I have a 95% original 1964 corvette convertible. I would like to have it restored to a "driver" car. It is a nice original but is starting to show signs of wear. My question is who can do a very good job of restoring this car? Body off restoration with all mechanicals. I would prefer a corvette only shop. The other BIG question is how much to budget; remembering that the car is in good condition and it will be a driver rather than a show car. I was thinking 20K, am I close?
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Re: who's the best corvette restoration shop
Gotcha! T -
Where are you? What do you want?
Brent,
Need to know what part of the world you live in. Do you want someone close to home? Is long distance shipping possible? How long can you go without the car?These answers will help with WHO.
To answer how much, you need to decide if the body and interior need to be redone. You mentioned only the mechanical/chassis items. With more info you will get more response.
Wild BillComment
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Re: who's the best corvette restoration shop
roger gibson from kelso mo. is very good.Comment
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Re: Where are you? What do you want?
I live in Arizona; long distance transportation is possible. I would like the car done in 6 to 9 months.
The body and interior would need to be redone, but both are in good shape. The body appears to never have been seriously damaged. I have the ability to E-mail pictures of the car to restoration shops. The restoration I would like would consist of completely going through the car a making it 100% reliable and look good. I am not looking for a restoration with every paint mark and every single bolt replated, but I do want the car to be nice. A reproduction part in lieu of nos is ok. I what to enjoy this car on the road when it is done.Comment
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Re: who's the best corvette restoration shop
Brent, Are you an NCRS member? If you have a 95% original Corvette why not go for the Bowtie Award. Your car only has to be 80% original, no condition points are judged! After judging, I would have the car DEEP cleaned and then spend my money on paint. Then go for the Founders Award (mostly driving). I would think twice about spending 20-30,000$ on a car barely worth that amount!
Texas Chapter NCRSComment
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I should keep my mouth shut, but...
I just can't.
Brent, very many owners have the same general goal: they want their Corvette to look good and be reliable. The difficult part is deciding exactly what must be done to reach that goal without wasting money on unnecessary repairs.
If your car is rust free (aren't all cars in Arizona?), the frame doesn't have any collision damage, and the tank-to-pump fuel line is good, there is no need to take the body off. In fact, I advise against it. If the exterior paint is nice, why not just touch up the chips and thoroughly polish it? If it has oxidized, it can be sanded and clear coated much cheaper than a complete repaint.
As far as the interior, don't replace anything that isn't torn or cracked. Your seats should be inspected when they are out of the car for rusty springs. If the springs are okay and the foam is still holding its shape, leave them in place even if you replace the covers.
As far as mechanical work, you should tell the shop exactly what you want done. If the engine doesn't use oil and has good compression in all cylinders, the rebuild work can be limited to external components and tuning. The suspension has components that wear out and some that usually don't. For example, front/rear springs and the upper ball joints often last the life of a car. The differential seals can be replaced relatively cheaply, but I wouldn't touch the gears, posi clutches, and bearings if they are fine now.
If you write down what you want done into a "scope of work" for the shop, you can get a fair estimate of what it will cost. There will be items that are unknown until the work is in progress, but you can minimize those by making some basic checks and inspections up front.
Yes, I do Corvette restorations. No, I am not soliciting your business. I am booked through January and there are qualified shops closer to you who can handle the work. I'm just encouraging you to limit the scope and specify what you want done in writing with the shop. I'll be glad to offer more advice to you off-line if you like.
You would be stunned at the number of calls I get from people who are unhappy with the work they are getting at a restoration shop. When I ask them to send me a copy of the scope of work or restoration contract with the shop, they always say that there isn't any written agreement about what is to be done. Please don't make that mistake with your project. If you select an honest shop and control the work with a written scope, schedule, and payment plan (do not pay in advance), you can enjoy this process. If you get into a handshake deal for what seems like a bargain price, brace yourself for trouble. It will come.Comment
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Re: who's the best corvette restoration shop
Nabors in Houston, Tx are regarded as one of the best in the business.Comment
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Re: From Experience, I have to agree with
I agree with Jerry... I have gone through two cars (the most recent is my '74 Corvette) and it is imperative that you define the scope of work and THE SCHEDULE to whch the work will be completed. I do not intend to knock the shop that is painting my '74 right now, but it has been much later than was ever communicated to me. In my business life I would never allow this to happen, but with my "baby" I feel powerless to yank it back. I think I will be pleased with the work, but I WILL do it differently the next time around. Get solid scope of work, get a solid price, and get a SOLID SCHEDULE!! It is too easy to get ripped off for automotive work. Learn your car ahead of time and know what you want. I hope I get the same... Jeff
Jeff's '74 Corvette Restoration ProjectComment
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Re: who's the best corvette restoration shop
Hi Brent:
I wonder why you would go to the trouble and cost to do a frame off on a "driver", more of a P.I.T.A. than most would ever want to live with in a driver Corvette. Jack Saums in Florida is great , slow, fair and is responsible for two ZO6s and many others.
jerComment
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Re: who's the best corvette restoration shop
Brent I have restored some straight axle corvettes and have tried to have work done by Corvette and non-Corvette shops over the years. I know there are many good restoration shops out there but in general I have not had good luck except with one person doing the restoration. Jerry Bramlett is restoring a 66 big block coupe for me and frankly he is the only one that I would ever have trust again. His work ethic, quality of work and knowledge of corvettes cannot be beat by anyone. I am highly recommending him for restoration of your corvette. My 66 coupe is a dream car that I will bed proud for many years to come.Comment
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