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How Much Time and How Much Money? These are t he exist ent ial quest ions,

Once you've determined what you want to do with your car and what your purpose is for doing it, you're left with the
questions of who is going to do the work and how much time is it going to take. Assuming you have some skills, the tools,
the place to put your car while the work is underway, and friends you can call on to assist, your costs will be more
manageable because you aren't going to be paying for labor.

But for discussion purposes, let's presume you have decided to shop the job out. A spread sheet will be your best friend.
After you've established a top end budget, plus or minus 20% for the unexpected which will definitely occur., you're ready
to take the plunge. An average classic car restoration using professionals costs between $40,000 to $60,000, and that's
beginning with a car in reasonably good condition. Labor is the biggest driver in cost. The average car takes 40 hours just
to disassemble. Labor , depending on your area of the country, runs on average $80-100 an hour. If you decide to send
your car to an out -of -state shop you will also have transportation costs, to and from , to figure into your budget.

Know how your shop wants to be paid and know it up front. Will they bill you monthly, request a draw up front, agree to
finance at an agreed upon interest rate, or allow you to make payments? Make sure the financial agreements are clear
before you sign the work order. Get a written scope of work for mechanical, electrical, paint and body and upholstery.
Get agreement on the scope of work with estimated costs, in writing, Document the condition of your car with photos
before you turn it over to the shop .

Then, repeat several times: there is no such thing as a quick, inexpensive, professional restoration. If you're hoping to get
your money back or make a little money after a restoration only start with a car that is investment quality. It takes an
average of 750 hours to restore a standard TR6. Do the math cost to value ; numbers aren't sentimental even if you are.

423 West over Drive

Columbia, Tennessee 38401

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