So what does a restoration really cost these days?

[Tinster]

Re: So what does a restoration really cost these d

Yup, good story: I was a blah, blah and arranged a bunch
of matertials and labor from one of my projects be donated
to construct a ball park for a poor kids neighborhood.

At Christmas, a rather large cashier's check was enclosed
in a card sent to me. I purchased a slightly used, hot
red 'Ropa.

It must be good to help those less fortunate. Being
raised a poor kid myself, I can appreciate small acts of
kindness.

d

 

[Fairview]

Re: So what does a restoration really cost these d

Thanks again for all the great responses and input to this thread.

I thought I'd post the reason for the thread. A friend wanted an "easy project" so I went with him to see 3 Triumphs that were listed on Craigslist for Roanoke, Virginia. Here is a link to those cars:
Craigslist Triumphs Roanoke Virginia

After looking at those projects, I was curious about current restoration costs. I'm trying to convince my friend to drop the idea of a project, and go ahead and face facts and buy a TR that is ready to go. If he had the time to enjoy the work of a project, fine, but that isn't the case.

Thanks, Jeff

 

[myspitfire]

Re: So what does a restoration really cost these d

I love every moment of it Paul.She's a lovely lady!The last upgrade were those wonderful 'Coker' whitewalls.A natural for this classic.

 

[RobT]

Re: So what does a restoration really cost these d

I purchased a slightly used, hot
red 'Ropa.
d

Great story. So if it was "slightly used", I'm guessing this was late '70s early '80s. Quite a radical ride for that era. And lots of fun no doubt. Another side of the multi-faceted Tinster revealed. Thanks for sharing.

Rob.

 

[toysrrus]

Hi There roofman,

I just saw your car on ebay. What are you planning to get to work on?

Your write-up looks really good & accurate.

Best Wishes,

Russ

 

[Larry4A]

I took 6 years to do a total rebuild of a 4a and by the time all said and done it was just over 24K. So the average expense on the family was about 4-5 grand a year for my hobby. The advantage is you get to know everything about the car, all the systems and how they work so if it has problems while on the road you know whats up and how to mend it, what parts to carry with you etc. When you finish the project the regular maintenance needs to be done so who better to keep ahead of Lord Lucas and other gremmies.

Notice the red 4a is missing the rear bumper-ettes that house the licence plate lights also the dash dimmer switch and wiper washer pump knobs are missing. The body work is the most expensive of all the restoration items so its important to really look underneath and especially at the back door posts where they come to the floor. I see rocker panel issues so a good poke below is in order.

When done these LBC's are a great drive and head turner. The wife has really come to love the club outings and get-a-ways or just that old fashion sunday drive. Thats why there are so many great people here on this form to ask questions for parts or ideas if you decide to tear one apart.

All the best and good luck in your quest.

Cheers

Larry 4A

 

[Brosky]

Re: So what does a restoration really cost these d

As I sit here and get ready to order the parts for my new engine, I've come to realize that I will probably never get out of my car what I will have put into it, especially after this latest engine project. But that's not a reason for me not to do it.

As Larry said, it's a great hobby that I enjoy with my wife and we've made great friends with this hobby, me even more so than her. I've belonged to country clubs for over 30 years and I dread to think of what that has cost us, with nothing at all to show for it. At least I can go out and get in this and go for a ride when it's nice out. Or, if I ever wanted, I could sell it. Try selling your past 20 or 30 years of paid dues to any golf, tennis or swim club to someone. Great fun and memories, but no equity.

I'm preserving a piece of history and a part of our lives so that we can enjoy it whenever we wish to do so. The memories that I have with this car and my wife are worth more to me than the dollars that I've invested into it.

And when I'm gone, one of my grandchildren or nephews will hopefully enjoy it as well.

 

[Duane3]

In my opinion it is not cheap,, you are better off buying one all done.but it depends on you . at least that way you know it is done right,,. make sure you have documentation on rebuild and engine..my spitfire 1980 I got for birthday present from my wife,,and she really did not know what she was buying but it was a surprise, well really nice paint not British color but mettalic blue gold flake,, looks nice, however I have had the engine rebuild,, new brakes ,calibers ,,rear springs,, got parts to do the complete front end to rebuild the a aframes of the front suspension,, all parts..really no rust.. rebuild the overdrive,, new tires , radiator..and more now you could drive the car but oil leaks tranny, overdrive,, anyway ..her buying it this is my 3rd one had a 65 ,, 78,, almost got killed in that one it was a mess in an intersection..anyway.. 5500 car, 5100, engine clutch , tranny overdrive redone. 900...2100 for brakes and new lines and all.. new wiper motor..on my my exhaust comes out the left side,, Do not know why..so anyway total it up plus many extra parts..it is what it is,,if you are rebuilding one of these to make money forget it.. I thank Victoria British for being there,, they are great and have reasonable prices and no issues with them for example....monza exhaust victoria 343 dollars plus shipping.. Moss motors same exact thing ,,500 plus shipping.. Moss is always high on parts just saying this for all out there to maybe take a look and compare,, anyway the 65 was the best running one I have ever had ..78 6 weeks got tbone.. long story there.. but this was then.. thanks..Duane..

