1972 Katrina car

[Gary H.]

After 16 years, I have decided to restore my 1972 Bryar blue convertible. Car was submerged under water during hurricane Katrina. I've had it since November 24th, 1972. Any suggestions as to where to start? Also, trying to find a restoration shop somewhere in the south that may take this project on.

[David H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

After 16 years, I have decided to restore my 1972 Bryar blue convertible. Car was submerged under water during hurricane Katrina. I've had it since November 24th, 1972. Any suggestions as to where to start? Also, trying to find a restoration shop somewhere in the south that may take this project on.

Gary

Welcome to NCRS Tech Board.

Need some details re current condition.

What is your plan for this car? Top Flight? Concours? Daily Driver?

What cleanup/restoration was done immediately after Katrina? Does the car currently run?

What sort of rust damage to frame and birdcage from Katrina?

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

After 16 years, I have decided to restore my 1972 Bryar blue convertible. Car was submerged under water during hurricane Katrina. I've had it since November 24th, 1972. Any suggestions as to where to start? Also, trying to find a restoration shop somewhere in the south that may take this project on.

Gary------


I'm very sorry to be the bearer of bad news. However, I am of the opinion that the cost to restore this car, especially after 16 years has passed since its submergence, is likely going to be far greater than the value of the car once restored. Of course, if cost is no object to you and the sentimental value of the car very great to you, then go ahead with your intent to restore it. However, after restoration of a car suffering from severe water damage, it's very likely that there won't be too much left of the original car.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

After 16 years, I have decided to restore my 1972 Bryar blue convertible. Car was submerged under water during hurricane Katrina. I've had it since November 24th, 1972. Any suggestions as to where to start? Also, trying to find a restoration shop somewhere in the south that may take this project on.

Does the car still have a clean title, or is it a salvage title? If it's a salvage title, that would further decrease its value even after a full restoration.

[Gary H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Dave,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I'd like for the car to be a daily driver. Not really worried about having the correct chalk marks or stamped number on the lower radiator hose. This is a car that was purchased for me by my late mother on November 24th of 1972. That's a long time ago. It was 2 weeks before my 17th birthday. I really haven't done a lot of cleanup on the car and 0 restoration. i've pulled a few pieces off of the engine and pulled the dash apart. It's a mess. I know that this is a fiberglass money pit. I'm trying to bring it back in honor of my mother. Not really worried about what the car will be worth when it's finished. The sentimental value to me is priceless. The car, of course does not run. The frame appears, appears to be somewhat solid after banging on the sections that I can get to without taking the body off. I have no clue as to what shape the birdcage is in. I thank you for your time and any response or suggestions that you can give,
Gary

[Gary H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Joe,
Thank you for your response. Yes, of course, this is a fiberglass money pit. I know that I will never sell it as long as I'm alive. The sentimental value is priceless so I'm not that concerned as to the cost of restoration.....up to a point. I thank you for your response,
Gary

[Owen L.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

In my opinion, the absolute best course of action would be a body-off rebuild off all chassis systems and a complete replacement of all interior soft components. You'd also need to try to disassemble absolutely everything in the dash to clean and remove corrosion. Full wiring harnesses throughout the entire car is also a necessity. You're basically taking apart everything to clean, restore, or replace.

Not to make light of a tragic situation... but, upon reading your original post, I immediately thought to suggest that you put it in a bag of rice.

[Gary H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Owen,
Thank you for the encouragement. Agree on everything. Body off, total rebuild. There are a few pieces that I can salvage with a good cleaning. A few. It's a big job. Yes, all new wiring harnesses too. Thanks again for the encouragement. About 16 years too late for that bag of rice. That was funny. It's all dried out now and hasn't seen rain in 16 years. It's been tucked away in 3 different garages since Katrina. Wish me luck,
Gary

[Gary H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Clean title.

