Projected Cost???
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Projected Cost???
This question might be a little too vague, but I figured I would ask anyway!
My 1976 C3 is in pieces. To make a long list short, the engine was rebuilt about 12 years ago, and has not been run since rebuild. The transmission is bolted to the engine, and the assembly is sitting outside the car on a stand. All of the interior trim has completely removed down to the floor pans. The car also needs minor body repair, and a paint job. I have most, if not all, of the parts to reassemble the car. I don't have the time or the skill to do it.
I have no desire to restore the car to original condition.
So my question is, with all of the above mentioned, what should I expect be a rough estimate on the labor cost to rebuild the car. I know there are many variables, but any clues would help my father and I decide our future course of actions!
My 1976 C3 is in pieces. To make a long list short, the engine was rebuilt about 12 years ago, and has not been run since rebuild. The transmission is bolted to the engine, and the assembly is sitting outside the car on a stand. All of the interior trim has completely removed down to the floor pans. The car also needs minor body repair, and a paint job. I have most, if not all, of the parts to reassemble the car. I don't have the time or the skill to do it.
I have no desire to restore the car to original condition.
So my question is, with all of the above mentioned, what should I expect be a rough estimate on the labor cost to rebuild the car. I know there are many variables, but any clues would help my father and I decide our future course of actions!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 275
From: Naples FL
Get out the catalogs and start making a list of what you need. Then develop a work schedule for the project. How long will this take?
Take your list of costs and then double it. Take the number of months of work you think this project will take and multiply it by four.
You'll be low on both areas - but not too far off.
Richard Newton
How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette, 1968-1982
Ultimate Garage Handbook
Take your list of costs and then double it. Take the number of months of work you think this project will take and multiply it by four.
You'll be low on both areas - but not too far off.
Richard Newton
How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette, 1968-1982
Ultimate Garage Handbook
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 51
From: Cartersville GA
The paint job is the biggie. Plan on anywhere from $4000 - $12000 depending on how much work you will do yourself. The higher number of course is if you just drop it off somewhere and tell them to call you when you pick it up.
The work to drop in the engine and get it running is minor in comparison, and the interior work depends on how good or bad the components are.
I figure worst case, with you just dropping it off and not doing any work, around $15000.
Shop around, and do some of the work, and you can reduce that figure significantly.
Good luck!!
The work to drop in the engine and get it running is minor in comparison, and the interior work depends on how good or bad the components are.
I figure worst case, with you just dropping it off and not doing any work, around $15000.
Shop around, and do some of the work, and you can reduce that figure significantly.
Good luck!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If you are not going to do the work yourselves, you really CAN'T afford to rebuild it. At "budget" shop rates [assuming just a place that can do the paint, too], you won't be able to build a decent condition car for less than $12-16K. If you are serious about wanting a nice daily-driver type car....and the pieces of the '76 are all there....sell the parts to someone who CAN do the work themselves and put it toward buying a running car that you will enjoy. You could probably get that done for a difference of $10K and be done with it in 30 days. Otherwise, you will be on a 'boondoggle' of spending and time that you will regret for years.
If you decide to do the work yourselves (free labor)...and you find someone who can shoot just the paint (you guys doing the prep work, of course)....it can be a really interesting and enjoyable project.
If you decide to do the work yourselves (free labor)...and you find someone who can shoot just the paint (you guys doing the prep work, of course)....it can be a really interesting and enjoyable project.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Whatever you think it's going to cost...double it! And maybe even add some to that.
Once you have things apart you'll find all kinds of little things that need attention which were invisible before. You can project the costs for the major items...it's the little things that will kill you.
Once you have things apart you'll find all kinds of little things that need attention which were invisible before. You can project the costs for the major items...it's the little things that will kill you.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
If you are not going to do the work yourselves, you really CAN'T afford to rebuild it. At "budget" shop rates [assuming just a place that can do the paint, too], you won't be able to build a decent condition car for less than $12-16K. If you are serious about wanting a nice daily-driver type car....and the pieces of the '76 are all there....sell the parts to someone who CAN do the work themselves and put it toward buying a running car that you will enjoy. You could probably get that done for a difference of $10K and be done with it in 30 days. Otherwise, you will be on a 'boondoggle' of spending and time that you will regret for years.
If you decide to do the work yourselves (free labor)...and you find someone who can shoot just the paint (you guys doing the prep work, of course)....it can be a really interesting and enjoyable project.
If you decide to do the work yourselves (free labor)...and you find someone who can shoot just the paint (you guys doing the prep work, of course)....it can be a really interesting and enjoyable project.
If you can't afford the time and you don't have the skill to do it yourself, then buy one ready to go.
