1971 442 convert

Hi from Canada

Can any one give me an idea if this sounds reasonable?

Frame on body and paint with me supplying new quarters and trunk lid.
Total hours 178. I can give more details but don't want to bore everyone.

Thanks and I hope I have this in the right section if not please direct me to the appropriate section

Allan R

I want to start off by saying how commedable it is to see another Olds guy dedicated to breathing new life into a classic car. That said, I would also like to be written into your will, because I'm willing to bet that unless your best friend is doing this for the price of a 24, you're looking at big bucks and if that's no problem, I'd love some too

First off, frame on resto should cost a lot less than frame off since you're not doing anything to the underbody or frame. Kind of a loaded question. How much work does the car need? A lot or a little? How was the 178 arrived at? it would be better to see pictures of the car and a little breakdown of costs. If you're starting with a really good body, I would suggest you get more than just one quote to see what the market in your area is averaging. If you really want it done at that specific shop because you trust them, that's another story. Your 178 hours isn't inlcuding the cost of paint (which can be really pricey) or parts (be prepared for $$$$ on full quarter panels) or tax?

178 hours = ???? dollars? Is this 10-12,000 or more? What kind of paint? BC/CC? You're supplying (new? or repro?) parts. Some of these take a fair bit of time and mod to fit just right. That could eat up a fair chunk of time and money.

I really appreciate your concern about paying too much, or getting good value. But the way you've put it to us is like saying: I bought my wife a new ring, do you think it's worth it? Without being able to see what you are talking about, it's really hard to answer. We need some values to help you out. examples:
r&r rf fender = 4.5 hours
r & r trim = 8.0 hours
replace rs quarter = 12.0 hours
sand and contour = 26.0 hours
prep for paint = 6.5 hours
painting = 7 hours
wet sand and polish = 9 hours
replace rocker panel ls = 12.0 hours

BTW, where are you located in Canada? What's the name of the shop doing the work?

stevengerard

Alan said it better than I could. I got estimates from 5k all the way up to 80k and each shop said my car was in great shape to begin with. All I can say is no matter what the price quoted is, plan on doubling it in the end.

442scotty

Doesnt sound too far off for hours if done right...too many variables...I have had from 6000 from a guy doing mine at home to 13000 in a shop ( one small hole to patch)....Its always more than the quote...finding the right guy is the main problem...What part of canada are you in?

1971 442 convert

Thanks for the responses.

I am in Ontario near Oshawa.
I have had a number of guys look at the car and prices from 10 to 25K.
The fellow that was going to do the car is backed up so I went back to one of the best shops around our area and low and behold he does not have much work and has changed his pricing a fair bit. I have purchased all my parts from Fusick and have them in storage.

The Breakdown is as follows:
re&re trim and interior 24 hours
strip paint to metal 16 hours
metal bodywork quarters 40 hours
trunk 8 hours
doors 16 hours
refinish and prep 40 hours
prep and paint under hood 10 hours (will increase based on how far I want to go)
prep and paint 8 hours
wet sand and polish 16 hours
Total 178 hours

Materials $1500 (basf products glasurit)
Rate is $60 per hour

Total labor $10680 plus materials of $1500 for a grand total of $12180

This shop is called Vette Works and they do alot of Vetts (thus the name) but do all other sorts of cars as well. Been in business 20 years plus.

I understand that this is an estimate and have gone over the detail with him and realize that there may have to be an adjustment for the new parts ie. quarters, trunk lid etc.

This does not include any stripes or the rims being painted.

I will try to post the few picks I put on from the newbie section.

1971 442 convert

Sorry how do I post the pics again??

Olds64

I've heard alot of people say it's always a good idea to get estimates in writing. Also, make sure the shop has a timetable to finish your car. It would really suck if they had it for 3 years and didn't get anything done on it.

joe_padavano

$10K (I assume that's in Canadian $) is not unreasonable for a quality job, given the amount of work. You should be able to save some money by removing the interior and trim yourself.

1971 442 convert

I do not think 10 k is unreasonable either I was just thinking that the total hours seemed a little light based on what I have heard and what I have read on this site.
I would repost my pics but I can't figure how to do it. I must be dumb.

Jamesbo

I would guess 9-10 K

When you reply make sure you are in “Advanced” If it says post a “Quick reply” hit “Advanced”

Scroll down below the box you type in and hit “ Manage Attachments” A new box will pop up.

Hit “Browse”

The hit “Upload” and wait a few secs for the pics to up load. Then close this box.
Next you can hit “Preview Post and your pictures should be there.

There is a size limit on pics

oldsconv

I just got my 70 SX Conv back from the body shop in rural upstate NY (cheaper than NYC area). I paid $6700 = $5300 labor and $1400 materials for basecoat and clearcoat (he supposedly uses the better clearcoat available from PPG). Car is dark green - Sherwood. Mine started as a total empty shell - I took everything possible off, literally, just a rolling chassis so he did not have to R/R trim, glass, interior and emblems, etc.

I did the trunk floors and passenger floors myself and quarters were already done when I bought the car. He did have at least 20 hours in fitting the doors and patching one small spot on bottom of one door (shaving the edges and adding metal where needed to get gaps close) and also the repro fenders did not fit well (surprise surprise for Chinese stampings) so those required many hours of rework. Most of the panels were either plastic blasted clean by another guy for $400 (doors, trunk lid and hood) or were in EDP primer, which he sanded down anyway as he does not trust it (repro quarters, fenders). He did a little welding on trunk lid inner spot where it was perforated slightly. He also cut out and replaced the bottom of the windshield metal where it was rusted (I provided patch panel). This price also included doing the firewall black paint and underhood black and painting the metal dash.

The guy is well known in our area as doing a very good job for reasonable cost and he likes working on old cars, unlike most other body shops. He has a 2 year waiting list, so I had to plan accordingly. I think compared to other estimates I got ($10K plus materials), that I got a great deal and a great paint job.

1971 442 convert

Thanks for all your comments and expertise.

oldsconv

The one point I was trying to make on mine which I may not have clearly: Mine had all metal work mostly done other than windshield and small patches. If you need quarters and other major work, you will be at the $8-10K mark. My guy did sound cheap for quarters - he said if I had needed them it would be - $400 labor each side to R/R including outer wheelhouses, plus the parts of course.

1971 442 convert

Thanks oldsconv I have taken to the shop and they start today I posted some pics in the major build area.

alexrains

even it is a little late for another comment, but i kind of envy you in the west across the wide ocean...
my 1966 442 will be getting a sole exterior paintjob (by a good professional) and they estimate Eur 6.000.- which is USD 8.600.- (without the material).
it was not the cheapest offer, but the only realistic one from guys who know, what they are doing and they start in about 2 weeks from now.

and my one-of-a-kind 442 deserves it - yes !