You don't realize how happy I am to see you back in some type of format available for us. A huge thanks to you and all of your camera crew and everybody else for bringing us back into your lives. Was always a huge fan of your straight up no BS approach!
I have admired Dan's integrity and ethics since the very first episode. Doing things the right way, the first time, every time regardless. Thank you for this episode putting the truth out there about costs.
As a lifetime car enthusiasts and someone who has been over 40 cars himself I love the way Dan covers this common topic. People think they know what it cost to restore a car don’t argue with guys like us especially Dan lol. He has done it his whole life he is passionate and sincere great video Dan start a podcast!
Here's why I whole heartedly agree with this video. 1994-1998 I restored a 39' cad Le salle. The build took four full years, over 20k hours and a grand total of 315k to the client. He's still winning best in show with it. You are in fact a good guy Dan 👍😎
I was in the auto glass replacement business for over twenty years. 25% of my business was antique car & truck glass. I have spent alot of time thru the back door of countless body shops. I have done bodywork on my own classics. With this background I have a good feel for what things cost back 20 years ago. The crazy high numbers you are discussing in this video is something I can’t wrap my head around! What the hell has happened in the last 20years?? How could any average american afford to have anything done nowadays? And how can these shops be allowed to preach one hourly rate , but get away with a rate considerably higher? Greed & Lies are what life is all about in this part of our century. High profile politicians that commit felonies are popular front runners in our presidential elections! Now third world countries are shooting missiles at each other. It goes on and on! It’s probably just me that has woken up in a nightmare! I really worry about the poor folks we are leaving our world to. So back to the crazy car bills.. I wonder what a true dollar is worth now? If it continues to collapse we will be leaving to our children just a memory of a world we once were proud of.😢
I had the joy of restoring or building restomods with my dad. We built daily drivers ( dad turned away a lot wanting him to build a " trailer queens" ) after looking at a project he would tell them in parts alone expect $30 -$50 K ... paint $$10-$25K ( or more) labor $25-$45 and a minimum of 24 months ( depending on what was needed) Thank you dad for the opportunity to work alongside you. I miss you ( I lost dad to cancer 5 yrs ago)
This is why I built my own shop, I raised 4 kids and for a long time we have had 8 cars in the family, if I didn't do my own mechanical work I'd be broke, oil changes alone same me thousands per year, I was quoted 1700 for ball joint and tie rods for my daughter's durango, 143 in parts, I did it myself, the only thing I have taken to the shop is alignments and tires install, other than that we do it all ourselves, from oil changes, to swapping crown vic. Front ends into my 1963 f100,
You are delusional or vastly dishonest …oil changes are $30-$50 …not a chance in hell or Heaven that you save “thousands” per year doing your own oil changes. Try finishing high school before running a con like that comment.
I don't know Dan, when I was in high school I had just finished putting a 351 cj motor in my 1954 Ford pick up and it needed a paint job. Earl Schieb was offering to "Paint any car for $99.95". I've got to say, that was a truly amazing paint job to see, and I got a lot more than I bargained for. Two of the tires and wheels were painted, one headlight was now half blue, emblems, door locks, chrome trim, everything was either painted or over sprayed. When I complained, they told me the $99 special included 15 minutes of prep work! I learned a lot that day!
We miss you and your staff doing restorations of cars and trucks for television. Watching you deal with customers and your staff is was fun TV. Thanks for the time you did your show !!!
thanks for this video ,, most folks have no idea, i have a 1969 GTO , i get asked all the time what the hold up is ,, i tell them the 40k just to get started , and i can do everything except body paint and interior. i can do everything else myself. ive worked on cars professionally since high school and im now 60. its a lot of labor and parts are expensive
Reality is always a hard pill to swallow, been a mechanic for 54 years , have seen many customers do the dirty AND many shops i worked at do the over charging in my mind, but 20% not 800% its legal? But definately criminal! Thanks Dan for showing the public why the US auto repair industry is publicly thought of as "scams, ripoffs, thiefs! And they are generally true. Just makes its incredibly hard for honest people to survive
I run a small two man restoration shop in Australia, our overheads are on the low side, we only charge $80 plus 10%GST an hour, plus all the costs of materials, parts, towing etc. We spend an average of 1500 hours on our builds, 160k. And most builds would add 80-100k on parts and materials and outsourced businesses, (interior trim, Electrical, mechanical etc,) Most large restoration shops in Australia charge $100-$120 an hour, and all the reputable shops have a 2-3 year waiting list! There’s no shortage of people in Australia happy to spend 200k plus on their dream cars! Love your simple and precise explanation Dan, this is a great topic to cover, restoration shops all over the world should share this video to any potential customers before commencing on their projects, will definitely help eliminate any costs problems down the track!
Your passion for doing it right from estimates to the finished product is why I enjoy your videos! Keep up the incredible work and keeping the truth on top!
Absolutely phenomenal job breaking this all down to the ordinary person who has no real idea as to what goes into a restoration job in respect to the cost and the process.
Dan I can't give you enough credit. Previous comments include passion, skill, honesty. This is what the ordinary Joe, like myself wants, honesty. But hell, in this deal you also get all the above, plus a highly skilled Technician/ expert Mechanic and whole lotta common sense. Not to mention awesome communicator. Like some of the cars you work on, rare and special. Take a bow bro.
So good to see Dan explain what his shop does and why they do this. There is a cost to doing things well and usually higher costs for doing things not so well which is very important to remember. I love that he also touches on the idea that some people are wanting to do the work on a car not because of the return at the end of the story but just because they have a strong emotional attachment to the car but want it to be as good as they felt it was when they made that attachment.
Cheap, Fast, Good. Pick two. You can't have all three. If it's cheap and fast, it won't be good. If it's Cheap and Good, it won't be fast. If it's Fast and Good, it won't be cheap. 🤑😉🤨🥸
Having been in this business for my whole life. Amen to your comments!!! I have a friend with a very clean 69 chevelle buy paint is checked, but was pissed when he got a 10k estimate to “Paint” the car. I told him it was a deal.