[Larry M.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Gary:

I also live in the New Orleans area, and have for 41 years. I have a friend that purchased a 1969 Corvette in pieces about 10 years ago. He was planning to make it a very nice driver, with some NCRS touches. He found a "Restoration Shop" and gave them the car to fully restore. About 5 years later and much $$$$$ spent, we removed the car from the restoration shop and brought it back home to finish. It was still incomplete and a long way from being finished. We have worked on the car on and off for the last 6 years. Too much work issues and life issues have occurred on his part to devote the required time to finish the car. But a lot more $$$$$ has been spent. I was hoping to help him finish before I died (big smile)........but I now have my doubts.

Hurricane IDA came thru a few months ago and beat us up pretty bad. Between home repairs, his work, grandkids, taking care of wife, etc etc he is now looking to sell this car still unfinished...........and at a substantial loss of money. And all of our prior work throughout the years will be of no consequence.

If you are really serious about your car, you need to understand that it will take a lot of $$$$$$$$ and a lot of your time to get in back on the road. You need to recognize this and plan the rebuilding very carefully.........and use the right guys (or shop) to help you as needed. Even if all goes very very well, you will likely be many thousands of dollars (or a few "tens of thousands" of dollars underwater) at best.

Better to buy a finished car if you can. But in your case, this is not the desired outcome. So be very careful in who you choose, and have a detailed plan of execution and stick to it. If a lot of work will be outsourced, have a contract, a defined scope of work, and make frequent trips to view the work being done, and always pay your bills after the on-site inspection..........and never by mail.

You can contact me more if needed. 985-785-6142.

Larry

[G B.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Gary -

I admire what you're trying to do. I sure hope you're pleased with the end product. The key to controlling the cost and schedule is sticking to an agreed scope of work. I do have some experience in restoring Corvettes for others, but I'm retired now. Here's what I learned that might benefit you.

Be extremely careful in choosing a shop. Visit the place and learn their history and reputation. Talk with recent customers to find out how the shop performed. Never leave your Corvette with a shop you don't fully trust.

Put your restoration plan in writing before the shop begins work. Have them sign their agreement to the parts mark-up percentage, the shop labor cost per hour, and a general work schedule with an estimated final completion date. Do not enter any lump sum prepayment agreement for restoration. Pay invoices from the shop immediately if they're supported by labor progress reports with photos or parts/supply purchase documents. Do not pay ahead of physical progress. Visit the shop during the restoration every few months. It will probably take about two years for a full restoration. Do not pay the final invoice before inspecting and test driving the completed car.

An honest shop will agree to the above steps. No one, and I mean no one, can tell you accurately what the total bill will be until your car is finished. My wild guess (from your very limited description here) is that you won't get much, if any, change back from a $100,000 bill.

I've used several shops myself in the past. Only one was here in Mobile, Alabama. That shop owner is now serving time. For the last ten years I've used Ken Hansen in Medina, Tennessee. He has about five employees, and they have put up with my nitpicking bull**** pretty well. I can't recommend anyone closer to you, unfortunately.

If you think I can help you further, you're welcome to call. My Double Top Secret home phone number is (251) 478-4003.

Good luck.

Jerry

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Great post, Jerry.
I think your cost estimate is unfortunately way too accurate.

[Gary H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

I will print this reply and study it over and over. I thank you sincerely for giving me hope. I'd like to send you a few photos if that's ok? I'll do some research on your guy in TN. Thank you, thank you. I may have to dial the DTS phone number! Enjoy your weekend,
Gary

[Gary H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Larry, Thank you for taking the time to respond. I've heard a few horror stories about the process. Sad that after all that time it's still not finished. Good luck with it, don't give up!! Ida WAS pretty bad for us all. But after 41 years you know that we are resilient almost to a fault down here. I'm born and raised in New Orleans 66 years ago. It ain't the best but it IS home. All the best to you and your friend. at this point I'm serious about the car. I know that I'll be way under water with it but the sentimental value is priceless. I've had it since November of '72. I COULD buy another one but it wouldn't be the same. I thank you for your advice about choosing the right shop(any suggestions here in LA?). Thank you for the phone number, I may call. I'd like to send some photos if you'd like to see the car, just let me know. Thanks again for your time,
Gary

[Gary H.]

Re: 1972 Katrina car

Thank you Patrick for the reply. Bingo starts at 6!! Gonna need lots of $$$$$ for this one.