I have a question and am curious. I live in central Indiana. Has anyone been looking for a QUALITY restoration shop in or around the Indiana area? Interested to see how many of you can't find a shop you would trust with your car etc. And any thoughts you would like to add. I have had 40 plus camaros in my 39 years of life and have always completed all my own work in the evenings and on weekends. I am such a perfectionist and have never been willing to turn over my cars to anyone.
I am considering becoming a partner in an existing 4000 sq. ft. Body shop that is currently doing classic restorations. The shop in itself is an excellent shop already, they have a 69 TA, 70 GTO, super bird and a 30's ford coupe in the shop now, and have completed lots of muscle cars and customs etc. Its in a very remote area. They do no advertising and the 2 guys in the shop currently stay busy. Its a big place for just 2 guys and I see so much more potential. I want to take this shop to the next level, buy a digi swat spot welder add another lift, upgrade the existing paint booth to a down draft etc. and much more.
My day time job as residential building contractor, we all know how the new home market is at the present, has become unsatisfying. My true passion has always been GM muscle!! I currently own 4 camaros 67-L78, 67-convertible, 67 SS RS 350, and 69 Z28 and a 66 corvette roadster. I really want to do this, but to make a career change at 39 is a little scary. I am looking for the great advice and knowledge I always receive here on TC
So, Good move? Bad move? Bad timing? I will be making a healthy investment here. I have an attorney to handle all the legal stuff. I want to have some piece of mind that there are more guys like me that want a shop that strives for perfection. I know most people would probably agree that scheduling and turn around time are huge factors!! I'm not asking for your cars here, what I am asking, is for opinions and who is out there looking for a quality shop. How far are are most people willing to travel for a quality shop? etc. Thanks for your help and taking the time to read this and respond God bless!:thumbsup:
Travis

If you have a love and a passion for it, which it looks like you do, then you will be successful. I would give my left n*t to be able to have the chance to restore cars for a living as my own shop owner.

Go for it! Good shops will always do well if they treat their customers well. This one seems to be getting by on word of mouth. Imagine what some advertising might do. Follow your heart. If this is what you really want to do and are good at it, do it! Oh, and keep us posted.

I think the right shop in the right place will do great, but all things need to come together, and it sounds like there is already a good start so sounds like a good opportunity, and from what i've seen people will travel to get to a good shop.

There No Success Whithout Failure, I Own A Shop In Chicago For Over 30 Years, Doing Muscle Cars Is Very Rewarding, But Also Very Stressful, Availablity Of Good Parts & Endless Research,do Remember That People Wont Put Money Into Toys Before Their Homes. You Should Remember That Your Passion For Cars Wont Pay Your Bills, But Very Rewarding As A Hobby.

Thanks for the response Roger, Kevin, Chad and Tim. I do appreciate the advice and encouragement!
This is not just a spurt of the moment decision for me, I have been contemplating this for a while, even years. When I make this step ( in my opinion) it will no longer be a hobby for me, but a chosen career, one that I have wanted for close to 25 years.
I was first going to try and open my own shop, then this opportunity with the existing shop came about. It makes more sense in the dollars and cents side of things. This shop is up and running and has been for aprox 12 years. Another BIG plus for me is its not a collision repair shop!, seems to me the collision repair/insurance repair shops put these kind of cars on the back burner, if they will even take them in at all! I wanted to strictly do restorations and specialize in that! and thats exactly what we will be doing.
I do love these cars and enjoy building them and working on them. I have an eye for detail and I place HIGH standards on myself, failure at anything is unacceptable for me! I strive to be the best at everything I do, I may not always be the best, but that is always my goal.
I posted this to hear from everyone who wanted to chime in and offer any advice from A-Z. I want to make sure I try to cover all the bases and think of all the pros and cons, Im not 19 and just starting out in life, I will be 40 this year. This will be it for me! I also wanted to hear from fellow Hoosiers and the surrounding states just to see how many cars are out there that guys are wanting restored.
Thanks again everyone and God bless!
Travis

travis i love your passion & drive, best of luck to you,hard work always pays off emotionally & financially

travis i love your passion & drive, best of luck to you,hard work always pays off emotionally & financially

ThanksTim You have taken the time to post twice, and this along with your posts means a lot to me! God bless Tim!

