Restoration gripes

[Rolling_Thunder]

Alright - I have a gripe...    I just got a hemi cuda in the shop that was restored by a "big name" restorer out here in CA. i am amazed at the shitty work this guy puts out and still manages to have a "big name"...    The Cuda has two different shades of sublime on it, overspray everywhere (not where it is supposed to be), shoddy bodywork, cut corners abound, and most of all...    the hemi runs like shit...     

Why is it people like this maintain their dominance in restorations?  The purple 340 Cuda my shop turned out is admittedly nicer by all involved...    both owners as well as numerous others...        so what gives ?

[Blown70]

Maybe he is trying to make a living off the name and no longer cares.  Certainly sounds like it?  I hate when people say so and so did the work.... half the time I think it looks like crap that anyone in a sand shop could do....

That is what I have seen, maybe the guy doesnt do his own work or inspect it either?

[69_500]

Its true, I've seen many cars turned out by the supposed "GREAT MOPAR" restoration shops, and some times their work seems subpar to some back yard work. Although you also have to stop and think about what the client wanted out of the car. Some people don't have deep of pocket books, and so they allow the shop to cut corners on some areas. Others have unlimited funds and go all out.

[greenpigs]

Are you sure he did the work on the Hemi?
Was it just a spot job on the paint trying to keep as much of the original paint as possible?
Did the owner "tune it up" ?

[Rolling_Thunder]

The engine is a 472 crate from Mopar...      "J" (as I will refer to him) was kind enough to install a cracked exhaust manifold and tell the buyer it was a "simple exhaust leak fix" - - -   turns out he also used studs on the manifolds...    meaning I have to pull the steering gear box out to get the manifold off the studs...     

The trunk floor is pitted heavily and just painted over...    there is a fitment problem on the passenger door that has caused paint chipping already, and numerous other problems...       it still confuses me. 

[Mike DC]

And people still ask me why I insist on doing my own bodywork. 

[hemihead]

I do all my own work and I don't care how long it takes . Most people in this hobby don't know how to do the work on cars so they just pay for it .
Most shops don't care about the car because it's not theirs . They only care about the money . I have see lots of really really bad work on show cars and heard guys actually brag about the car and how much they paid for it .But you can't point out anything just to be constructive because the get nastily defensive . I just walk away shaking my head in pity .

[472 R/T SE]

  "J" (as I will refer to him)

Could I buy a vowel?  How 'bout two of them?  u, i  Am I close...if so, I'd like to solve the puzzle.

[69_500]

I think you need $200 to buy a vowel don't you?  Haven't watched Wheel of Fortune in years, so price may have changed, heck the rules might have changed as well.

[2Gunz]

As in "Restorations by J".


If it is Ive meet him one time, seemed like an ok guy.

Bought some parts, but never felt compelled to go back.


People that I have talked to about him give mixed reviews.

[daytonalo]

Is it him and how much was resto ?? I have had two people walk in my shop and insist I work on their cars in the last week , and their cars are are currently being restored in other shops . What are going hourly rates for resto work out there


Larry

[Rolling_Thunder]

Q: Is it him or not ?

A: I would rather not say (legal reasons/plead the 5th)



Q: Hourly rates out here?

A: Usually $85-$100/hr

[daytonalo]

I'm cheap @ 55 per hour

[Blown70]

I'm cheap @ 55 per hour

Your in NJ,  I would guess you could get at least $70 if not more.... that is at least $100 per day more.     

[PocketThunder]

I'm cheap @ 55 per hour

And you have nice posters on the wall.. 

[moparstuart]

I'm cheap @ 55 per hour

you would have to pay me to put up with you ! 

[daytonalo]

My friend  say the samething about me !!!!! When I have 5 people knocking my door down , that is when I raise price . This a Mustang before it was rubbed and buffed


Larry

[Blown70]

Seems to be an odd reflection in the paint....

[daytonalo]

Just some horses Ass !!!!!

[PocketThunder]

Just some horses Ass !!!!!

You are wearing shorts to work this time of year?   

[daytonalo]

I'm FNN wacked !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FLG]

Seems to be an odd reflection in the paint....

Dont worry, it'll buff out

[Blown70]

Just some horses Ass !!!!!

You are wearing shorts to work this time of year?   

would appear to be slippers as well.......Larry

[daytonalo]

Their my dinner shoes !!!

[69_500]

Your dinner shoes? What you mean they let you out of the straight jacket long enough to put slippers on for dinner? 

There are various prices that "Mopar" Restoration shops charger per hour. Some as low as $35 per hour, some as high as $120 per hour. And if you ask me, some of the cheaper ones turn out better products. Most of the high dollar ones I've looked at, tend to do some really nice work, and then some other work that isn't so impressive. Seems to be hit or miss.