Thank You Dan for the insight into what you do in the restoration of classic automobiles. Your old show was the best car show on tv. I can't wait for the new ones to start. I'll be watching them and the shorts you put out. That it a great team you have working on them.
I love how Dan brakes down the whole process with labor and parts,and if the project is even worth it.Other car shows never do explain much.I have not seen a video in along time,now looking forward to watching them.well done!
Dan, One of the things you did on the TV show was during most of the reviles was to discuss the amount of time and how much was spent on parts. I can't afford to have much work done for me, so doing a lot myself, and not always correctly the first time I know how much time it takes. I'm happy your doing this on RUclips.
I have watched your show for a couple years now and I must say that you are always fair especially when you address anything that is a safety concern. Keep doing what you do cause it’s done right and you consider your clients position. I love it, if we have to choose between you or your car, we’re not choosing you! Classic!
So appreciative of the truth with things. I have read a lot of untruths regarding your show not being on the air, ect, ect and hearing you explain it made more reasonable sense and cleared it all up, for me. Yes shop costs are expensive and folks just dont get it. 25K for a restoration build, no way. What a breath of fresh air to see you doing this on your terms, your language and not this edited version of how things get done. This "behind the scene truths" are needed now a days. Thank you.
It’s great to see Fantom Works is still a thriving business. I’ve watched a lot of the tv programs that were shown on quest in the uk plus a lot on discovery plus app. I absolutely love your passion and the attention to every last detail of everything you do. I grew up around cars of the 1960’s onwards.
Dear FantomWorks... Dan.... Thank you for opening your garage to an amazing TV show. I enjoyed all of the car's restorations. Dan your crew does amazing work. Cannot wait to see more shows on RUclips. Thank you Harold
Trying to skimp on labor will only hurt quality and I've seen alot of unsafe vehicles done, I won't say done correctly when cost was the main focus. Performing all the labor yourself also curbs your tendency to buy all new parts. I've had occasions that an old used part has better quality than any new part. Labor is a huge cost and a necessity you can't work around if your skills aren't up to the level of the work.
I am a former auto electrician. We had a shop for 68 years. My grandfather started it in 1938. Being in the industry, I wouldn't doubt a nicely restored vehicle could easily go to 110k or more if it's customized. You can put as much as you want. Also I've worked on customized hot rods that look awesome until you look under the dash, or under the car. Like lipstick on a pig.
I’m a huge fan of your work. I appreciate your attention to detail and honesty. Any person expecting a restoration for 25k obviously doesn’t know much about cars.
Thank You, really this answers so many questions for me. Having grown up driving so many of these cars in all there versions. Straight 6, small V8s, big V8s, air cooled and 4 bangers too. Looking back I wish I had them all now. But being a working man that was never in the budget. My 1st 2 cars where a ‘65 chevy Chevelle and a ‘70 chevy Chevelle how I would love to have either one today. But 3,4, 500,000 bucks is not in my back account. So watching guys like you do these restorations is pure joy. So thank you.
I think I just found my favorite RUclips channel! As a shop owner myself doing restomod work I've always brought up phantom works as the only realistic example of our industry when customers would bring up TV shows related to building cars. It takes a team and a lot of time!
Miss seeing the show Dan, glad you guys are back. As a custom shop owner for 20 years in New Jersey and recently moved to southern Virginia, its very difficult to explain and justify to people the raality of doing these projects. They way you broke it down was excellent. And exposing the truth on markups was brilliant. Ive always aspired to either work in your shop, or have a shop similar to yours (friendly competitors). I am definetly subbed to the new channel here and will contiue to watch.
I respect everything you guys do. Thank God I know how to do a lot of this work myself. But if I had the money, this guy is the guy I would have do the work. You do really good work. It's worth the money.
Dan, great overview, as someone who has been in the car business all my life I have seen it all, most restorations are very poorly done, some even unsafe. At the end of the day, bite the bullet, do the job correctly with an EXTREMELY reputable firm, or sell the car and find one that has been completely done (pay for a top to bottom inspection) the way you wish and buy it at auction. I have bought and sold many of these cars, if I were ever to contemplate a complete restoration again, this is this place and a few others are the only ones I would consider!
Dan, THANK YOU for this tutorial! I’ve restored several cars. I”m 59. I have a business with satisfied customers. I got bit in the ass by a family deal. It started out by asking me if I would be interested in “getting it running.” A 1951 3 window 3100 that my cousin built out of an orchard truck in high school which he wrecked, so it sat in my uncle’s garage for 25 years. Showed up on a trailer unannounced. Had a grafted A-body front frame, no floor, rotten wood bed, A-body BOP 8.5 “12-bolt” with home made leaf spring perches, twisted U-bolts and damaged leaf springs, bent frame, Saginaw 4-speed, 327 with scored bearings and mismatched Power Pack heads, bondo’d rust, etc… Short story: I’ve had this for 15 years and it is almost done. My uncle has paid me $30k. I’m the bad guy. Details: Rebuilt 327, reworked mounts, converted to rebuilt 700R4, modified and rebuilt ‘76 1/2 Ton 12-bolt 3.73 posi with 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern, new firewall and floor, all new box with adapted floor out of newer truck, all new glass, new wiring, new interior, new suspension and brakes, power steering, modified coil spring rear suspension from ‘71 C10, custom exhaust, Chevelle fuel tank with modified filler, custom wheel base, shortened running boards and fillers, rear fenders moved forward 2”, lengthened rear bumper fillers, lots of custom metal work and new parts, A/C, new grille, bodywork, paint….. I have over 40 grand into it not including any of my 1300 hours of labor which I am only billing half of and only at $40/hr. I’m still owed about $30k which I may not ever see. My siblings are up my ass to “just get it done”. Nobody gets it that I have to work on my actual customer’s vehicles to make a living while this truck is a side job. It is a beautiful truck done cheap and that is why it has taken so long. I love my family. I rode in this truck as a kid when it was as an orchard truck. Nobody will be as happy as me when it’s done and I’m very close. Maybe your video can give my family some perspective. I haven’t procrastinated, I have persevered at my own time and expense. Even if I get paid, they will have a truck that could be sold for more than it cost them for me to build it. How is that even possible??? (You’re welcome!!). I believe you can see the value in my gift even though my uncle “has paid me all that money.”