Travis

Travis,

Where in Indiana is the shop? I am located right off of I 74 between Indianapolis and Cincinnati and know of a shop that kind of fits what you are describing. I know there are a lot of people interested in muscle cars around where I live. Even the younger generations. I am almost 25 and have owned 6 first gen camaros already. I do think there is a demand for quality work in the area. Good Luck and let me know where it's located so I can stop in and check it out.

Aarik

black, as i am a motor and transmission builder myself. part time i restore cars for people.to just buy into a company. check books on business first. meaning profits and expensives for last 2-5 years. why owner wants to sell. just dont try to jump in and think you getting a great paycheck each week. i love working on older cars. just as us all. i dont want you jumping in thinking it is a street lined with gold. cause that street is really pot filled. just like construction. it has its ups and downs. if you decide to go for it. take alot of pictures of before during and after to restoring whole car. it will help keep each car in a book. that way new customers will look at them and say wow this guy is great. and pays to detail on each book. good luck on your new voyage if you decide to take the dip.

As a present shop owner myself I would say go for it if you do good work at a timley fashon will be busy,but don't forget about the money deal ! It takes alot to run a shop. Do you have a plan on what you are going to charge labor wise & a markup on parts?The markup thing is hard to do because everybody can look and see that they could've bought the part for $xxx.xx . I would suggest just adding a little bit to your labor rate instead. Is the partner someone you truly trust? There have been alot of businesses that have failed because of a partnership going wrong. What about the wives or girlfreinds what do they think & do they get along with the partners betterhalf. This could be a problem also. Think it over.& if you do go for it . Good Luck !!!

yeah there is definetly a lot to think about with having a shop like this..
and keep in mind just because you are a perfectionist does not mean that everybody will be willing to pay for that.. that has always been a struggle in the business of restoring cars.

I have noticed that there has been one part of your original question that has been somewhat overlooked. The distance people are willing to travel. I don't want to mis lead or persuade you in any way. All I'm telling you is the facts that I know. I leave in E. TN. in the small town of Greeneville. About 30 minutes away is Johnson City(which is neighbors to Bristol Thunder Valley), just on the Greeneville side of Johnson City there is a town called Telford. For 23 years of my life I had no idea that Telford existed(unbelievably small town). A shop in Telford, called KBS, painted my wifes 66 Fastback Mustang. I talked with the shop owners for a while and became aquantinces with them. They told me that they had cars coming in from Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming, etc., etc. and then showed me the pictures to prove it. They then told me to watch Barrett Jackson in a couple of weeks. I did. They had two cars on there and sold for a lot of money. I believe that if these two guys can do it, just about anyone can. Too many paint fumes:yes: Take it for what it's worth. I'm a dumb 27 year old doing my first build, so my opinion shouldn't account for much. Good luck in whatever it is you choose. Jason

Travis,

Where in Indiana is the shop? I am located right off of I 74 between Indianapolis and Cincinnati and know of a shop that kind of fits what you are describing. I know there are a lot of people interested in muscle cars around where I live. Even the younger generations. I am almost 25 and have owned 6 first gen camaros already. I do think there is a demand for quality work in the area. Good Luck and let me know where it's located so I can stop in and check it out.

Aarik

Hi Aarik,
Thanks for the reply! Congrats on the 6 first gen cars that you have owned. I love to see some of the younger guys taking interest in these cars. :thumbsup:
I would be happy to meet with you sometime and show you the shop and the current cars in progress. The 40 Ford ( I made a typo on this earlier, its not a 30 its a 40) is almost done and will be leaving the shop soon.
Im bringing the first car I will be doing in the shop with me from past customer. Its a 71 SS 396 camaro, total numbers match car, protecto plate etc. I will be doing a frame off on this car. The owner of the car is a friend of mine and wants me to do the car as soon as I am settled in at the shop, probably a couple of weeks from now. Depending on when you come you may see this car.
The shop is located 1 mile off of US 31 north of Indianapolis about 20 miles or so. Very easy to find! You can call me on my cell at 317-225-1717 or email me at trengle@verizon.net to talk more if you would like.
Keep digging up those first gen cars:yes: Thanks and God bless!

Travis

good luck on your new job. hope it all pans out.

I have noticed that there has been one part of your original question that has been somewhat overlooked. The distance people are willing to travel. I don't want to mis lead or persuade you in any way. All I'm telling you is the facts that I know. I leave in E. TN. in the small town of Greeneville. About 30 minutes away is Johnson City(which is neighbors to Bristol Thunder Valley), just on the Greeneville side of Johnson City there is a town called Telford. For 23 years of my life I had no idea that Telford existed(unbelievably small town). A shop in Telford, called KBS, painted my wifes 66 Fastback Mustang. I talked with the shop owners for a while and became aquantinces with them. They told me that they had cars coming in from Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming, etc., etc. and then showed me the pictures to prove it. They then told me to watch Barrett Jackson in a couple of weeks. I did. They had two cars on there and sold for a lot of money. I believe that if these two guys can do it, just about anyone can. Too many paint fumes:yes: Take it for what it's worth. I'm a dumb 27 year old doing my first build, so my opinion shouldn't account for much. Good luck in whatever it is you choose. Jason

I agree with you 100%
I'm only 28 myself and doing all i can to grow my shop in the right direction, I opened at the age of 21 and have been going at it since.

I have noticed that there has been one part of your original question that has been somewhat overlooked. The distance people are willing to travel. I don't want to mis lead or persuade you in any way. All I'm telling you is the facts that I know. I leave in E. TN. in the small town of Greeneville. About 30 minutes away is Johnson City(which is neighbors to Bristol Thunder Valley), just on the Greeneville side of Johnson City there is a town called Telford. For 23 years of my life I had no idea that Telford existed(unbelievably small town). A shop in Telford, called KBS, painted my wifes 66 Fastback Mustang. I talked with the shop owners for a while and became aquantinces with them. They told me that they had cars coming in from Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming, etc., etc. and then showed me the pictures to prove it. They then told me to watch Barrett Jackson in a couple of weeks. I did. They had two cars on there and sold for a lot of money. I believe that if these two guys can do it, just about anyone can. Too many paint fumes:yes: Take it for what it's worth. I'm a dumb 27 year old doing my first build, so my opinion shouldn't account for much. Good luck in whatever it is you choose. Jason

Thanks for the reply Jason,
First let me say- don't sell your self short, you don't sound to dumb to me! and your opinion is just as important as anyone else's. I asked for anyone who was willing to respond, you took the time and again thanks. I was hoping I would get some response to this as well. VERY inspiring!! Funny thing is the owner has taken 2 cars to BJ also:thumbsup: a 67 corvette and I cant remember the exact car but it was an original Hemi car. Its been a couple years since he has been. The last time he went they were running way behind and his car was one of the last for the day and he was disappointed because he did not get any TV coverage like he thought he would.
I just hung up the phone with him a couple hours ago, I told him to hold on to his shorts, I'm coming with both barrels a blazin :D He said " GOOD, We need a kick in the a** around here"
The shop is not in terrible location, but not a lot of traffic on this road. I think with some good PR and a little advertising things would really go! Most everything the shop does is local word of mouth stuff. I want to change that! Thanks Jason and God bless!
Travis

yeah there is definetly a lot to think about with having a shop like this..
and keep in mind just because you are a perfectionist does not mean that everybody will be willing to pay for that.. that has always been a struggle in the business of restoring cars.

I can relate to that Chad. I am a perfectionist in the residential construction as well. People wont always choose me, I feel like I'm selling quality and experience. They will still go with the less expensive and less experienced contractor to save a buck, especially if they want to sell, then they tend to have no desire for quality its all about the money. Thanks Chad and God bless!

Travis

Just remember one important thing......... ONLY do cars hourly!!! Do not, repeat DO NOT give a total price on the job, you will lose. As far as the parts required, make the "list" for the owners, and let them order and pay for the parts, especially the large orders. Smaller items such as sheetmetal and paint supplies is ok for you to purchase so that it doesn't hold up your progress. C

As a present shop owner myself I would say go for it if you do good work at a timley fashon will be busy,but don't forget about the money deal ! It takes alot to run a shop. Do you have a plan on what you are going to charge labor wise & a markup on parts?The markup thing is hard to do because everybody can look and see that they could've bought the part for $xxx.xx . I would suggest just adding a little bit to your labor rate instead. Is the partner someone you truly trust? There have been alot of businesses that have failed because of a partnership going wrong. What about the wives or girlfreinds what do they think & do they get along with the partners betterhalf. This could be a problem also. Think it over.& if you do go for it . Good Luck !!!

