I have had a resto shop for the last 40 years. On average a full rotisserie restoration can take about 2000 labor hours. Some nice rust free southwest cars have taken less. This is not counting the drivetrain rebuilding. Paint is 2K a gallon for PPG Deltron system (is one of the best, in my opinion). I just paid $900 for a box of weatherstrips. Gets expensive fast.
I also own a professional restoration shop and have hesitated to comment on this thread as most people have absolutely no clue what is required to do this work the right way.
These cars have to be to high standards not just for cosmetics but also for safety.
You may want to reconsider taking your car to “ back your Bob” running with no insurance, no business license, painting in a home made booth (fire hazard), etc. he is cheap for a reason!
The reason for this is these old cars have to be reconstructed properly. Welds need to be right and proper penetration. I have seen multiple “restored” cars over the years where the welds were too cold and would fail in an accident causing serious issues or death to the occupants.
You are spot on as far as time required. It is at least 700-1000 hours to do some metal work and paint.
Just the cutting, buffing and polishing can easily eat up 100-200 hours for a showcar. Yes a month to buff your car.
Al full restoration to National judged standards like MCACN can EASILY eat up 2000-3000 hours, if not more!
I can hear everyone saying “but I don’t need a high end showcar I just want a nice driver/local showcar”.
My reply to this is that it is basically the same amount of work to properly do the metalwork, paint prep and paint on a nice driver or showcar. The main difference is in the time to do the showcar cut and buff. Basically everything else takes the same amount of time.
Whoever you chose make sure they are a real legit shop with insurance, professional equipment and the experience to do the job to factory specifications.
