail. Put that all together, and it may be surprising that we do not see even more lawsuits.
While hiring a car restoration shop can be a valuable decision, there are potential risks involved:
Here are some risks to consider when hiring a car restoration shop to restore a classic car:
Quality of Workmanship:
One of the main risks is the quality of workmanship. Not all restoration shops have the same level of expertise, experience, or attention to detail. There is a possibility that the shop may not meet your expectations in terms of craftsmanship, precision, or adherence to original specifications.
Cost Overruns:
Classic car restorations can be costly, and there is a risk of cost overruns. The shop may encounter unforeseen issues or encounter difficulties in finding rare or discontinued parts, which could lead to additional expenses. It is important to have a clear agreement on the scope of the work and cost estimates before starting the restoration.
Time Delays:
Restoring a classic car can be a time-consuming process, and there is a risk of delays. Restoration shops may have multiple projects running simultaneously, leading to potential delays in completing your project. It is advisable to establish a timeline and have regular communication with the shop to ensure progress is being made.
Communication and Expectations:
Miscommunication or misunderstandings regarding the restoration process, desired outcomes, or specific details can lead to dissatisfaction with the results. It is crucial to have clear and open communication with the restoration shop throughout the project, including regular updates, discussions on any changes or challenges, and addressing any concerns promptly.
Parts Authenticity and Sourcing:
Classic car restorations often require sourcing original or period-correct parts. There is a risk that the shop may use aftermarket or incorrect parts, which can impact the authenticity and value of the restored car. Ensure that the shop has a track record of sourcing genuine parts and discuss your expectations regarding parts authenticity upfront.
Insurance and Liability:
Entrusting your classic car to a restoration shop exposes it to potential risks, such as damage, theft, or accidents. It is essential to discuss insurance coverage and liability agreements with the restoration shop to ensure adequate protection for your vehicle throughout the restoration process.
Stay In Close Contact
One exacerbating aspect of working with most car restoration shops is distance. If the shop is distant, as is often the case, your ability to push the work is weakened. Periodic reports and photos are helpful, but they can mislead. If you want prompt service, there is no substitute for visiting the shop and inspecting the progress of the work on a regular basis. Of course, that takes time out of our busy schedules, but not as much as legal battles do.
Finally
To mitigate these restoration shop risks, it is important to thoroughly research and choose a reputable and experienced restoration shop. Seek recommendations, read reviews, and inspect their previous work. Take the time to visit the shop, review their portfolio, discuss your expectations, and concerns upfront, and most importantly ask a lot of questions of the shop owner and mechanics. Additionally, having a written agreement or contract that outlines the scope of work, cost estimates, timelines, and any specific requirements can help mitigate risks and ensure a smoother restoration process.
Unfortunately, there is no fool proof method to ensure a successful outcome for your car restoration project, but the more you do up front and prepare the better a chance you have to succeed and enjoy driving your vintage car for many years to come.
