How Much Does C2 Corvette Restoration Cost??? Explained
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- Опубликовано: 17 сен 2021
- Welcome back to Horsepower Warehouse!
Today we are going to address what is easily our most frequently asked question when people see our restoration facility. It is nearly impossible to give someone an honest estimate about restoring their corvette without being able to evaluate the car in person. Frame condition, birdcage condition and fiberglass body condition are all critical in evaluating restoration time and costs. Assuming these items are in good and undamaged condition, it is safe to assume most C2 corvettes will take 1000 to 1200 hours including paint. With the addition of parts and supplies, hopefully it becomes more clear why most frame off restorations surpass the $100K mark. In many cases, you may find that it is cheaper to purchase an already restored vehicle. If the restoration was performed by a qualified outfit and the vehicle is the combination you are looking for, this is almost always our suggested route. With that being said, the cars frame off restored by our facility sell extremely fast and in most cases the customization options are usually limited by that point. Thank you for checking out my channel and please consider hitting the Like + Subscribe! Email for Inquiries: HorsepowerWarehouse@aol.com 
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Just pleased that these vehicular art masterpieces are being treated so well.
You can't put a price on LOVE! Congrats on being able to build a terrific career preserving these amazing vehicles. Thanks for not falling for the "phone quote" trap in which the customer either deliberately or unintentionally understates the amount of work needed to restore a car, then you find that the car needs a LOT more work than the customer revealed over the phone. Now you're in a no-win situation of annoying the customer who didn't give you all the necessary information in the first place in the interest of getting a cheap price, or having to eat the low-ball quote so as to avoid unfair accusations of fraud or delivering a "misleading" quote. No car, no quote. My congrats to you.
Extremely well said, it sounds like you have been in my position before. Thanks for the comment and for checking out my channel!
These are the best cars ever made I’m glad to see someone like you doing what you do I had a 63 convertible and the biggest mistake I ever made was selling it keep up the great work
Love what you do. These cars are exceptionally done. Oh, and don't get me wrong, I love Corvettes, but I did notice that 69 Chevelle in this video. SWEEEET!
Outstanding work and strait talking about costs and real world advice about buying or restoring these classics!
Thanks for the videos. They’re very informative. And, I have to be honest, I’m surprised that you can do a restoration for as little as you’ve described and make money. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a lot of money but the hours and workmanship are amazing. You are gifted. I’m retired and have had several vettes over the years (1972, ‘76 which I have owned for 43 years, 2007 and currently a 2015) but could never afford a C2 of the caliber you do. All that aside continue your good work and save these cars for posterity.
Loved your video. It's either time or money. I bought my split window in 1975 for $3500. Started the frame off in '85 and have been chipping away. Now retired and going after the body. I'm still looking at thousands in correct parts and paint. This restoration, though, has been such a satisfactory part of my life. Thankyou for your video clips.
I'm just 6 numbers away from buying one of your master pieces. Just gorgeous.I started the Chautauqua County Corvette club back in the 70's and I can't begin to tell you of the treasures that we had in the club back then.
First time viewer and now I'm hooked. Subscribed, I will check out your content. Appreciate your honesty, sadly in the classic car world integrity seems to be a hard thing to find now. Of all the Corvettes the C2's are my favorite by far. A lot of people don't realize that when the split window Corvettes were new the dealers had a hard time selling them. How things have changed!
I think you guys are right on the money you guys turn out spectacular units anyone would be proud to own
Great video you explain very clearly about the right way to approach restoration vs buying a finished car, factory stock vs restomod ... it’s a tough decision to weigh and measure!
Are you kidding, we love your work...so wish I was there.
The C2 vette will ALWAYS be the best vette
World class styling
TOTALLY
AGREE....
I have to agree. I have C2, C3, C5 and C7. C2 has the best looks and they are a blast to drive
I Agree 100%,especially the ‘67😊
Sunny Rae
@@liamgross7217
Thank you. Very interesting and informative. I think you’re spot on in terms of labor and material costs for full-on, frame off restorations - if you want to do them right and your shop certainly does. I also agree with your comments regarding factory restorations versus mods. The market will be larger for factory restorations. Enjoy all your videos especially the matter of fact approach you take when pointing out previous work done poorly.
I liked the moded 63, more than the number matching cars. I would not drive them like a moded car. Now I would not paint a sports car such a ugly color. I do love the red interior.
I enjoyed this video very much and had no idea of the actual cost to restore a Corvette. Your work is amazing and meticulous. I wish I knew more about what to look for when buying a C2, when I bought mine. I bought a 1965 Roadster (Restomod) in 1984 and was able to make enough repairs to put the car on the road until 1996, and that's when I decided to take it off the road due to all the work it needed to drive it safely. It needed a new chassis, bushings, bird cage repairs (#3 body mounts were completely gone) , brakes, suspension work, etc., as well as a new engine. I have been actively working on it for the last 5+ years. It is almost finished, having replaced the chassis, suspension, brake lines, calipers, rotors, master cylinder, manual transmission, drive shaft and carbon fiber half shafts, electrical harnesses, tail lights & headlights, Mustang II power steering rack, fuel tank & lines, interior carpeting, leather seat covers, reconditioned the seat frames, windshield and gasket, door main gaskets, and a fresh ZZ 502 crate motor with Hooker ceramic coated headers and side exhaust and a fresh coat of paint. I can't imagine how many hours I have invested but I know it's a significant number, and worth every minute to me.
I appreciate the quality of your builds. It is very apparent that your vision for what a properly restored car consists of combined with some very talented craftsmen create the 4 wheeled art that you create. I have looked at a couple of mid years that were nice, but passed on both. It was exactly as you say. You are better off spending the money for a properly restored car. Otherwise you need to be content with a driver or be willing to put more money into the car than it will be worth. You nailed it!
Great video as always. One thing I was looking for was just a "ballpark" range of costs of your restorations. Appreciate all your videos!
yeah, why does he quote his competitor then not include his own prices?
Fantastic video. Just love the job you are doing on these special and rare automobiles. Keep up the great work.
Great to see the honest advice . Sorry I can’t sell the house so I stuck with a Honda, Great video
Jr i love your channel, i have learn a lot about corvetts from you. I have had 10 vettes in my life and i an getting two more this month ( 66 cov and 23. I will stop in next time ian in fla, keep up the channel i enjoy it.
Wow, so many C2 Corvettes all in one place. Very informative.
Excellent video,your collection is amazing and thank you for being such a meticulous technician 👍
I've been Around The Block many times - and fought in a lot of rodeos.
I believe you and endorse your truthfulness.
I ran a '63 for five years in high school and college and
Greatly Appreciate that I had that experience....
I bought a 1966 C2 convertible big block with a 4 speed Muncie, factory side pipes and a hard top. Best $2200 I ever spent. Most fun I ever had in a car! Thank you for keeping them true!
Your info on range of cost and variables in a C2 restoration was very helpful. I was one of the people who left a previous comment asking you to provide information on the cost of a C2 restoration. I’m particularly interested in a sunfire yellow 67 427 coupe. Hearing your comments on buying a restored C2 from you versus bringing you a C2 for you to restore made me think about how procuring the base car and working with your shop might work.
The hunt for your car is half of the fun, after that is just deciding at what level you want it restored to.
Really great job on explaining. I know people will always ask questions like that. I have even asked many years ago on a few cars. People just don't understand what OEM parts cost and then they have to be sourced. I have always wanted to do a 2 door 57 Belair, but that's one dream I will hold dear to my heart. I know where a C1 is that he has been holding on to for many years now. I had a chance to buy it many years ago at 27k and wish I had the funds to invest it then.
Great video of awesome cars. I did a '64 coupe 365 hp Daytona Blue / White interior. Started in 09/1979 and finished in 02/1981 used only NOS parts. Reproduction parts were not common at that time. Guess I was ahead of the curve. For that reason the car was Bloomington Gold 1st time out in 06/1981. NCRS TOP FLIGHT 5 times. Never drove it (trailer queen) loved that car so much. Sold it when I moved to FL in 06/2005. Wish I had it back. It took me right at 1200 hours in my garage and lost count of the NOS parts that were purchased. However, your prices for a restoration sound spot on. Miss my car so much. We are only care tackers for these jewels. We can't take them with us.
I'm sure you realize how very lucky you are to have the business you do. Congratulations on the shop & the business.
Hey , I watch your channel very nice work . I own a restoration company an i find its always to expensive people think. your right you can't count the price you paid for the car which some do .... Don't buy a corvette then very expensive car to do the right way . Keep up the good work
Hi Jr, I have a friend of mine that only does 36 split window Corvette one at a time, He says it is so hard to put a price on them because the car can not talk to you and tell you how its life has been from the first day that the owner had it. Tom my friend has never had one out the door under 60,000 dollars You are so wright it is so very much time into these cars it will break the bank. Now If people think that people like you are out of the park with price per car try in restoring a 1944 P51 Mustang World war 2 air craft...One better own a bank because of things are so expensive its just how things are...You are very informative I like how you put it out there....
I’m at the tail end of a car restoration and thankfully most of the parts I bought around the pandemic so the price hikes hadn’t taken hold yet. Right now it’s in final assembly but life has a habit of getting in the way of finishing it. Weather, funds, part shortages you name it I’ve been through it.
This will be my first and last as it was supposed to be done with my dad. He went before we got to the finish line.
Went basically the same route you did but had to farm out the final bits of the work due to my own health issues. Dad was a big fan of the C2 vettes and I’m partial to them myself over the other years. Thanks for sharing. Oh yeah if I really knew back then what the process was going to be like would’ve just bought one already done. as my prior experience with projects were always driving restorations no frameoffs. Plus I had dad and my brothers were still around. Everyone is spaced out now or off this mortal plain.
Love your videos and your work!
Awesome restoration work. I think you comments about time, labor and parts pricing are in the ballpark. Labor rate of $60 per hour shown on your competitors work sheet seems low. Can’t wait to see the finished 66 Mosport Green in an upcoming video.
Very informative thank you very much keep up the great work your cars are fantastic.
Wow,just beautiful, you are so blest to be in care of such iconic automobiles. Take care.
WOW, those are some fantastic cars, great job!!
I think your WORK SPEAKS FOR ITSELF - INTEGRITY IS #1
Definitely appreciated!
I'm impressed. I may call you up in a year or two for current inventory.
I replaced the frame and did a full restoration on a '68 Corvette roadster 25 years ago and the total costs were roughly $22,000.
Absolutely beautiful cars brother
99% of amateur restorations are horrible in quality and on the flip side, you probably undercharge for doing things correctly and professionally by experts who do it every day!
You refer to the big block car with air...back in the day [mid - late 70s] I had a lot which dealt with mainly C2 cars, buying and selling. I think the most unusual I had go through was a '65 convertible with a 327 [250 hp], air, power steering, brakes, windows and wheel covers. Nicely equipped, right? How about it had a 3-speed manual box! Yep, no 4-speed for this car. Factory 3-gear. It was yellow/black top/black gut and I was very surprised at how quickly it sold!
It's a crazy time to receive this comment because we just received one of our first factory 3 speed cars, a 66 Mosport small block coupe. The four speed was such a cheap option that almost everyone checked the box. Thanks for checking out my channel!
Looks great!
your doing everything perfect ! keep going !!
Your cars look amazing.
Great job you have its amazing all the time
Really nice place and love the 427 Convertible with factory air. I think people often have no clue what things really cost especially with the cost of parts today for old cars like this. You make them better than they came from the factory. If I ever decide to buy a C2, I’ll call you. I had a 68 red convertible with a L68 427. More of a survivor. Fun to cruise around but lacked refinement. I’m sure your cars are solid and great to show or drive. At the end of the day, you charge what you need to charge to stay in business.
That blue one with the white stinger is gorgeous.
Excellent video !!!