 

[DavidApp]

If you buy one that is done a very detailed inspection should be undertaken or you may find you have bout a Flip project with horrors covered up with shiny paint.
If you do it your self as I did you will get immense satisfaction when you look back on the journey. I think I get as much of a kick out of the restoration as I get driving my TR3A.
I did not add up the costs as I knew it would probable horrify me. It is a labor of love not a labor for profit.

My 2 cents worth.

David

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

I think I get as much of a kick out of the restoration as I get driving my TR3A.
I did not add up the costs as I knew it would probable horrify me. It is a labor of love not a labor for profit.

My 2 cents worth.

David

Totally Agree.

Cheers
Tush

 

[Graham H]

I totally agree too David, I gave up adding it up when I got to around $80000.00 in case my wife went through my figures .

Graham

 

[PAUL161]

Just butting in here, It can cost a couple grand just for a day or two in Disney World, then it's gone forever! $250.00 at least to your local amusement park for a day! So putting a couple grand in your time machine isn't that bad, and you have it to enjoy for as long as you wish! Look on the good side and smile.:excitement: With your new toy you can have the enjoyment of getting skinned knuckles, sore knees, sore back, learn abnormal positions and getting kinks in the neck repairing wiring under the dash! So thinking about it, money well spent! I've enjoyed 9 years spending more money on a car than it's worth and having fun doing it! Keeping me off the streets and out of the bars also, can't afford those things. So, have fun and enjoy! :glee: PJ

 

[CJD]

I totally agree too David, I gave up adding it up when I got to around $80000.00 in case my wife went through my figures .

Graham

I had to add mine up at the end, just so I would know. I am glad to hear my restoration was not out of line with yours. It's been a couple years, but I remember north of $50k...and that was doing absolutely everything over 5 years except the crank on my own.

 

[HealeyRick]

The one thing people who buy project cars underestimate is the cost of bodywork and paint. Just supplies alone, with some reds selling for more than $500 a gallon will put a big dent in your restoration budget. And after hand sanding, priming and blocking the 80 louvers on my Healey three times on each side of the bonnet, I can safely say the reason body work costs so much, like divorces, is "Because it's worth it."

 

[ed_h]

If you do just about everything yourself, including body work, paint and interior trim, its possible to beat the price of a restored car. Of couse, you will have to value your time at zero, which is not unreasonable for a hobby project.

My TR6 took about 5 years and around $12K, but I'm pretty sure I couldn't buy it for that on the market.

Ed

 

[glemon]

Ed, I started writing the same thing last night, car and parts I am South of 20 grand on my TR250. It could be sold for a little more than that (probably a lot more if I were a better bodyman and painter). That is valuing my labor at zero, I have no idea how many hours.

 

[CJD]

Last year I flew with a guy who restores cars for a living. (This is the modern airline pilot...where you have to have other professions besides flying to get you through the 13 year furloughs!) Anyway, we talked cars for the entire 3 days. I was pleased to hear that he prepped and painted cars using the exact same techniques I spelled out in my bodywork thread. The only difference is he has a real paint booth, which I have to add-lib. I learned he now asks $40-$50k just for a show quality paint job...and he has a waiting list at that price!!

I used to say the difference in paint jobs is in the prep, and it is to a major extent. But, modern paints are mind numbingly expensive. The good side is they will last a lifetime, unlike the older paints. Straight laquer would dull after 2 years. Enamel, maybe 3. Then there were the early attempts at clear coating that pealed by 5 years. Today a properly applied base/clear paint will last until it is damaged.

2 weeks ago I fixed a dent in the Wife's car. I had to spray it 3 times until I was satisfied...not from my spray, but from frickin' dust and bugs. I told my Wife I will not be spraying any more paint until I can build a real paint booth to spray in. Paint and time are both too expensive to have to do multiple sprays.

 

[Suncoaster]

My TR3A is maybe 60%+ through its restoration process. The body is nearly ready to paint, frame's out for powder coating, steering and front & rear suspension rebuilt & ready to install. Engine being torn down for rebuilding. Transmission yet to be inspected, but should be OK. Interior (from Skinner's) ready to install.

It's a "checkbook restoration" due to my limited skills and my age & general health. I'm 76 and have zero welding & metalworking skills but do have some mechanical ability. I did manage to rebuild the steering box - with help from Mark Macy's site - while waiting for a slot to open up at the restoration shop.

So far, it has run a tad over $55K in labor and a bit over $11K in parts. I was fortunate in that I was able to accumulate most of the parts at sale prices over the months between the time the decision was made to commit to the restoration and the time that the shop was able to begin work on the car.

Yes, I could have bought a really nicely restored TR3A for lots less, but it wouldn't be "my" car. My dad bought this car in December of 1959 when I was 16, so there's some history there. Both the car and I were lucky to have survived my younger years.

This site, along with many contributors, has helped make the process much more successful and enjoyable. I'm continuing to learn more and more about these terrific cars.

Sincere thanks to you all and to Basil for making it all possible.

 

[DavidApp]

Hello Rick

Being "MY" car is a very important part of doing a restoration rather than buying a finished one on the open market.

I may have time to do another one.

David

 

[poolboy]

"What does it cost ?"
How does it go.... 'if you have to ask you probably can't afford it' ?