Does any one know where I can find a great restoration shop? I am wanting to start my car next year. I would like to do it my self but I don't have the time,tools or knowledge to do a full blown resto. I am wanting a shop that doesn't cut corners and are able to do a complete restoration. My car is rusted bad, I have the sheet metal from other donor cars. So that isn't an issue. Thanks for your time.

 

I would start by talking to other owners. Go to a couple of shows/cruse-ins and start looking around and talking to owners. Also join a car club. I would also try to stay somewhat local so you can check up on progress.

Larry

 

Thanks for the reply.Their isn't much of car shows or cruse-ins around my area. Locally, no one wants to touch her. Too much work for them. I don't want to dump a car on someone who isn't really into her. I will ask around

 

I am assuming you are talking about the 77' in your username? If so my suggestion would be to ship in a rust free car from the Southwest. Its one thing to do the work yourself and only be out labor but the best 77' Cutlass is not worth much and to pay a shop to do extensive rust repair and quality restoration as going to set you back $20K-30K before you blink.

 

Thanks gears for the input. The reason why I want to use this car because my father ordered it from GM back in 76. So it has sentimental value too me and more so that he passed away this summer. Keep this car in the family, one day pass it on to my boys.

 

I understand just want to make sure you know what you are getting in to. The cleanest restored 77 Cutlass you could ever build would be lucky to find someone give 10-12K if you had to sell it.

 

With that being said, maybe some of the Canadian guys might have some suggestions.

 

Richard pretty much summed it up.

 

I wont ever look into selling her. Been a part of this family a will stay with us. Thanks for your input.

 

Another option I know you said you dont have the time tools or knowledge, but I think at some point we all started w not enough time tools or knowledge, and if you have kids working onthe car together over a number of years can do a couple things, you aquire the tools as you need them and the time spent w your kids is priceless and it teaches them a few things like responsibility and perseverence as well as budgeting. if theyve had a hand in rebuilding it they are far more likely to want to keep it and not sell it for quick cash....

My son 'helps' me w lots of stuff on my car, he loves to clean up the dirty parts and uses a wire brush or wheel to get rust and grime off them he enjoys scrubbing stuff down w soap and water and I let him paint a couple things w close supervision. He has a first hand knowledge of the car and some of the parts as well....one day a teacher at his school said nice GTO and he let her know it was a cutlass !!!! hes only in elementary school now but when he gets older I like to think he will be able to and be motivated to work on his car, bike, toys etc and remember the times we shared working on the car !!!

you can make more money but you cant buy more time

 

Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, well said retro. I will use your wisdom. Thanks

 

Someone around the 'Peg' has a red '57 Olds Fiesta wagon. He also owns a speed shop...if he hasn't retired yet. I think his nickname is 'Softy'. Try to track him down to get some guidance with your project.

 

Thats priceless, I think I'll try this with my grand son.

 

Your talking about Winnipeg? If so I am only 3 hours away. Are you talking about Softy's Speed Shop?

 

Yes...I was in Winnipeg a couple of years ago, visiting my brother-in-law and went downtown to the cruise-in and spoke with Softy about his wagon...nice car, slightly modified custom. I'll see if I can dig up some pictures of his car.

 

I think it is on his web page

www.softys.ca