Awesome video 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Your shop does an amazing job. I also think Enzo had it wrong. The C-2 Corvette is still the most beautiful car ever. Nothing else can compare to it. The XKE was pretty, but still didn't compare to the C-2. Would I love to own a C-2 63-67. Of course I would. Can I afford one. Unfortunately not. However, when I think of the ultimate sports car I'd like to own in my dreams; it's definitely the C-2 Corvette! I just wonder how they would have morphed into with another 5 years of production. Please any designers out there who can share their designs on a C-2 68-73! 😊
AGREE....
I think for the quality of work you do, the pride you take in making sure everything is done to a certain level, your prices are more than fair.
That being said, what about a giveaway to your Canadian viewers 🙏😂. One can dream right? Lol
If and when I have the money, I would love to get a ‘63 split done by you 😎.
Super job ,can't get any better then that
As a person who spent over 45 years fixing wrecked cars and did my fair share of restoration work, doing a proper frame up for a profit (restore to sell), it is not worth it unless at the end the car is worth at least six figures. If it is a car that you plan to keep because it has some nostalgic meaning for you, then fine. But to think your restored Chevelle or Volkswagen is going to be worth the 80 or 90 thousand dollars you actually spent is a pipe dream. Even if you do the majority of the work yourself. And keep in mind, for many of these old cars replacement parts are not available anywhere, so unless you can manufacture them yourself, or can pay someone to manufacture them, you are unlikely to be able to finish one yourself.
Well said! Thanks for checking out my channel
Hi Junior we talked a couple times. Junior is down to earth and spent time talking to me he NOT and up tight Corvette restorer / enthusiast like a-lot in this hobby are. I don’t mind spending the money. I just want to get a quality and professional work I would pay for which is difficult to find in this town or anywhere. If I had the extra $$$ I have mine restored by you.
Awesome video as always Jr! Always cracks me up when people fret about the cost of a restoration vs the value of the car afterwards. I guess it's a factor but if you don't drive it, stare at it and experience the feeling of Vette life then what's the point?! Life is short!
Suriname here..i like i love it
Good content!
Great video
Great Job!
I loved working with passionate owners to restore their special car. My time at a high end shop allowed me to make dreams come true. True value is not listed in any blue book.
It looks like your on point with what you do. Better to buy one from you. Happy motoring nosale
Great business u would know cost having done so many keep up the good work
Great video and informative. Appreciate your honesty. Yes , today nothing is cheap . Especially if you want ot done correctly and done with pride and great quality. I have a split window and been shopping around and doing some homework on restoring it , frame off. Need to be careful on who you ho with. It's a fairly large undertaking and costly. I have been to one shop who charges 125. Per hour plus parts andcanother shop who charges 225 . an hour.
Junior, if you get a chance, please reach out to me.
Very nice cars!
Just put the body on my '66. I spent 10k on the chassis. Upgrades are Wilwood calipers, R&P steering, rear monoleaf, removeable crossmember, & ss brake lines. My goal is 20k but it will probably be closer to 25k when its done.
I'm sure when mine is done I'd be afraid to park it next to one of the ones in this video. Big difference between an individual's first project and a professional shop.
Back in 1966 Kenny Ross in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on the northside, had a 66 super sport convertible for 6000.what a deal! Awm
I think that you are right on, years ago I bought a 66 roadster from a friend who had don most of the restoration and I finished the restoration and bought and restored a hardtop for the car myself. The prices for the parts were much less then and they are harder to find now if you want to keep it correct.. I wish that I still had the car and might be interested in another some day (Where are you located?) I bought a 07 Z06 in 08 and it definitely drives better but the 66 made me happier!
You do a Fantastic Job from Urbana ILLINOIS
Liked and subscribed.🤙🇺🇸
The gray resto-mod is kick ass.
Beautiful cars. It makes me sick to have let my 65 go. Those prices are what is to be expected. It generally cost more to restore than what you can sell it for. Beautiful work.
Five years ago, I did a full off-frame restoration on my '65 vette converting it to a high-quality restomod, similar to the one shown in the video. I put $140K into this restoration + the original cost of the car. It's a labor of love, NOT a money-making venture.
I'm not an expert by any means but I would have guessed more than a 100 K To do it the right way with no excuses.
Are C -2's the only restorations you do?
