Professional restoration shops

[Editor_Reid]

"JimSnack" wrote:

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Another Newbie here...I've been lurking for a month or so and thought it was time to register. I don't own an AH yet, but am beginning my research. Here's a question for those more experienced:

Okay, say I found this car in a barn and decide to go for a professional restoration. What are some of the better professional restoration shops out there?
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JimSnack,

I'm starting this subject in a new thread since it really is a separate question. Since you are contemplating the purchase of an Austin-Healey I would highly recommend joining the two national clubs ( Austin-Healey Club USA and Austin-Healey Club of America and a local club if there is one in your area. In the club publications you will find ads for some of the better-known Healey specialists.

Personally I have had only one Healey professionally restored, and so I could not really state which shop is the best based on one experience with one shop. I'd also add that unless someone has personal experience with many shops, having had a car restored at each restoration shop, they would not really be in a position to make definitive statements about which is "the best" either.

Clearly different people will have different favorites, but by joining both national clubs and gathering lots of opinions from lots of people, you should be able to come to a comfortable conclusion. The good news is that there are several good choices. Depending on how much you are willing to spend and what you want the final product to be ("show car" or "nice driver" or vintage racer, etc., etc.), you may even want to pick a shop closer to where you live so that you can keep a close eye on things.

Good luck (and join the clubs!).

 

[JimSnack]

Thanks for the advice Reid. I have already joined both clubs. In fact, after receiving the resource book from AHCUSA I discovered, much to my delight, that there were two Austin Healey owners less than 5 miles from where I live! In fact. I drive past one member's house almost every day. I've already spoken to both owners and had the opportunity to see one of the cars. My education begins.

Furthermore, in the last two weeks I met a woman in my area who has a brother-in-law restoring a 100M. She has promised me a ride when it is done. I've only begun my research and I am already meeting some wonderful people.

I figure the best way to learn about owning an Austin Healey is to talk to other owners. For that reason, I'm planning on attending a few British Car shows this summer. Perhaps I'll see you at one.

I'm sure there are a number of good restoration shops and it is probably impossible to say who is the best. I was just curious about shops on the East Coast. I travel a lot, especially to the Washington DC area, and I'd love to visit a few shops as part of my continuing Healey education.

 

[Editor_Reid]

You're definitely on the right track: join the clubs and meet other members, pick their brains, and research, research, research. Hope to see you at a British car show this summer. I definitely have some on my schedule! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[w. scott brunkhurst]

Just remember that evertthing you do will probably cost you 50% more than you expected. The wheel cylinders I just had re-sleeved were priced twenty bucks higher per piece and they didn't ask if I still wanted to do it. For a few bucks more I could have bought new ones.

SB /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

 

[Editor_Reid]

SB makes an excellent point. The old rule of thumb for determining the cost of an auto restoration is "Double what you think it will cost, then add 50 percent." (I wish I could say I was kidding.)

Dealing with a professional shop that is experienced with Austin-Healeys will give you an opportunity to zero in a little better on your actual cost before you begin, but additional expenses are inevitable.

"It's always something." /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

 

[Basil]

[ QUOTE ]
SB makes an excellent point. The old rule of thumb for determining the cost of an auto restoration is "Double what you think it will cost, then add 50 percent." (I wish I could say I was kidding.)

[/ QUOTE ]

No, you're not kidding! Now you know why it's taking me so long to restore my E Type! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif