The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk What if someday never comes

It's been 25 years since I found my first love -- 1937 bucket of bolts. 25 years of collecting parts catalogs. 25 years of "I can't wait until (fill in the blank) happens and then I'll start my dream project". Well, what if someday never comes? It's been elusive at best. And I just want it done. But I don't want just anybody getting their greasy mitts on it! I would like to ask you old truck gurus, who/where would you take your truck, if you couldn't restore it yourself? I want a shop that loves old trucks. A shop that specializes in restorations (not rods). Northern California would be great but if the reputation was well above excellent, I think I would take it anywhere. I did read Martins article on finding a good restoration/body shop, which was great. Now I'm asking you to name names! I hope that's ok. This is my forever truck. I plan to drive it for the rest of my life with my '53 as a back up/workhorse. They sure do make me smile.

I worked at http://www.vintagemotorcarco.com/Welcome_to_VMC.htm.
They have some great people there. I would not hesitate to have them work on my vehicles if I had the money. The sheet metal work that John (one of the owners) does is first class.

The two owners of VMC worked at White Post for several years each before starting there own business. No restoration shop is perfect, but from working at VMC for over a year, and from the stories I have heard about WP from several past employees, I would go to VMC. I don't know about any of the other shops.

Grigg

Welcome to the 'bolt Humble1. Patrick's has been around for a long time and is considered one of the gurus in the business of keeping these ol' bolts going. He now has a restoration shop and can do anything from modifications to turnkey jobs. His website is www.patricksantiquecars.com

Be aware though, anything you farm out is going to cost mucho $$$. I'd recommend for you to do anything you can on your project for that reason and also just for the satisfaction of doing it yourself. BUT, I can understand your desire to get your truck on the road ASAP too. Good luck!

I have a '37 myself and even though it is taking FOREVER I'm trying to do it myself. I've gotten the frame and suspension done and working on brakes and powertrain.

I wish you luck on your project!

Anyone know what kind of job Bob Adler does in NY? I have talked to him a number of times, don't know what kind of quality and value he turns out of his shop? I have a feeling it is good.

Grigg

Welcome. You always gotta just believe that someday will come. Best of luck on the project, do everything you possibly can yourself, just for the experience, and for everything else, just ask around, or stop by local body shops and talk to the manager and get a feel for the kind of work they do.

Welcome Humble1, I am on the same side of the fence as 50ChevyScott, ask around and go to various car shows and talk to the folks.

How much have you got done on your truck?
Do you have any pictures to share?

I do not profess to know the current shop rates in the USA. However, say it costs $60/hour for labour and it takes anywhere from 800- 1000 hours to do your restoration, man o man, you are talkin' big coin.

Then you still have to factor the purchase of additional parts if you are missing some stuff.

Hey...if you got the bucks...just get it done!

That's my 2 cents...and I am expecting change back

Thanks you guys. For the encouragement and the tips! My '37 is a bit of a case -- but not a lost cause! It has morphed a bit over the years and I am embarrassed to say I allowed my (then) spousal unit to talk me into modifying my truck into a bit of a frankenstein. Bad call on my part. It now has a big block, auto trans and a mustang II front end etc. It was also dropped tho not chopped. That particular "restoration" (not) was done about 18 years ago. And it is worn out. I know this truck can make a comeback to original status but because it has been altered so much it feels like it's a job that is over my head. My '53, on the other hand, has been fun to work on because it's all there and it's just a matter of replacing/fixing parts. Makes my heart sing just to sit in the danged thing! Weird. I'll borrow a digital camera (yes I am the last person on the planet to own one) and see if I can post some pics. Thanks again one and all. You are all an inspiration to me!

Well, I am out here in CA, and this may seem a little "obvious" but yellow pages in them phone books works. I am a little lucky. I have a family of car nuts. And the ones who arent, no a guy who is. However, stuff like interior and odds that I need to find like that I have found in the phone book. Along with body work, painting and a large assortment of bod shops. Start there. Go to swap meets, car shows and such and as the guys there "hey you know where I can go to get X done?" A vast amount o knowledge is found there, also here too. Restore/body shops will nearly ALWAYS have pictures of cars they have worked on that are classics. So, you can request pics or references! Good luck! At times I wish I had the money to pay someone to just do it, but then what do I have to take out my frustration on???

Welcome to the 'bolt... do it yourself... or, sell it all and buy a completed truck!!! you will be money ahead if you do that...

If money is not a factor...
http://www.sachserodshop.com/