This is the first video I have seen.
Excellent! I'm a subscriber.
While I do restorations on all types of cars I've developed a reputation specifically for top notch Corvettes. Thanks for the comment and I appreciate you checking out my channel!
BEAUTIFUL
Jr, Great vid. Please post the kink to your shop of vehicles for sale. I agree, its better to buy one done by you guy’s than to take a chance, so being i the market I would like to see what you have available.
10:31 Red 64? Interesting hood on a 64…
Cool video. Thanks for sharing
Awesome as always,,I think your on the money,,Beautiful cars,,If I hit the lottery Ill be up to see you,,,,LOL,,Job well well done
I have been following your channel just for a couple months now and have noticed you do amazing work and yes it is hard to put a price tag on a restoration I do have a question and I hopefully you can lead me into the right direction I currently have a 67 Marboro maroon coupe with white interior I know it’s pretty rare because I rarely see that combo and it is a number in matching car do you know how many they produced with color combo any information would be appreciated thanks keep the great videos coming
I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate all of your presentations. I have one simple question which I’ve never seen addressed. What is the negative effect of a C2 with a replacement VIN?
Chassis numbers and engine numbers removed by the state before the replacement VIN plate is attached.
However all the engine, diff and body dates seem to match.
Thank you.
Love the videos. How do you buy one of your Vette’s? I don’t see a website like in the description. Love the videos and I need a C2! Thanks!
To start with, you do great work. Some beautiful cars you have . My Dad had a 64 coupe 4speed sidepipes Sebring silver with a 67 stinger hood black stripe. I could have bought that car in 1980 when I graduated for 6500 dollars from my Dad but I was too busy chasing girls and drinking beer. I regret that everyday . I know ,I know I'm a dumbass.
You are a true craftsman Bravo !!!!! I Don't think you can say what it could cost or how much labor there should be on a restauration...you are dealing with cars going on 60 years old...Having said that I would buy one of your finished vetts before I would buy a new zo6 ..7 days a week. Just Awesome !!
I do have one question for you. I am doing a frame off on a 73 big block all power car...Frame was in Great condition...I had it all blasted and powder coated....Flared all 4 corners new Glass nose and the back panel has been replaced. I just have some finish sanding on the flares also Body is back in the frame.... my question I am struggling with the order in which to put the car back together....should I paint the car before the motor goes back in....and should I also hang the doors before painting so i don't possibly damage the finish paint installing them later...etc...Thanks for any input you can provide and Thanks so much for your Vids !!!! Cheers !!!
About 25 years ago I was at a body shop having my truck worked on and they were finishing up a fake Corvette they built to order for a Japanese businessman - starting cost was $180K. He kept adding features over time, and it was over $200K when I saw it and almost ready to ship. At the time I was completely in love with C3 designs, but I saw the error of my ways as I got older.
Absolutely everything about it was aftermarket, except for the engine block (a 454 rebuilt to 500). If you hadn't been told that you would have sworn it was an early 70s Stingray convertible with a custom paint job, a couple body mods, and completely upgraded dash.
There was a time when the cars that had been well preserved with original paint, low miles etc. were worth a mint. Now it seems you can get more for a completely transfused car with rusto-mod conversions. It's all whatever you want to do and whatever there is a market for.
@@senselessmonkee There's still a market for those, but far fewer of them to pass around. While I can appreciate the "all-original" I also have to acknowledge that these vehicles are as old as I am and engineering has passed them by. The styling though, is what really made the old muscle cars shine. Today's vehicles are just lacking that indefinable "it" when it comes to styling.
nice work
Cost to restore? When they ran down the line in St. Louis, they took two to three days from when body panels and frame started being assembled until they rolled through final inspection.There were two shifts, but second shift was much lighter than the first shift on people. I don't remember but there were around 100 to 200 people involved. Still, there was considerable amounts of that time just sitting, waiting for bonding to cure, moving from one station to the next, waiting for paint to dry, etc. Still, there were between 20 to 30 hours typically per car by 100 people with hands on, so about 2000 to 3200 man-hours per car from a pile of parts to an assembled and running car. This is what get home restorers in trouble. The factory was also working with all new parts and only assembling, not disassembling. Allowing the dead time, it is reasonable to think about 2000 hours for a restoration on a reasonable sound donor car since most are not assembling original GM glass panels into front ends, rear bodies, roofs, etc.
