1959 restoration PART 3

[James Landi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeXPNsM-v1w   The British crew presses on with the '59 restoration.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I recognise the problems with this car, as I have witnessed first hand exactly the same issues of crappy "restorations" and have been tasked with repairing cars that should never have been sold to unsuspecting customers.

Bruce.

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

I watched this last night. I need to go back and watch the bit that showed the repair to the rear fender as it seemed to have a few lumps and bumps in the new part?
As for the horrendous previous "repairs", I feel very sorry for the customer.
I will reserve full judgement for when the floor is finished but I felt some of the work there could've been neater.
Phil

[Lexi]

As these guys are across the "pond" are you aware of this shop, and if so what quality of work do they normally produce? Clay/Lexi

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

I've never heard of them before the 1st video Clay. As you can probably tell from my previous post I've seen neater work. But their work looks good, there's no doubt the car will be solid again. It could be budget restrictions but I've seen floor pan replacements that are worked to fit really well with virtually invisible welds.Also it isn't finished yet so I could be being harsh. I think it's a shame the trolls are getting to him in the posts on the videos. They seem a genuine, honest outfit.
Phil

[James Landi]

" I think it's a shame the trolls are getting to him in the posts on the videos. They seem a genuine, honest outfit."

Phil,
You picked up on several subtle and painful realities of this Youtube video series.  I had reservations about posting Part One, as we've all been pulled through this emotional knot hole as old car enthusiasts. The upside, as you mentioned, is the contractor and his narratives... he's articulate and makes a compelling case for the customer.   He's a kind, talented, and honest tradesman .

[tcom2027]

I know it's not a convertible, and without seeing the condition of the frame rails, but considering the condition of the cross members and body mounts, I think I would weld cross members across the interior.

THe welding looks OK. I saw a '53 Eldo undressed many years ago. It was an early factory conversion of the 62 series. I'm being generous saying The stick welds in the corners of the dash and behind the doors didn't look like a stack of dimes. Quite the contrary. The MIG welds look ok. THey'll keep the water out and I'm sure sealer will be slathered on.

When restoring any car body work is the toughest to estimate the cost of. A chrome shop, once they get the parts to be replated will give the owner a fixed price.

SAme for interior work. Maybe add 15-20% for secrets hidden in seat foundations  and seat frames. Mechanical, 10-15% if you[re lucky. Body and paint,any  over run  under 50%, you got lucky.

CAse in point: I bought a '46 Packard that needed a frame on restoration. I stripped the chrome, glass, and trim then took it to a local body shop for an estimate. $7500.  Ok. I hired a soda blaster to strip the paint. When he got to the right side he found that the entire side had been caved in like it had sideswiped a post or guard rail.

When I got it the right side window wouldn't go  down. No big deal. Regulator probably bad. Nope, the door skin had been pushed in against the regulator bending it., THere was approximately 3" thick pink filler along the door, a little less along  less front fender. The craftsman who did the work did drill holes in the panels to get a better bond for the filler. Gotta give him that."That'll be $10K Tony". Gulp, OK. FInal bill was a few pennies less than $12k.

 Upholstery and chroming  provided no surprises. I did all the mechanical, electrical, engine overhaul, brakes, all came in under what I budgeted.  The trans and OD were fine. Chrome and dash woodgraining were fixed price. SAme for wiring harness. Took a  little over a year to complete.

Had I contracted all the work the entire restoration which cost approximately $33K, could have been in the fifties. The car cost $8500. That, when the body shop rate was $85/hr and finishes were a third the price of todays'

Sadly the owner of the Cadillac in the video is at a point of no return, so in for a farthing in for a pound. It will be an expensive restoration, especially knowing its overseas where parts and shipping are more expensive than domestically.

 On the other hand, I have seen total frame off restorations done by owners in two car garages that rival the best high end restorers do. Those owners dedication is mindblowing, especially a mid sixties or seventies Cadillac. Compared to them a '39 LaSalle is childs play.

There are members here who are doing it now and have done it. These guys are exceptional. I can't do upholstery, or paint and body work. My paint jobs look like I put it on with a rag wrapped on a broom. Blocking and color sanding Is about the limit of my panel beating and painting skills. I do ok on air cleaners, the undercarriage, generators, starters and radiators etc, Wurth rattle can gloss and Eastwood undercarriage black my preferred finishes.

I'll probably watch a few episodes just to see how things turn out. The presenter looks pretty genuine and is trying to get it right, but abit overwhelmed. I don't doubt the job will turn out well.

 TIme to take the LaSalle to the body shop to get the fog lamps hooked up, seat belts and turn signals installed. (at $140/hr). ANd yes I hate to see the front end messed up with those orange motorcycle front turn signals. CAr has sealed beams, so no park lamp in the reflector. I was able to find an of the era looking turn signal switch and a set of aviation style belts with the pull up latches. So all good.

tony