Hi Will,
All good stuff! And points well taken, I have thought about most, but now I have a few more things on my list to check out:thumbsup: May need to pick your brain a little here in the near future? Thanks Will and God bless!
Travis

Just remember one important thing......... ONLY do cars hourly!!! Do not, repeat DO NOT give a total price on the job, you will lose. As far as the parts required, make the "list" for the owners, and let them order and pay for the parts, especially the large orders. Smaller items such as sheetmetal and paint supplies is ok for you to purchase so that it doesn't hold up your progress. C

Couldn't have said that better myself.. A lot of good advice coming in.
It is hard to start out not willing to give a quote though. I think you can quote to a point but there are always things that will come up. always!!

Just remember one important thing......... ONLY do cars hourly!!! Do not, repeat DO NOT give a total price on the job, you will lose. As far as the parts required, make the "list" for the owners, and let them order and pay for the parts, especially the large orders. Smaller items such as sheetmetal and paint supplies is ok for you to purchase so that it doesn't hold up your progress. C

Couldn't have said that better myself.. A lot of good advice coming in.
It is hard to start out not willing to give a quote though. I think you can quote to a point but there are always things that will come up. always!!

Now this has me thinking as well. With my construction business I pretty much always gave a estimate, with a note that any unforeseen work not on the estimate was an additional charge, Which was sometimes hourly, depending on what it was.
I believe I will have to go with how he is running the shop now, and that seems to be for the most part him giving an estimate, he did say that there would be occasions of hourly work.
You guys don't agree with this? I will talk with him more tomorrow on this.
Thanks again for the advice and God bless!
Travis

Honestly i have mixed emotions on quotes, it's just hard for me to quote something and make any money, but I will usually stick to the quote and not raise it unless i get into something major. but there are so many unforseen little things that always come up that end up getting you. maybe another ten years i'll have this figured out. but i'm struggling with that as of now.

I also own a resto shop.

Sounds like you are persistent on quality/detail, which is a good thing. Most people that are willing to spend the money to have a car restored want that. Some want "driver quality". The time/cost difference between detail and "black-out" is actually minimal. And another thing to consider with that is reputation. While the client may not care about the level of detail, other potential clients that "know" what theyre looking for, see low level of detail on said car, ask who did the resto and then might be turned off. All they know is what they see and who did the work, without knowing the particular situation of the build. It can be worth eating some labor in order to put out a quality product that represents your shop well.

With experience, you should be able to give a pretty close estimate. But it is an estimate only, there are always going to be things that pop up during a resto, pretty much all that will be in metal/body work. Try to add some hidden time in the estimate. It's better to estimate high rather than the other way around.

As far as letting the client order the parts, I don't do that. Has bitten me many more times than it has been beneficial. Some will think "well, my car really doesnt need that part", or "this other part is the same, but a lot cheaper". And depending, the parts wont get to you in a timely manner. I know what a car needs, and I know which parts are junk.

Just a few things to keep in mind.

I also own a resto shop.

Sounds like you are persistent on quality/detail, which is a good thing. Most people that are willing to spend the money to have a car restored want that. Some want "driver quality". The time/cost difference between detail and "black-out" is actually minimal. And another thing to consider with that is reputation. While the client may not care about the level of detail, other potential clients that "know" what theyre looking for, see low level of detail on said car, ask who did the resto and then might be turned off. All they know is what they see and who did the work, without knowing the particular situation of the build. It can be worth eating some labor in order to put out a quality product that represents your shop well.

With experience, you should be able to give a pretty close estimate. But it is an estimate only, there are always going to be things that pop up during a resto, pretty much all that will be in metal/body work. Try to add some hidden time in the estimate. It's better to estimate high rather than the other way around.

As far as letting the client order the parts, I don't do that. Has bitten me many more times than it has been beneficial. Some will think "well, my car really doesnt need that part", or "this other part is the same, but a lot cheaper". And depending, the parts wont get to you in a timely manner. I know what a car needs, and I know which parts are junk.

Just a few things to keep in mind.