Its good seeing you Dan and the shop in any format. I'm near South Bend, In. A friend of mine just got his 69 Nova back from paint and body they installed 2 rear quarters,2 door skins, aligned all the panels and base clear a medium blue. I've painted for 30 years and I give it a solid nine overall. Car was from Texas. He paid $10,000. I would be proud to drive it. That shop rate was $95.00 a hr.
The man is giving it to you straight up, and of course when you are dealing with a reputable, honest, competent shop, today there’s a plethora of incompetent, dishonest individuals looking to turn a quick buck in the repair and restoration business .
Dan, I just found your RUclips channel from a suggested video. THANK GOD, I DID!!! I always watched your show on Discovery when we still had cable TV. When we had to cancel our cable due to financial issues, I had a severe case of Fantom Works DTs that lasted for several months (true statement). I am far beyond ecstatic to find you and your team here on RUclips, and you're DAMNED RIGHT. I'm now a HUGE FAN and a new subscriber!!! I am very excitedly looking forward to seeing your content and amazing work again...FINALLY!!!!
Dan, I started watching this but discovered I've seen this exact video of yours before. Having said that, it was honest and to the point. Keep on smiling.
We generally repost our live streams with cleaned up audio. Because these are in fact unscripted (yes, obviously we planned Dan coming in and talking with Brigette with his powerpoint and put the 3 LS cars in a row so Dan and Dave could discuss them), but the words are all unscripted and we are filming in a working shop, so the audio is way cleaner when we do some work in post production on it!
Thank you very much for discussing this topic. 2009 I graduated from college with a bachelors degree in automotive restoration. I have about 14 years of experience in the automotive industry total. For a four year period of my life I had a small restoration shop in Kansas. In college one of the instructors told our class "You cannot restore an antique car in less than 1000 man hours (6 months)." My response to that statement was "Your shop labor rate was $75.00 per hour. Your telling me that it costs no less than $75,000. to restore a Ford Model-T." The instructors response was "Yes, it happens everyday." It took me years, and multiple misquoted bids to comprehend the mistakes I was making. Not comprehending how many man hours go into a complete ground up restoration (as opposed to a partial restoration). I was charging Labor + Parts + Materials = $$$ My thoughts today, 15 years after graduating college. If a customer is not interested in paying for something in the range of 2000 man hours (1 year). I would probably walk away. I got burned to many time with projects that required far more labor, just to bring the project to a driver level. Do you have for a complete ground up restoration have a low and a high number that it takes your shop to complete a restoration. I understand every single car is different. Thank you for sharing Dave.
I’m glad to see you back. I always said you were the only truthful restoration show on tv. I’ve worked on cars 50 years, I’m still a diesel mechanic by trade. I will start passing on that you are coming back. Discovery money, while great to see all the different shops, ruined the backyard hot rod builders. Watching the Las Vegas shows paying $25,000 for a $5,000 car and then dumping $50,000 into it just to sell it for $79,000. Most of us can’t do that. I still remember you doing the deployed soldiers impala convertible, and the final costs. That was always my favorite part, going over the invoices and getting the real info on costs and times. 41:25
First of all, really good to see you after watching your shows...secondly the couple that bought the "showroom" condition 57 Chevy that you had to get a donor car for, that might have been a 300 hour "restoration" I've always appreciated your up front honesty.. Btw have a son in law who's a service writer.who states that this video is 100% accurate..
This confirms what I’ve known for years about how most shops charge for labor. Love your content, Dan, I subscribed and I’m looking forward to your how-to videos!
I am glad to see you back, I am a car painter an the cost is out of this world, Restoring a 58 dodge an i took it apart wrong an putting it back together an o boy how much you forget
Great video and so glad I found you on RUclips. I love your TV show. Your builds were always incredible and I have to admit missing my father Marine father that fact that you served made me always want to support you more. Thanks for the countless hours of entertainment and your service to our country sir.
You are my hero on restoration of cars. I really enjoyed this video. My Daughter lives right down the street from your shop. She is the Editor of the Virginia Pilot News Paper. I plan to visit Norfolk next year and would love to meet you.
Great explanation of the restoration process, and why it is a costly undertaking. Personally I don’t like shiny things, so I would just do a resto to make it safe and reliable.
I'm thrilled to have found your channel! I still watch repeats on MT channel, but it's great to know there's a place for new content. Fully align with your values, both automotive and otherwise, so it's great to have an avenue to still support what you do. Now it's time to get caught up!
Nice to see you and your team back on the tube. Looking forward to your future videos. If I had an extra 500,000 I would bring my car to your shop and shop does impeccable work. I know you take pride in everything that leaves your shop.
I completely restored a 1957 Nomad . It cost me a little less than $100K. It’s a nice car, so saying 50 to 60 is crazy. Enjoying the channel. Tks for sharing.
I new there was a markup on parts, but the labor calculation is mind-boggling. Always enjoyed Fantom works, looking for more episodes! ( Went to T-school in Fort Eustis in '68 ).
As the son of a mechanic and an engineer, I respect my current mechanic for his honesty and ability. But I blow a head gasket (pun intended) when he charges double for parts; such as, cabin air filter , engine filter and oil filter. Are you kidding me! Thanks for the video. I appreciate your skill level and your high standards for doing things right.
Dan I was very upset when Discovery said you were gone from the show - then I found a video you did talking about the reason you left the show - I thought you made a good choice and no one actually knew how much time and effort it takes to put on a show like yours - kudos to you - I thought it was one of the best if not the best of the cars shows on discovery. Now you are back doing your own thing -- this particular video is the main reason I liked your show the best, you were always honest, you told the customer the truth and gave them updates along the way - the emotional experience the customer has while in the shop is the reason they come back and or recommend you to their friends.
I was one of the first mechanics at Cycle World Va. Beach back in 73 and when we first started out they payed us by the flat rate manual. We were all making money hand over fist. Like a frame swap for a CB750 (which the sailors bent all the time) was payed out at 8 hours billable time. I got so I could do 2 complete motorcycles is 8 hours so I would get paid 16 hours..! Boom then after a couple of months of raking it in the boss put us on hourly wage and and at the end of the month we would get a "bonus" lol
I am so happy to be following along with you guys and gals. Great job! Dan you look so much more relaxed without the Discovery pressure. Congratulations to the team.
Fantastic video Mr. Short! I caught onto the extreme markup years ago and started ordering parts myself before taking them to the shop. The worst part about this is your average mechanic gets the blame for ripping people off when management deserves it.
Honesty and Integrity as the day it long. A Great & Educational video! I am staying a subscriber for the long term. Thank you Dan, your Team and your Financial Backing Supporters for making your programs available to all of us viewing RUclips.
I loved your show and hated to see you stop making them. I am glad to have found you again! Actually, I thought this was going to be about why you stopped! I have subscribed. I have done some paint and body restoration work my self, being less than wealthy enough to hire it done, but never achieved your quality. Getting to old to do much now, but I do enjoy watching your artists at work!
For an average person, you have to do the restoration yourself (hands down)!! If you are not wealthy, buy the best car that you can afford, and enjoy it as it is. Don’t tear it down for anything unless you have the disposable cash on hand to get it back to drivable condition in a short time
this is why the roadkill type cars are becoming more and more popular, most of us cant afford a top notch paint and body work, but we love old hotrods. Theres so many beater type cars on the street, drag strips and shows.
To add to this. I am working on an 62 mga. I blast, do all the assembly and disassembly, body work, welding, mechanicals, etc. The shop I work with will just mask, prime and paint (original color/paint, no clear coat). The cost for that is quoted at $7500.
I love the show,Dan I've been watching since 2018-19. I used to live near where your shop is when I was a youngster when my dad was stationed in Langley in the NAVY.
Yep..mega thanks.. for having fun doing what you do n what we think we can do n showing us also..now..I think production n camera crew have a better understanding also..thanks
There is little economic sense in restoring all but the most valuable and collectible of automobiles. Even resto- modding cannot guarantee a return. Most people do it because they want to, they have sentimental value in the car and money to go with it. I am restoring my car myself and have installed a LS in it. I replaced much of the sheet metal and it yet has to be painted and upholstered. It’s a huge undertaking that most people can’t even comprehend. I’m only doing it because I have skills and I’ve owned the car for over 38 years . Otherwise I’m sure there is no great financial reward to be gained.
Being officially ancient, (even have the paperwork), & starting my journey w/ autos at 12 in my uncle's repair shop, & taking me through race car fab, street rod construction & antique restoration, your analysis was the most honest I've ever heard on the topic of building cars. It reminded of 2 things I learned over the years. There used to be a story about getting a great tuck & roll interior done in Tiajuana for half the price in LA. They did look beautiful when done, but in 2 months they started to collapse. Instead of foam, they useed newspaper. True or not, it makes the same point you did, you can make it pretty at low cost, but it's junk underneath or you can make it reliable & driveable. Can't do it on the cheap. The other is if you want to start a car project, the best way to start is buying someone else's incomplete, non-running dream.
You don't realize how happy I am to see you back in some type of format available for us. A huge thanks to you and all of your camera crew and everybody else for bringing us back into your lives. Was always a huge fan of your straight up no BS approach!
Seems to know what he's talking about I'm in 🤣.
Always appreciated Fantom Works myself!
I like his approach as well. My Dad was military WW2. I’ve always thought he is honest and straightforward.
Glad to see him making videos again.
Thank you!
@@kevinrice7635&gh&
I have admired Dan's integrity and ethics since the very first episode. Doing things the right way, the first time, every time regardless. Thank you for this episode putting the truth out there about costs.
You don’t know him just by watching presented content. Silly.
Where is Earl Schieb Macco when you can afford them
Too bad cause I always wanted to meet Dan and his crew but I can't afford them
Funny I have a pretty clean 67 Camaro with a 383 stroker from Blueprint Engines 430 hp
As a lifetime car enthusiasts and someone who has been over 40 cars himself I love the way Dan covers this common topic. People think they know what it cost to restore a car don’t argue with guys like us especially Dan lol. He has done it his whole life he is passionate and sincere great video Dan start a podcast!
I figure brand new plus twice
Greed corruption makes sense
Here's why I whole heartedly agree with this video. 1994-1998 I restored a 39' cad Le salle. The build took four full years, over 20k hours and a grand total of 315k to the client. He's still winning best in show with it. You are in fact a good guy Dan 👍😎
I was in the auto glass replacement
business for over twenty years. 25% of my business was antique car & truck glass. I have spent alot of time thru the back door of countless body shops. I have done bodywork on my own classics. With this background I have a good feel for what things cost back 20 years ago.
The crazy high numbers you are discussing in this
video is something I can’t wrap my head around! What the hell has happened in the last 20years??
How could any average american afford to have anything done nowadays?
And how can these shops be allowed to preach one hourly rate , but get away with a rate considerably higher?
Greed & Lies are what life is all about in this part of our century.
High profile politicians that commit felonies are popular front runners in our presidential elections!
Now third world countries are shooting missiles at each other. It goes on and on!
It’s probably just me that has woken up in a nightmare!
I really worry about the poor folks we are leaving our world to.
So back to the crazy car bills..
I wonder what a true dollar is worth now?
If it continues to collapse we will be leaving to our children just a memory of a world we once were proud of.😢
@@nhmtrhdinflation...
I have watched thousands of youtube videos. Dan, this was one of the best i've ever seen! Thank you!
Thank you Dan for this presentation. You are so correct. I am an 82' year old and have a love for the auto since I've been borned. Jim Rio Vista, CA
I had the joy of restoring or building restomods with my dad. We built daily drivers ( dad turned away a lot wanting him to build a " trailer queens" ) after looking at a project he would tell them in parts alone expect $30 -$50 K ... paint $$10-$25K ( or more) labor $25-$45 and a minimum of 24 months ( depending on what was needed)
Thank you dad for the opportunity to work alongside you.
I miss you ( I lost dad to cancer 5 yrs ago)
This is why I built my own shop, I raised 4 kids and for a long time we have had 8 cars in the family, if I didn't do my own mechanical work I'd be broke, oil changes alone same me thousands per year, I was quoted 1700 for ball joint and tie rods for my daughter's durango, 143 in parts, I did it myself, the only thing I have taken to the shop is alignments and tires install, other than that we do it all ourselves, from oil changes, to swapping crown vic. Front ends into my 1963 f100,
Exactly. If you have the property, you're ahead of the game, just buy tools as you need them.
You are delusional or vastly dishonest …oil changes are $30-$50 …not a chance in hell or Heaven that you save “thousands” per year doing your own oil changes. Try finishing high school before running a con like that comment.
Get a changer and balancer. Do it.
I don't know Dan, when I was in high school I had just finished putting a 351 cj motor in my 1954 Ford pick up and it needed a paint job. Earl Schieb was offering to "Paint any car for $99.95". I've got to say, that was a truly amazing paint job to see, and I got a lot more than I bargained for. Two of the tires and wheels were painted, one headlight was now half blue, emblems, door locks, chrome trim, everything was either painted or over sprayed. When I complained, they told me the $99 special included 15 minutes of prep work! I learned a lot that day!
We miss you and your staff doing restorations of cars and trucks for television. Watching you deal with customers and your staff is was fun TV. Thanks for the time you did your show !!!
thanks for this video ,, most folks have no idea, i have a 1969 GTO , i get asked all the time what the hold up is ,, i tell them the 40k just to get started , and i can do everything except body paint and interior. i can do everything else myself. ive worked on cars professionally since high school and im now 60. its a lot of labor and parts are expensive
Reality is always a hard pill to swallow, been a mechanic for 54 years , have seen many customers do the dirty AND many shops i worked at do the over charging in my mind, but 20% not 800% its legal? But definately criminal! Thanks Dan for showing the public why the US auto repair industry is publicly thought of as "scams, ripoffs, thiefs! And they are generally true. Just makes its incredibly hard for honest people to survive
I run a small two man restoration shop in Australia, our overheads are on the low side, we only charge $80 plus 10%GST an hour, plus all the costs of materials, parts, towing etc.
We spend an average of 1500 hours on our builds, 160k. And most builds would add 80-100k on parts and materials and outsourced businesses, (interior trim, Electrical, mechanical etc,)
Most large restoration shops in Australia charge $100-$120 an hour, and all the reputable shops have a 2-3 year waiting list!
There’s no shortage of people in Australia happy to spend 200k plus on their dream cars!
Love your simple and precise explanation Dan, this is a great topic to cover, restoration shops all over the world should share this video to any potential customers before commencing on their projects, will definitely help eliminate any costs problems down the track!
Your passion for doing it right from estimates to the finished product is why I enjoy your videos! Keep up the incredible work and keeping the truth on top!
Absolutely phenomenal job breaking this all down to the ordinary person who has no real idea as to what goes into a restoration job in respect to the cost and the process.
Dan I can't give you enough credit. Previous comments include passion, skill, honesty. This is what the ordinary Joe, like myself wants, honesty. But hell, in this deal you also get all the above, plus a highly skilled Technician/ expert Mechanic and whole lotta common sense. Not to mention awesome communicator. Like some of the cars you work on, rare and special.
Take a bow bro.
Thank you.
You’re an honest man. That’s why we like you. Also, your shop does superior work!
So good to see Dan explain what his shop does and why they do this. There is a cost to doing things well and usually higher costs for doing things not so well which is very important to remember.
I love that he also touches on the idea that some people are wanting to do the work on a car not because of the return at the end of the story but just because they have a strong emotional attachment to the car but want it to be as good as they felt it was when they made that attachment.
Cheap, Fast, Good. Pick two. You can't have all three. If it's cheap and fast, it won't be good. If it's Cheap and Good, it won't be fast. If it's Fast and Good, it won't be cheap. 🤑😉🤨🥸
Having been in this business for my whole life. Amen to your comments!!! I have a friend with a very clean 69 chevelle buy paint is checked, but was pissed when he got a 10k estimate to “Paint” the car. I told him it was a deal.
Thank You Dan for the insight into what you do in the restoration of classic automobiles. Your old show was the best car show on tv. I can't wait for the new ones to start. I'll be watching them and the shorts you put out. That it a great team you have working on them.
Man’s Man is what I would call Dan. I wish him and his team the best and will support as much as I can. Looking forward to more golden content 👍
I love how Dan brakes down the whole process with labor and parts,and if the project is even worth it.Other car shows never do explain much.I have not seen a video in along time,now looking forward to watching them.well done!
Thanks for being so straightforward and honest. The average Joe doesn't even comprehend what a true restoration involves!😅
Dan, One of the things you did on the TV show was during most of the reviles was to discuss the amount of time and how much was spent on parts. I can't afford to have much work done for me, so doing a lot myself, and not always correctly the first time I know how much time it takes. I'm happy your doing this on RUclips.
I have watched your show for a couple years now and I must say that you are always fair especially when you address anything that is a safety concern. Keep doing what you do cause it’s done right and you consider your clients position. I love it, if we have to choose between you or your car, we’re not choosing you! Classic!
Yep how many times have we seen his shop fix cars that had already been "restored " at a different shop? Many
So appreciative of the truth with things. I have read a lot of untruths regarding your show not being on the air, ect, ect and hearing you explain it made more reasonable sense and cleared it all up, for me. Yes shop costs are expensive and folks just dont get it. 25K for a restoration build, no way. What a breath of fresh air to see you doing this on your terms, your language and not this edited version of how things get done. This "behind the scene truths" are needed now a days. Thank you.
Glad to see back on building cars for us viewers.
It’s great to see Fantom Works is still a thriving business. I’ve watched a lot of the tv programs that were shown on quest in the uk plus a lot on discovery plus app. I absolutely love your passion and the attention to every last detail of everything you do. I grew up around cars of the 1960’s onwards.
Fantom Works is only a few miles from my house and I drive by it often. The shop is always filled with classic cars getting worked on
I just looked this up kindig gets two to three hundred thousand dollars for full restoration I know these guys are once original ones off the hill
Dear FantomWorks... Dan.... Thank you for opening your garage to an amazing TV show. I enjoyed all of the car's restorations. Dan your crew does amazing work. Cannot wait to see more shows on RUclips. Thank you Harold
Miss you guys being on TV glad to see that you're doing stuff on RUclips cheers from Atlantic Canada👍🏼😎🇨🇦
Dan great to see you and the shop again. Looking forward to seeing more.
My suspicions were confirmed........in order to get a complete restoration, you have to be a millionaire.
Or do the work yourself...lol
@@bryonkidder6199 I hate working on cars, so that ain't gonna happen.
Trying to skimp on labor will only hurt quality and I've seen alot of unsafe vehicles done, I won't say done correctly when cost was the main focus.
Performing all the labor yourself also curbs your tendency to buy all new parts.
I've had occasions that an old used part has better quality than any new part.
Labor is a huge cost and a necessity you can't work around if your skills aren't up to the level of the work.
Stuck in the seventies for prices😊
@@bryonkidder6199I'm doing a resto mod on my Camaro. I tell you it's the parts that kill you everything 2k 5k that's not even paint lol 😅
Thank you Dan for your honesty and straightforward communication & answers.
Thank you dan for entertaining me with your show.Over the years and thank you for serving our country excellent person
Excellent video. Thanks.
I am a former auto electrician. We had a shop for 68 years. My grandfather started it in 1938. Being in the industry, I wouldn't doubt a nicely restored vehicle could easily go to 110k or more if it's customized. You can put as much as you want. Also I've worked on customized hot rods that look awesome until you look under the dash, or under the car. Like lipstick on a pig.
I’m a huge fan of your work. I appreciate your attention to detail and honesty. Any person expecting a restoration for 25k obviously doesn’t know much about cars.
Ashley is the coolest! She wants to make this collaboration work and I love all of the upcoming how to videos.
Thank You, really this answers so many questions for me. Having grown up driving so many of these cars in all there versions. Straight 6, small V8s, big V8s, air cooled and 4 bangers too. Looking back I wish I had them all now. But being a working man that was never in the budget. My 1st 2 cars where a ‘65 chevy Chevelle and a ‘70 chevy Chevelle how I would love to have either one today. But 3,4, 500,000 bucks is not in my back account. So watching guys like you do these restorations is pure joy. So thank you.
I think I just found my favorite RUclips channel! As a shop owner myself doing restomod work I've always brought up phantom works as the only realistic example of our industry when customers would bring up TV shows related to building cars. It takes a team and a lot of time!
Miss seeing the show Dan, glad you guys are back. As a custom shop owner for 20 years in New Jersey and recently moved to southern Virginia, its very difficult to explain and justify to people the raality of doing these projects. They way you broke it down was excellent. And exposing the truth on markups was brilliant. Ive always aspired to either work in your shop, or have a shop similar to yours (friendly competitors). I am definetly subbed to the new channel here and will contiue to watch.
Well said, Dan! Respect! I always believe in getting the truth. Really enjoy Fantomworks when it's shown here in the UK!
I respect everything you guys do. Thank God I know how to do a lot of this work myself. But if I had the money, this guy is the guy I would have do the work. You do really good work. It's worth the money.
You couldn’t explain this any better. Dan, you’re spot on!!!
Dan, great overview, as someone who has been in the car business all my life I have seen it all, most restorations are very poorly done, some even unsafe. At the end of the day, bite the bullet, do the job correctly with an EXTREMELY reputable firm, or sell the car and find one that has been completely done (pay for a top to bottom inspection) the way you wish and buy it at auction. I have bought and sold many of these cars, if I were ever to contemplate a complete restoration again, this is this place and a few others are the only ones I would consider!
Dan, THANK YOU for this tutorial!
I’ve restored several cars. I”m 59. I have a business with satisfied customers. I got bit in the ass by a family deal. It started out by asking me if I would be interested in “getting it running.” A 1951 3 window 3100 that my cousin built out of an orchard truck in high school which he wrecked, so it sat in my uncle’s garage for 25 years.
Showed up on a trailer unannounced.
Had a grafted A-body front frame, no floor, rotten wood bed, A-body BOP 8.5 “12-bolt” with home made leaf spring perches, twisted U-bolts and damaged leaf springs, bent frame, Saginaw 4-speed, 327 with scored bearings and mismatched Power Pack heads, bondo’d rust, etc…
Short story: I’ve had this for 15 years and it is almost done. My uncle has paid me $30k. I’m the bad guy.
Details: Rebuilt 327, reworked mounts, converted to rebuilt 700R4, modified and rebuilt ‘76 1/2 Ton 12-bolt 3.73 posi with 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern, new firewall and floor, all new box with adapted floor out of newer truck, all new glass, new wiring, new interior, new suspension and brakes, power steering, modified coil spring rear suspension from ‘71 C10, custom exhaust, Chevelle fuel tank with modified filler, custom wheel base, shortened running boards and fillers, rear fenders moved forward 2”, lengthened rear bumper fillers, lots of custom metal work and new parts,
A/C, new grille, bodywork, paint…..
I have over 40 grand into it not including any of my 1300 hours of labor which I am only billing half of and only at $40/hr. I’m still owed about $30k which I may not ever see. My siblings are up my ass to “just get it done”. Nobody gets it that I have to work on my actual customer’s vehicles to make a living while this truck is a side job. It is a beautiful truck done cheap and that is why it has taken so long. I love my family. I rode in this truck as a kid when it was as an orchard truck. Nobody will be as happy as me when it’s done and I’m very close. Maybe your video can give my family some perspective. I haven’t procrastinated, I have persevered at my own time and expense. Even if I get paid, they will have a truck that could be sold for more than it cost them for me to build it. How is that even possible???
(You’re welcome!!). I believe you can see the value in my gift even though my uncle “has paid me all that money.”
Its good seeing you Dan and the shop in any format. I'm near South Bend, In. A friend of mine just got his 69 Nova back from paint and body they installed 2 rear quarters,2 door skins, aligned all the panels and base clear a medium blue. I've painted for 30 years and I give it a solid nine overall. Car was from Texas. He paid $10,000. I would be proud to drive it. That shop rate was $95.00 a hr.
The man is giving it to you straight up, and of course when you are dealing with a reputable, honest, competent shop, today there’s a plethora of incompetent, dishonest individuals looking to turn a quick buck in the repair and restoration business .
I miss your show because you always talk to people the way they need to be talked too!, Love that!!
Dan, I just found your RUclips channel from a suggested video. THANK GOD, I DID!!! I always watched your show on Discovery when we still had cable TV. When we had to cancel our cable due to financial issues, I had a severe case of Fantom Works DTs that lasted for several months (true statement). I am far beyond ecstatic to find you and your team here on RUclips, and you're DAMNED RIGHT. I'm now a HUGE FAN and a new subscriber!!! I am very excitedly looking forward to seeing your content and amazing work again...FINALLY!!!!
Dan, I started watching this but discovered I've seen this exact video of yours before. Having said that, it was honest and to the point. Keep on smiling.
We generally repost our live streams with cleaned up audio. Because these are in fact unscripted (yes, obviously we planned Dan coming in and talking with Brigette with his powerpoint and put the 3 LS cars in a row so Dan and Dave could discuss them), but the words are all unscripted and we are filming in a working shop, so the audio is way cleaner when we do some work in post production on it!
Thank you very much for discussing this topic. 2009 I graduated from college with a bachelors degree in automotive restoration. I have about 14 years of experience in the automotive industry total. For a four year period of my life I had a small restoration shop in Kansas.
In college one of the instructors told our class "You cannot restore an antique car in less than 1000 man hours (6 months)." My response to that statement was "Your shop labor rate was $75.00 per hour. Your telling me that it costs no less than $75,000. to restore a Ford Model-T." The instructors response was "Yes, it happens everyday."
It took me years, and multiple misquoted bids to comprehend the mistakes I was making. Not comprehending how many man hours go into a complete ground up restoration (as opposed to a partial restoration). I was charging Labor + Parts + Materials = $$$
My thoughts today, 15 years after graduating college. If a customer is not interested in paying for something in the range of 2000 man hours (1 year). I would probably walk away. I got burned to many time with projects that required far more labor, just to bring the project to a driver level.
Do you have for a complete ground up restoration have a low and a high number that it takes your shop to complete a restoration. I understand every single car is different.
Thank you for sharing Dave.
I’m glad to see you back. I always said you were the only truthful restoration show on tv. I’ve worked on cars 50 years, I’m still a diesel mechanic by trade. I will start passing on that you are coming back. Discovery money, while great to see all the different shops, ruined the backyard hot rod builders. Watching the Las Vegas shows paying $25,000 for a $5,000 car and then dumping $50,000 into it just to sell it for $79,000. Most of us can’t do that. I still remember you doing the deployed soldiers impala convertible, and the final costs. That was always my favorite part, going over the invoices and getting the real info on costs and times. 41:25
First of all, really good to see you after watching your shows...secondly the couple that bought the "showroom" condition 57 Chevy that you had to get a donor car for, that might have been a 300 hour "restoration"
I've always appreciated your up front honesty.. Btw have a son in law who's a service writer.who states that this video is 100% accurate..
Thank you this wonderful presentation! Much needed for those who are confused about the process of true restoration.
This confirms what I’ve known for years about how most shops charge for labor. Love your content, Dan, I subscribed and I’m looking forward to your how-to videos!
I am glad to see you back, I am a car painter an the cost is out of this world, Restoring a 58 dodge an i took it apart wrong an putting it back together an o boy how much you forget
Great video and so glad I found you on RUclips. I love your TV show. Your builds were always incredible and I have to admit missing my father Marine father that fact that you served made me always want to support you more. Thanks for the countless hours of entertainment and your service to our country sir.
Much respect Dan. Nothing to it, just do it. As long as the job is done at an honest price.
Thank you
You are my hero on restoration of cars. I really enjoyed this video. My Daughter lives right down the street from your shop. She is the Editor of the Virginia Pilot News Paper. I plan to visit Norfolk next year and would love to meet you.
Great explanation of the restoration process, and why it is a costly undertaking. Personally I don’t like shiny things, so I would just do a resto to make it safe and reliable.
I'm thrilled to have found your channel! I still watch repeats on MT channel, but it's great to know there's a place for new content. Fully align with your values, both automotive and otherwise, so it's great to have an avenue to still support what you do. Now it's time to get caught up!
Love this presentation! Excellent explanation on how ACCURATE restoration is done and cost. Thank you Dan!! 👍😊
Nice to see you and your team back on the tube. Looking forward to your future videos. If I had an extra 500,000 I would bring my car to your shop and shop does impeccable work. I know you take pride in everything that leaves your shop.
