Frame off restoration

JRmass12: wondering what people have spent on doing frame off restorations. Dealing with car from the northeast and quite a bit of rusted out areas.

Mister 56: depends on how much work you can do yourself,

JRmass12: Thanks...but my question was...what others have spent.

Mister 56: i only know personally what 2 others have spent that have had professional shops do such work,
one is a 46 Ford Business Coupe done in Austin Texas and the prices was $135,000 about 5 years ago,
the other was a 1970 GMC SWB truck done at a shop in California and the price was about $163,000 and it was done 2-3 years ago
I'm sure even higher today

Mister 56: what car/truck you have in mind?

JRmass12: Yeah...way more than I would ever spend. Cheaper just to buy one restored. No emotional connection to the car. It's a 57 Tbird and I plan on doing alot. Car will be a driver. Nothing for show/competition.

JRmass12: Not sure if parts availability was big in those prices? I have complete car and what needs replaced is readily avail. Thanks for your info

Mister 56: that's where this hobby is going to,
the 70 GMC , it was sold for $81K last year

JRmass12: Right now...my goal is to get the engine stripped down...see if I can get it to turn over. Replace things as needed.

Mister 56: what is it a 312?
you pulling it out?

JRmass12: hi....I have not been here in a long time. I believe it is...the car no longer has original motor so just a guess it was replaced with something similar

Mister 56: took my 56 apart, glass out, stainless trim off , bumpers off grille headlights door locks handles had it painted, $9000, then I installed all new 8 pieces of glass new weather striping molding clips that was about $3750, just got it all back together in Nov last year, took from Feb to Nov to do all that, 3 month to put it back together

Mister 56: just an idea of how much time it took

JRmass12: Wow..very nice. I spent part of last summer taking out engine parts. Needed alot of cleaning. This summer I am going to try and pull the engine...time time time. I figure with me doing alot. Will still need $20k. So your numbers make sense. Congratulations on getting all that done. I am sure you are very happy about it. Any national car parts for classics you would avoid?? Thx for feedback. Is that a current pic?

JRmass12: Yeah...I under estimated time for my addition on my house...I am guessing same here...lol. just had to get all the kid stuff out of the way before money goes into the car

Mister 56: I bought this car in 1980,
I have redone it twice

Mister 56: "Any national car parts for classics you would avoid??"
I have not run across any parts places that I would not recommend, I have been lucky.

JRmass12: That's good. I met an old neighborhood friend. .he has same 1957 tbird...he said tons of parts avail. Don't mind paying extra ...especially if cheaper is a big quality difference

JRmass12: I appreciate you keeping me updated on your progress. You...all the restoration shows...car auctions...makes me wanna really kick into high gear