NICE!!!!
I think most people see an expensive fully restored car at auction and think every old car is worth a lot If it is a similar make and model. They don’t take into account restoration risk, restoration cost, and market value and market risk. It is like doing a home restoration. Some issues are easy to see and estimate cost. Many are not. As you said, it is safer and cheaper to buy a well documented and restored car. At least then you are only dealing with market risk. By the time your restoration on that barn find is done, a lot of time may have passed and cost increased while market value may have not moved, or even gone down. It is very easy to be upside down financially.
You're making me. Love my 65 convertible even more,, , with only 20,000 in it I'm going to drive it into the ground, 396 with a 411 rear
I think nowadays and he’s right on about the cost of building a Corvette or restoring one special C2 and then specially with economy right now with hard time getting parts I just Jack’s price at more
Unbelievable video - just bought a split screen 63 corvette - know very little but love the shape!! -I am in the UK - but can i ship to you for a full restoration?
You tell the honest truth about what it takes to do a restoration. Looking at "Gas Monkey and Counting Car's" they make it look like it only takes a few days or weeks.
Nice workmenship!
Great video I have 1967 435 coupe that my wife bought in 1968 .she is 2nd owner.i am doing a clean up under the car.what do you do under the wheel wells when you restore one.
As less and less people learn or want to learn these skills they have no understanding of what is involved. They want the immediate results like the internet gives them, which is not possible in real life and assembling cars back to their former glory. Or anything else for that matter. It becomes harder and harder to get money out of people that is worth the labor and love involved to save these cars. They just don't care to understand. For the future to see parts of history is important. I hope saving anything from the past doesn't become a lost art. Our newest generation doesn't care to spend the money on old things and wait for them. We have turned into everything disposable so throw it away culture. Buy what is new and immediately available, dispose of the rest. Just no appreciation of anything and you are a boomer at any age if you think about antiques.
Keep it alive guys great work, killer shop and showroom. living the dream of many dudes out here.
If you looked at it this way, no one would ever venture any style of refurbishment. Fortunately we jump into projects from an emotional bases than logic of finances. We may not finish it but possibly leave it better for the next owner.
Like to see more videos on c3 corvettes, Much like this video. Like your videos.lol russell wayne boyd.
Good god if that’s what it costs maybe I need to start restoring corvettes! 😮
Great show and yes from my experiences the restoration figures are in the ballpark of others I have seen. Quick question: I noticed you had a ‘67 with the turbine rims. Do you have a trick to keeping the center star piece attached when driving? I see many people struggle with these falling off when driving. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment! The 67 caps are equally troublesome and expensive. Ive seen cars with tape used on the wheel to give the clips more bite and silicone to try to help hold the caps on. I usually massage each clip to give the max amount of bite. You can also carefully notch each wheel to provide a "lip" for the clip to sit in but this is almost never necessary. Thanks for checking out my channel!
New clips
100k is the going price for a full body off I agree. If you don't start off with an original car or start replacing parts instead of restoring them it's going to be Chinese repop city. Most people don't seem to mind as long as it's shiney.
BTW, that red 64 in the corner looked like a 63.
Kudos to the shop. You guys look like your doing it right. Enjoy your video tours.
I appreciate the kind words! Also good catch on the red convertible, it is indeed a 63. I've been focused on the red 64 coupe recently and keep wanting to mix them up. The hood is a dead giveaway. Thanks for watching my channel!
I agree…. I want to know how much for the White Coup…. And the restomod…
The 427's are nice, no doubt. But for my money, I'll go with a restored 1967 327/350, with factory sidepipes, PB, PS, AC, and a 4-spd M20. And a fresh $14K repaint. Not perfect, but a man's gotta eat, too.
I agree. I have a 67 convertible that I’m restoring, I’m going with the same set up, just no AC.