So I live in an HOA and have no shop in which to work on my project, so I found a reputable hotrod shop that specializes in ‘47-‘53 Chevy trucks. There were 4-5 such trucks in various stages of being being built when I visited the shop, and I observed good work. One of the trucks was being hurriedly finished so it could make the Mecham auction, their second truck there. I met one of the owners and found him low-key, straight forward, and seemed honest. I told him what I wanted done to my ‘51 patina half ton and got his opinion on several items I was on the fence about. After our hour long discussion I asked him to give me an estimate of what it would cost me. I waited a couple of weeks and finally received his email bid which included the following:
Mustang II front end w/ power steering
4-link rear suspension
Used 5.3 LS engine & new harness
Complete new wiring harness
Used 4L70-E transmission
Used rear axle
New Vintage Air a/c
Chrome tilt steering wheel w/ col. shifter
New floor
New Torque Thrust wheels
New tires
New gauges
New remote gas tank
New glass
No paint
No upholstery
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$30,000
I was pretty shocked and have not responded. I’ve tried to justify his price by telling myself that I’ve got no place to do it myself, that I’m not capable of doing it myself, that I’m not getting any younger and if I want to enjoy it for a few years that I should do it now, and that the prices of Chevy AD streetrod trucks have gone through the roof and that I could sell it and easily get my money back. At the end of the day I still think the price is outrageous. I never asked his shop rate, but I’m guessing it’s $75 per hour. I told him from the get go that I wasn’t wanting to spend a fortune to build a show truck, and that I only wanted the basics done, and I could work on the finishing touches myself, like installing a new wooden bed and dressing out the interior.
I’d like to hear comments from others, pro or con.
Thanks!
Last edited by Spotbiltxo; 09/03/2021 4:29 AM.
