The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Fair price to suicide doors?

Not much to add to the subject, just wondering what was fair market value to have the doors swing the other way on my new 66. I have been quoted 500 a door, and that gets the door ready for paint too. Which sounds pretty fair, let me know what you think (about the price that is ;-))

Why?

Well I know not everyone likes customizing these classics. However, with classic trucks becoming more popular I want mine to stand out from the rest. In addition, with the handles shaved hardly anyone will be able to tell. So now that you know why. Does 500 sound fair?

There is a lot of work involved. Will they also install selenoids?

As to why. . . because it's fun, right?

It just sounds like at least $1000 worth of work to have it done right. If you have plenty to spend it might be fine, but usually I don't have enough money for the engine and paint goodies I want, let alone redesigning the truck.

You also have to consider resale value. If the job was done right I guess to the right person it might be a valuable asset for your truck to have. But, for the masses, it might be a turnoff.

So, with plenty of money and building a truck for yourself, there is nothing wrong with it. There are thousands of them around.
:p

As for the solenoids, I would assume yes, but I’ll have to wait and see. It will be done correctly to, which includes moving the weight around so you don't get the "sags” and stuff like that. Just an idea right now, I to am not sure of funds, but hell 500 a door, its real hard to beat that.

As far as retail value, I don't really care about that. I picked up the truck w/ minimal rust etc. short wheelbase, big back window. Came w/ Early classics disc brake installed, lowered spindles and drop coils in back, plus new shocks, all of which has never been ridden on. Because I bought the truck all taken apart, and since it’s in that condition I figure I might as well get the body work done. Cause as most of you who have been on this board a while know, I already have a HI-po 383 and 700-r4 in my 63 now. So I figure even if I don't do body work if I mix the trucks as they are now, I’m looking at 10 grand easy (resale) and body and paint can only raise that. But bottom line the truck is for me.

I have been customizing for 25 years. I chopped the top on my '48 when I was just 16 and a month.

I tell you this so you understand, suicide doors are not as easy to do as you would think. I have done them, and I have seen lots guys try. Few of them that I have seen I would want on my truck. If not done correctly it is a HUGE mess.

That being said, think about this. Why do you want to do something to your truck that is only seen when you open the doors? First of all, a truck or car is ugly with the doors open. It breaks up all the lines. I can't for the life of me figure out why guys will leave the hood open on a car or truck at a show (other than of course where it is actually being judged and it needs to be open for points).

So, if you are going to follow me and not leave them open, the only time your $1,000.00 is going to be seen is when you get in and out.

I say spend your money on details,good old fashion detailing is what makes a truck stand out. A fully customized truck done "ok" is ALWAYS going to be out shown by a stock bodied well detailed one.