I completely restored a 1957 Nomad . It cost me a little less than $100K. It’s a nice car, so saying 50 to 60 is crazy. Enjoying the channel. Tks for sharing.
Love your stuff Dan. We will support you.
I have always appreciated Dan’s Honesty and Integrity. I miss Phantom Works being on cable TV. Looking forward to new episodes. Thanks so much Dan.
Good reality check that hopefully lots of car enthusiasts will watch. Looking forward to your future Videos.
Quality work costs money. I have always enjoyed your show and seeing the quality work and attention to detail.
I new there was a markup on parts, but the labor calculation is mind-boggling. Always enjoyed Fantom works, looking for more episodes! ( Went to T-school in Fort Eustis in '68 ).
As the son of a mechanic and an engineer, I respect my current mechanic for his honesty and ability. But I blow a head gasket (pun intended) when he charges double for parts; such as, cabin air filter , engine filter and oil filter. Are you kidding me! Thanks for the video. I appreciate your skill level and your high standards for doing things right.
I believe this is going to be better than the Discovery show.
Thank you!
Dan, thank you for showing us the truth and providing a possible way to dig ourselves out of the restoration holes we are deeply buried in.
Dan
I was very upset when Discovery said you were gone from the show - then I found a video you did talking about the reason you left the show - I thought you made a good choice and no one actually knew how much time and effort it takes to put on a show like yours - kudos to you - I thought it was one of the best if not the best of the cars shows on discovery.
Now you are back doing your own thing -- this particular video is the main reason I liked your show the best, you were always honest, you told the customer the truth and gave them updates along the way - the emotional experience the customer has while in the shop is the reason they come back and or recommend you to their friends.
Dan , I am very happy to see you here , again !!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I was one of the first mechanics at Cycle World Va. Beach back in 73 and when we first started out they payed us by the flat rate manual. We were all making money hand over fist. Like a frame swap for a CB750 (which the sailors bent all the time) was payed out at 8 hours billable time. I got so I could do 2 complete motorcycles is 8 hours so I would get paid 16 hours..! Boom then after a couple of months of raking it in the boss put us on hourly wage and and at the end of the month we would get a "bonus" lol
Looking forward to the new shows. I still watch the reruns of the old shows.
I am so happy to be following along with you guys and gals. Great job! Dan you look so much more relaxed without the Discovery pressure. Congratulations to the team.
Fantastic video Mr. Short! I caught onto the extreme markup years ago and started ordering parts myself before taking them to the shop. The worst part about this is your average mechanic gets the blame for ripping people off when management deserves it.
Honesty and Integrity as the day it long. A Great & Educational video! I am staying a subscriber for the long term. Thank you Dan, your Team and your Financial Backing Supporters for making your programs available to all of us viewing RUclips.
I loved your show and hated to see you stop making them. I am glad to have found you again! Actually, I thought this was going to be about why you stopped! I have subscribed. I have done some paint and body restoration work my self, being less than wealthy enough to hire it done, but never achieved your quality. Getting to old to do much now, but I do enjoy watching your artists at work!
For an average person, you have to do the restoration yourself (hands down)!!
If you are not wealthy, buy the best car that you can afford, and enjoy it as it is. Don’t tear it down for anything unless you have the disposable cash on hand to get it back to drivable condition in a short time
this is why the roadkill type cars are becoming more and more popular, most of us cant afford a top notch paint and body work, but we love old hotrods. Theres so many beater type cars on the street, drag strips and shows.
I am so happy seeing you again I hope you have more shows on you tube I am looking forward to it because I have liked watching you
Thank you for finally putting this out. I can't believe shops are doing this and it's legal
This is a master class in restoration.
Thank you for the truth, it’s refreshing to hear from an honest man.
plane and simple, Dan is the Man!
To add to this. I am working on an 62 mga. I blast, do all the assembly and disassembly, body work, welding, mechanicals, etc. The shop I work with will just mask, prime and paint (original color/paint, no clear coat). The cost for that is quoted at $7500.
I love the show,Dan I've been watching since 2018-19.
I used to live near where your shop is when I was a youngster when my dad was stationed in Langley in the NAVY.
Very informative, a lot of people really don't get how complex all of this stuff is...
Thank you, looking forward to seeing all your episodes
Yep..mega thanks.. for having fun doing what you do n what we think we can do n showing us also..now..I think production n camera crew have a better understanding also..thanks
Thanks man, great video. When I am able to afford getting my car done, I cannot wait to get your team to do it.
There is little economic sense in restoring all but the most valuable and collectible of automobiles. Even resto- modding cannot guarantee a return. Most people do it because they want to, they have sentimental value in the car and money to go with it. I am restoring my car myself and have installed a LS in it. I replaced much of the sheet metal and it yet has to be painted and upholstered. It’s a huge undertaking that most people can’t even comprehend. I’m only doing it because I have skills and I’ve owned the car for over 38 years . Otherwise I’m sure there is no great financial reward to be gained.
Thank you Dan. I have a 72 Chevelle so this is very informational.
I am impressed, f8nally getting to understand and know what it takes. Thank you!
Miss your show.
Thank you for the information about restoring and the costs involved.
Being officially ancient, (even have the paperwork), & starting my journey w/ autos at 12 in my uncle's repair shop, & taking me through race car fab, street rod construction & antique restoration, your analysis was the most honest I've ever heard on the topic of building cars.
It reminded of 2 things I learned over the years. There used to be a story about getting a great tuck & roll interior done in Tiajuana for half the price in LA.
They did look beautiful when done, but in 2 months they started to collapse. Instead of foam, they useed newspaper.
True or not, it makes the same point you did, you can make it pretty at low cost, but it's junk underneath or you can make it reliable & driveable. Can't do it on the cheap.
The other is if you want to start a car project, the best way to start is buying someone else's incomplete, non-running dream.
Thanks for keeping it real,good to see you still in the mix.