Cos of A Restoration
 

Here's the scenario:
1. 1931 Model "A" Town Sedan;
2. Body off the frame touring class restoration;
3. Full restoration to original with exceptions for touring reliability, and uses reproduction parts. No crazy $$$ for original parts;
4. All metal fenders & aprons;
5. Strip body & frame to bare metal. Patch panels in cowl, both fender wells, and bottoms of doors professionally installed. All body assembly by owner;

6. Frame only requires weld filling of extraneous holes & painting;

6. New wood kit installed by owner;

7. New roof installed by owner;
8. Upholstery kit & carpets installed by owner;
9. All mechanical restoration done by owner;

10. Short block engine from Skokie, Illinois;

11. Single stage urethane paint on body, fenders, etc. by professional;
12. New window safety glass.



What do you think will be the ballpark cost of this restoration.

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

$27,465.32 Plus your labor.

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

A lot of money !!!!

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

How long is a string? I just sandblasted a pair of A fenders for a man that has a little body shop in my building.One looked real nice,with some dingles and bends here and there.I have a jig using the front half of a frame,fender brackets,headlight bar,and fixtures to simulate the running board joints.He put that fender on there and spent over 10 hours making it right.He was picking,filing,shrinking,heating,cooling,but it came out nice.The opposite fender had a big bash in the side,he spent less than two hours on that one to make it right.I don't know how anybody could come up with an estimate on body repair without seeing it.

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

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Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

Better consider it a hobby. Because you would probably not get your investment out of it if you sold it.

I put about $25K into my huckster without doing all the things you want to do.

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

The body work and paint job you describe is about $20k here at a pro shop.

The other parts and services you are going to need (engine, engine accessories ...generator, starter, carb, etc...interior kit, suspension, brakes, trim pieces, chrome, tires, wheels blasted and painted/coated, radiator, glass, etc)...about $15k.

I generally estimate too low on my projects so you may want to add in some more just to be on the safe side.

The car won't be worth what you have in it, but this is a hobby...not a profit making business. If building the car is how you enjoy your time and money it is exactly the right thing to do :D.

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

It all depends if you do most or almost all the restoration yourself. I have restored a 28 special coupe (97% complete and a 29 phaeton (about 65% done) and part of a 29 CCPU (about 40% done). At the end of the restoration I will probably have $14K or $15K in the vehicles as I do almost all the restoration work myself as a hobby. Of course if you hire professionals, the cost would probably be at least triple what I have in the cars. Just my input.
Rusty Nelson

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

$90,000

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

It’s like owning an old wooden boat.

There is an old saying. “It’s like a fart in the room, you can smell it, but you can’t get your arms around it”.

What ever you figure, you will spend more!

It’s a hobby. Enjoy.

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

The cheapest way to own a restored car, is to buy one that's finished, if you can ever consider one finished. The fellow I bought my 29 from last year had $16,500+ receipts from 1995. According to a website, $16,500 in 1995 is equivalent in purchasing power to $26,502.42 in 2017. I estimate the car will take about $3,500 to complete (interior etc).

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

$27,465.32 Plus your labor.



you forgot that Bob is in LI NY


double it...................!

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

I did a detailed spreadsheet on this a couple of years ago and came to the conclusion it was best to buy one finished or almost finished. Start there and do a little fine tuning to make it what you want. The only exceptions are when you want something to spend your personal time on or if you have a sentimental attachment to he car (it belonged to your father, etc).

Charlie Stephens

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

$30k

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Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

In January, I bought a nice 20 footer, 1930 coupe, new engine, new brakes an older restoration but drives great. I drive about 600-700 a month with it and have not had any troubles, 3200 miles so far.
Entered it in the local 4th of July Parade and got best antique car ribbon and a nice Judges Choice trophy. Yes there are a few rock chips and minor paint issues, I paid $9100 and most pleased.
I believe it is much cheaper to buy a restored one than to restore it. The money you save will take you on a lot of tours or Hawaii a number of times. JMHO
Gerry Allen Birch Bay WA

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

time wise it is going to take at least a 1000 hours to do, if you really restore it. now add the parts. Buy one already done unless you just want to do it.

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

The body shop owner who did my mom's '30 coupe said one of his trade magazines said you should expect a restoration to cost twice what you will be able to turn around and sell the car for.

Re: Cos of A Restoration
 

The old rule of thumb..... if you have to ask... you probably cannot afford it applies here too.
Gil. NoCal