I know, strange subject. Just received a phone call from my mother. My Dad's vision is getting worse (macular degeneration). They are currently in Florida doing the snow bird thing. They live in Southeastern Michigan during the warm weather, Florida when it is cold.

OK, I'll get to the point. He has a 1950 GMC pick up. Sorry, not exactly sure of the exact model. It has the original engine, heck everthing is original. It was his Uncle's truck from new, my Dad bought it about 10 years ago when his uncle passed, and hauled it from California to Michigan for a nice retirement project. He acquired replacement parts, books, tools, etc. All set for retirement.

Shortly after that, Moms father became ill (alzhiemers), and that occupied both of them for the past 5-6 years. They cared for him untill he passed last year.

Then came hurricane Charlie. The place down in Florida took a $15,000 hit. Dad did all the fixin and repairs himself last year, I helped as much as I could on short trips from MI to FL. The place is in good shape now.

All this time, Dad's eyesight was getting worse, doctors are doing what they can, but damage is done.

He no longer has the ability to restore the truck. Thats where mom comes in.

She called me this evening wanting me to write a letter to "one of those car fixin shows to see if they will fix your dad's truck". I smiled.

I tried to talk to her about the odds of this ever happening and we discussed plan B. Plan B is to have the truck restored next winter. When they leave for FL, I haul the truck to a resto shop, and they do what they gotta do, mom writes the checks, I communicate with the resto shop, and hopefully when they come back in the spring, guess what is sitting in his garage waiting for him??

So, looking for advice on how to select a shop. What to look for, what is the normal procedure, any reccomendations, etc. I really don't know where to start. I am not a total dummy to this, I do my own car wrenching, I have restored a few vintage motorcycles (american and british). I just have never looked into anything like this before.

So if anyone could help out Momma (and me), with any info you may have. I was thinking about $20,000 for budget (is that realistic?), does not have to be a showroom resto, just a nice looking "driver". Close to original in appearance. Nothing custom. Truck does not run now, but did when put in the garage 10 years ago, but engine work is least of my worries (that will be my contribution to the project). Just trying to find a descent shop in southeastern michigan.

Sorry for the long winded sob story, just trying to get a start at this. Sure would be a nice treat for the old guy, thnks for your time and hopefully information.