Wow Dave,
I'm thinking we think alike! I have always ran my construction business exactly as you spoke here. My reputation meant everything to me, even If I didn't make what I wanted on a job in progress, I still gave it a 110% with the mind set that " this customer is not the only one who will be looking at this job" The customer may be totally satisfied, but the person they are talking me up to may not be impressed. So every Job was the same standard of excellence. I worked on Reggie Millers house, I built a house across the street from Kevin Call, use to play for the colts at that time around 1992 or 1993. He came over and would talk with my crew often and would bring coffee and drinks. He would take advantage of looking over the construction while there. At the end of every day we would put all the lumber in neat stacks and sweep the house out and pick up all and any trash. I knew that all the neighbors would walk through the houses in the evenings after we were gone.
I will carry the same level and standard of excellence that I would expect for my handful of GM muscle cars on to the customers cars! PERIOD!, and I am hard to please! I'm getting more and more excited by the minute, I have ALWAYS wanted to do this! Dave, I really appreciate the post! I may have some questions in the future if you don't mind? God bless!
Travis

You're more than welcome to ask any questions, Travis. :thumbsup: My contact info is in my profile, and pics are in my sig at the bottom of my posts. While I'm still young in age relative to many in this hobby/industry, I'm not exactly new to resto work. I was brought up on the same perfectionist mindset that you seem to have.

Resto can be a tough gig. Many will be "blinded" by a nice, shiny paint job, but I'm sure you know there is much more to a restoration than that. Most any paint/body shop can make a car look good on the exterior, but the difference is in the details throughout the car :yes:

Many of the cars that leave our shop are likely to be relegated to "garage/trailer queen" duty, we build them with confidence that they can be driven regularly.

good luck on your new job. hope it all pans out.

Honestly i have mixed emotions on quotes, it's just hard for me to quote something and make any money, but I will usually stick to the quote and not raise it unless i get into something major. but there are so many unforseen little things that always come up that end up getting you. maybe another ten years i'll have this figured out. but i'm struggling with that as of now.

Thanks BILL! And Thanks again Chad,
This is exactly what I was looking for, The good the bad and the ugly:yes:
Everyone has been great! Still open to listen to any other suggestions or ideas etc anyone has to offer. Thanks a ton and as always God bless!
Travis

You're more than welcome to ask any questions, Travis. :thumbsup: My contact info is in my profile, and pics are in my sig at the bottom of my posts. While I'm still young in age relative to many in this hobby/industry, I'm not exactly new to resto work. I was brought up on the same perfectionist mindset that you seem to have.

Resto can be a tough gig. Many will be "blinded" by a nice, shiny paint job, but I'm sure you know there is much more to a restoration than that. Most any paint/body shop can make a car look good on the exterior, but the difference is in the details throughout the car :yes:

Many of the cars that leave our shop are likely to be relegated to "garage/trailer queen" duty, we build them with confidence that they can be driven regularly.

Thanks Dave! I'm sure I will be asking some questions.

I agree, there is so much more than shiny paint! What makes the car is the planning a preparation prior to paint, and as you said the other details, none being to small. I have seen a lot of cars that look great as your walking up and then when you take a good look at the car you gotta wonder " Why bother? and what a waste of good money!" I'm no stranger to this either, I started building my first 67 camaro at age 14, almost 26 years ago. Since then I have had over 40 ( lost count a while back and don't even try anymore:)) and thats just camaros. I have had chevelles and corvettes to, some older chevy trucks also.

I built my first 327 engine at 14 in that same first 67 camaro 26 years ago, and its still running today in my Dads 67 camaro.

I have never tried making a living at this, but I feel like I have to go for it! Out of everything I could choose to do with my construction back ground included. I just want to build cars! From drivers, to 500 world of wheels show stoppers!! Customs, pro touring, retro rods-- I dont care what stage.
I want to do what I love and is my true passion for a change. I know its not going to be easy to make the switch, but with my background in cars and the shops reputation and being well established. I dont see a better opportunity presenting itself. The ultimate package for me would be all the above, but the shop be in a warmer climate:thumbsup: Its cold in Indiana and Im not big on snow anymore:sad: You cant have it all though, I have a great opportunity on the table. Unless something stops me dead in my track, I will be transferring tools to the shop in a couple of weeks along with my friends 71 SS 396 camaro.:hurray: Thanks again Dave and to all! God bless!

I thought I would hear from more Indiana camaro owners, where are you??

Travis

Once again Good Luck !!! Just remember alot of the time your expectations of what the car could & or should be may not match the car owners, that is the one of the reasons why I don't do to many restorations just mainly Ins. work.

Lafayette resident, Purdue alum and current grad student here.

I'd love to have the confidence and know how to get into the resto business, but I've got at least a few years before my first resto is done and I have any credibility. Besides, I like taking my time and doing it the way I want (plus its cheaper). Your skills are well beyond my abilities and if its something you love to do, what's been the hold up? I say if the timing feels right, go for it! Lets put a great Indiana resto shop on the map! (Sorry if there's one already out there....)

