I need to get some interior work done by a professional on my '59 and need to budget for it. Have no idea what this might cost. Right now, I just want the windshield replaced, new dash pad installed, frame posts rechromed & SS frame polished, gauges restored, tach converted to electronic. The instrument panel, center console, package tray, stripped & repainted. New chrome upper & lower on center console. New grab bar & inside mirror. I will furnish the kick panels.
Just need an estimate as I haven't the slightest idea what this might run.
Thanks

 

I did almost the same thing seven years ago except for the chrome,but rewired, new rear springs, new shocks. I put $20,000 into it. Good luck.BILL.

 

I did all of the above - the tach but I did replace the carpet,door panels and seatbelts.If I had to guess I spent 5000 to 6000 but I did all the work myself.

 

I was hoping to get more responses to this thread...

 

I'll try, but your list leaves many unknowns....I don't know what the labor rate at your friendly Corvette repair shop is there in Texas, so you'd have to call around and check. Then you could do the math for the labor. My ballparks for time below are to get you an apx idea, not precise. Many shops add a % on top of their cost for parts so you basically pay retail.

Don't be surprised if you get a Time and Materials estimate, whatever it takes. A NTE(not to exceed) estimate is good for the brain though. You could ask for that so you can budget a total.
There are problems(as always) that will show up in the disassembly process. For example.... Windshield: after removal, both w/s post tabs are broken. Repairs are about $135, plus shipping both ways. So add about $200 there.

Windshield replaced- New glass is around $300 plus $100 shipping, Apx 10 hrs labor to remove, disassemble, reassemble, reinstall. This would include refinishing upper and lower channels. Badly rusted channels may need repairs. Possible add labor for that if needed.

Frame posts rechromed- Not sure of local chroming in your area, but I recall around $200 each last time I did a set. But you're getting just the W/S posts done? You may want to consider getting the Door Posts done too, as you'll see a major difference later. Now if you do, the doors have to come apart, then you open up up more issues/costs.....while in there do this-and-that, more$$

New Dash pad installed- Apx $500 for the pad itself. Apx 8 hrs labor. Always some issues to deal with.

SS frame polished- (Upper header & Lower trim) - I have no idea for local polishing rates, so you'd need to call around. I'd ballpark $100-$200 for both, plus shipping if they go offsite.

Gauges restored- The shop would likely send out to their preferred instrument shop. But what's needed? Are they ALL functional? Just need new lenses, new bezels, and clean them up? If just a cleanup & lenses, you could consider that job yourself. You could call a instrument shop and get a ballpark based on your needs. I use Bill Harrison in Jupiter Fl for all my outside needs.
Go online and check prices for lenses and bezels, etc for just parts costs. It adds up. For just a cleanup, & parts, I'd guess $350 or so total. If more needs, unknown.

Tach converted to electronic - Bill does those too I believe. I have no idea of cost.

Stripped & repainted:
Instrument panel, Center console, Package tray.
What about the Heater cover? That's 4 pcs now. And the speaker screen while they're at it.
About 4 hrs labor to strip, beadblast IP, and repaint. Plus paint cost.

New chrome upper & lower on center console. New grab bar. New inside mirror
Est online for apx retail costs from your preferred supplier.

On top of all this, you need to know how much "calandar' time this will take. a week, 3 weeks, a month, etc. Whatever they tell you, expect delays as it's the nature of the business.

Rich

 

Well you now have a response by one of the top restorers in Florida.

 

Rich5962,

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my request. This gives me an idea for what I need to budget for, even though I know there will be unknowns.
Appreciate the time & effort.