Good luck! :hurray::beers:

Fellow Purdue grad here, Indianapolis resident. I would like to see a shop around that caters to the restoration in Indiana also. Personally if I was looking for a shop I would look for a shop within a 1-2 hour drive, but I am sure there are people that would travel from other states for a reputable shop. Unfortunately I am not in the financial position to afford the luxury of someone restoring my car.

I know of one restoration shop in Greenfield, Indiana that does restorations. The name of the company is Vail's Classic Cars if you want to look them up. They tend to cater to the cars named after horses. I know they draw from many areas other than Indiana.

I do not know your plans but if you are looking at doing "Restorations" then there will be an advantage to picking a certain model of car and becoming an expert on that type of car for restorations. It would be hard to restore many different types of vehicles that you are not familiar with.

You mentioned restoration shop, but I do not know your definition of restoration shop. I do not need a full blown restoration shop for mine as much as I just need a good body shop that caters to older cars instead of insurance jobs. Others may want a shop that can restore to factory original and numbers matching and others may want a customized ride. Some will look for a company to do body work and others will look for a company that can handle every aspect of a restoration. You will need to decide what market you want to go after and that will affect your advertising and your business plan.

Good luck in whatever direction you take. If you have the passion, drive, determination, and resources I am sure you can make a business work in whatever direction you want to pursue. Keep us updated. You never know I may get knee deep into mine and decide that I need to have a shop do certain portions of my rebuild.

You bring up a good point also, i'm curious to know other people's take on this, i have a fairly new restoration shop also, and have been wondering if it would be wise to advertise more for being a camaro restoration/modification shop, or just advertise as a restoration facility, i'm not sure what would be the best plan of attack, i agree it would be easier to learn one model car inside and out, instead of learning many, i've restored more than just camaro's but after doing more of them, it seems to be easier in many aspects, you know more of what to expect in a restoration when you have done a few of them..

At the same token, i wouldn't see me saying no to a mustang or a mopar.

sorry to interupt your thread but i think it fits the conversation.

yes rod. for you to open a resto shop. just for camaros. you will be out of business in a year. i work on transmissions. if i said i do only gm trannys. i would be out of business,right now im working on a 72 mustang fastback and a 80 jeep both needing restoring.do the resources aka web. even if belair bob cant get you the parts.they are out there.2 years ago i did a 69 porsche 911 t. rebuilt motor and tranny. i found parts for it but expensive tho but it did it. time spent on computer to get parts i charge for or have customer to find parts. they paying i give them option.

Fellow Purdue grad here, Indianapolis resident. I would like to see a shop around that caters to the restoration in Indiana also. Personally if I was looking for a shop I would look for a shop within a 1-2 hour drive, but I am sure there are people that would travel from other states for a reputable shop. Unfortunately I am not in the financial position to afford the luxury of someone restoring my car.

I know of one restoration shop in Greenfield, Indiana that does restorations. The name of the company is Vail's Classic Cars if you want to look them up. They tend to cater to the cars named after horses. I know they draw from many areas other than Indiana.

I do not know your plans but if you are looking at doing "Restorations" then there will be an advantage to picking a certain model of car and becoming an expert on that type of car for restorations. It would be hard to restore many different types of vehicles that you are not familiar with.

You mentioned restoration shop, but I do not know your definition of restoration shop. I do not need a full blown restoration shop for mine as much as I just need a good body shop that caters to older cars instead of insurance jobs. Others may want a shop that can restore to factory original and numbers matching and others may want a customized ride. Some will look for a company to do body work and others will look for a company that can handle every aspect of a restoration. You will need to decide what market you want to go after and that will affect your advertising and your business plan.

Good luck in whatever direction you take. If you have the passion, drive, determination, and resources I am sure you can make a business work in whatever direction you want to pursue. Keep us updated. You never know I may get knee deep into mine and decide that I need to have a shop do certain portions of my rebuild.

Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the reply!
This is a restoration shop only. No insurance/ collision work here. The shop will cater to all types of cars and any phase of restoration the customer wants.

The beauty of this is that each guy at the shop is familiar with all the cars, but each has specific likes and knows a couple of types better than another which rounds out the shop real well!

I can speak for myself when I say that Having had 40+ camaros several chevelles, and corvettes that this will be my forte., along with firebirds. Im also a numbers match guy and can provide experience in that area. The other 2 guys also have certain cars that each are more familiar with. The shop owner is in with the GTO club and has done a bunch of those recently, as well as firebirds. The other guy( Bill) is great with Mopar and Ford and the cars named after horses:thumbsup:

Keep in mind the shop has been in business for a lot of years already and is well established. They did a 57 corvette that was the top car at BJ 2 or 3 years ago for a couple of days! There is talent here already. Im just adding some fresh blood and a new face and motivation. I have some ideas on marketing/advertising that I think is going to make a big difference. I just picked up boxes of pictures of restorations, rods and customs, pro street cars and more that I will be using for the advertising/marketing I plan on doing and website that will be built.

The customer will not have to need a full frame off nut and bolt restoartion to use the expertise of the shop. We will be able to accommodate any phase the customers wants. Body and paint only, engine compartment paint and freshen up, interior only, really any phase from start to finish and anywhere in between.

I know that not all of us can pull a car out of a barn, drop it off at a shop and $afford$ to say "call me when its done" I cant even do that, dollar wise.

If you need any help or just have questions, let me know and agin thanks and God bless!

Travis

I agree, it's to hard to only work on one model.. it would be nice to get known for doing a particular model, or even a few, but to say that we would only work on those.. well i can't see that happening. expecially in the midwest region.
And that is a good idea about the research part, it's amazing how much time can go into finding parts, and everything else for that matter..
there just isn't enough time in the day sometimes..



That brings up another point, if you decide to go to work at that shop.. keep in mind it may become a more than 40hr job,, owning your own place will take more time.
at least that is what i have found.. so you need to decide if that is what you want.

The customer will not have to need a full frame off nut and bolt restoartion to use the expertise of the shop. We will be able to accommodate any phase the customers wants. Body and paint only, engine compartment paint and freshen up, interior only, really any phase from start to finish and anywhere in between.

That's also what we do. Some people will tackle some areas themselves, while not feeling competent or interested in other areas. 69METALMAN's 69Z is one example of that. He's a whiz at the metal/body/paint work, while he had no interest in doing the chassis/drivetrain resto and some other detail work. That's where we came in.

The smaller jobs are also good to fill in some of the down time that is inevitable during the full frame-offs.

You bring up a good point also, i'm curious to know other people's take on this, i have a fairly new restoration shop also, and have been wondering if it would be wise to advertise more for being a camaro restoration/modification shop, or just advertise as a restoration facility, i'm not sure what would be the best plan of attack, i agree it would be easier to learn one model car inside and out, instead of learning many, i've restored more than just camaro's but after doing more of them, it seems to be easier in many aspects, you know more of what to expect in a restoration when you have done a few of them..

At the same token, i wouldn't see me saying no to a mustang or a mopar.

sorry to interupt your thread but i think it fits the conversation.

Hi Chad,
Thanks again for posting, you have had some really good things to say!
We are not going to single out just one type of car. I believe you have to diversify with this and with the knowledge each person in the shop brings to the table makes this a little easier for us. Please read my most recent post.
Each one of us in the shop is 40 years old + and have been around these cars since we were kids. My dad had some of the coolest camaros and corvettes when I was a kid. I remember and have pictures of a willys panel truck my dad built a street rod out of. I spent many of nights with him in the garage from probably 5 yrs old up. This shop is an awesome shop already!! I just have plans to improve it and do waht I LOVE to do for a career for a change.

By the way, I should be more clear on the size of this place 4000 sq ft. is the body shop and paint booth area, another 3600 sq ft attached to the east is the final assembly and detail area, this way the cars are out of the dusty shop after paint and for the final details until they go home. 9600 total sq ft. I don't think there will just be 3 of us for long:thumbsup:
God bless Ryan!

Travis

Yes, that is a big shop, you could employ a army if you can keep the work coming in..
Good luck to you guys.. make sure to keep us updated.
And when you get a website up.. let us know also.

That's also what we do. Some people will tackle some areas themselves, while not feeling competent or interested in other areas. 69METALMAN's 69Z is one example of that. He's a whiz at the metal/body/paint work, while he had no interest in doing the chassis/drivetrain resto and some other detail work. That's where we came in.

The smaller jobs are also good to fill in some of the down time that is inevitable during the full frame-offs.

Hi Dave,
I have watched the progress on the 69 Z and have talked to mark several times. That is a beautiful car!! Awesome looking work!! Thats the quality that is and will be coming out of our shop. I am going to get some pics on here soon.

I have a 69 daytona yellow Z as well, numbers match born with complete drive train. the only things I'm missing for this car is the original radiator and smog setup and steering wheel. I have pop, dealer invoice and window sticker as well. It needs total resto though. The car was bought new 20 min. from my house and the original owner is still around and about 30 min. from my house. I will be doing this car in the shop some day:yes: God bless!
Travis

My post may have come across as me implying that you should specialize in one model, but I did not mean for it to come across that way. I was just trying to see which way you were headed. It sounds like you have a good plan and a good group to work with.

My post may have come across as me implying that you should specialize in one model, but I did not mean for it to come across that way. I was just trying to see which way you were headed. It sounds like you have a good plan and a good group to work with.

Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the follow up!
Its all good:thumbsup: I hope you come and see us if you need anything. Thanks again and God bless!
Travis

There is (or maybe was)a mechanical shop around here that did work on classic cars that charged "storage" when he wasn't able to work on the car but it was in the shop. I also believe he sent invoices every month detailing what the charges were. I think they are still "there" as i haven't noticed a change in the cars around the place but haven't been in to see if the shop is still open. That's another thing for me.... I won't go to a shop for work that has a bunch of cars outside that never seem to move.

Jeff

There is (or maybe was)a mechanical shop around here that did work on classic cars that charged "storage" when he wasn't able to work on the car but it was in the shop. I also believe he sent invoices every month detailing what the charges were. I think they are still "there" as i haven't noticed a change in the cars around the place but haven't been in to see if the shop is still open. That's another thing for me.... I won't go to a shop for work that has a bunch of cars outside that never seem to move.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
I don't think a customer should be charged storage when there is work to be done on the car and the parts are there to do the work etc. Obviously not where one would want to take there car. Its a different story when the customer who is suppling parts never brings them or does not come and pick the car up for a long period of time when finished. The space this car would be taking up is another customer waiting in line and willing to pay for there restoration. Even charging storage in the above scenario still wouldn't off set the lost revenue.

As far as cars sitting around, I wouldn't rule a shop out for that. I would want to know who's cars are sitting there? The owner of the shop I'm teaming up with has a few of his own cars sitting there, 57 chevy, ford coupe, couple of parts cars and his moms fiero pace car which she wants to sell. NO customers cars are sitting around. Again, if customers cars were always sitting around good reason not to use that shop. Thanks for your input Jeff and God bless!
Travis

OK - I'll throw inon this one.

I am pretty much a novice on restoration but I have been a small business owner for over 20 years. Here's a few things to think about:

When buying into an existing business, check the books, check the books and, when you're done, have someone else check the books. Know up front all your fixed and variabe costs,then find out all expected incresese.
Go into it with all the passion you have expressed here, but do it with the knowledge that this is first and foremost a business --- you must treat it as such. For a youngster just starting off in life there's plenty of time to regroup and make another move. As one gets older it becomes moreimperative to cross all your "T's" before you take the leap.
Will you have additional cash reserves after buying into the business? These are uncertain economic times, to be sure. But every business has ebbs and flows. If it takes a while for momentum to build with a 33% increase in profit stream it would be a nice buffer to have a reserve if need be.
Have you done a thorough background check on the business and it's current owners? You need to go deeper that just checking their BBB record and D&B - you need to know the good, the bad and the ugly if you are to make an informed decisin.
Partnerships can be the most difficult of all business models. You need to be prepared for personality conflicts, differences of opinion, and what they can mean to tough business decisions. I have emplyed family, friends, and partners. For me, none of them worked. All had talent, drive, determination and a desire to do better in life. In my case it came down to different management styles and differences of opinion on how to best run the business. It cost me a lot of time, energy and money in each case but, after I learned my lesson the hard way I would never do it again.Hate to sound like a naysayer but thought I'd offer a perspective that might help you make the best informed decision you can.

While I'm not known well around here and my opinion may be suspect, I was reading and thinking along similar lines as dreamweaver above.

Its a busines...

Why are they looking for a partner?
What do they need?
What do you need?
If you go in as a new partner, and want to change a bunch of stuff, will there be friction?
Restorations are a luxury item, which are the first to be eliminated in a sinking economy. Things could get pretty lean if the economy goes south.

I don't want to rain on the parade, but would hate to see you get burned...