Tech Tips
Restoration Part 2
RESTORATION, FROM THE GROUND-UP
(Second in series)
I ended my first installment with an expression – The Slippery Slope. This installment will cover avoiding that situation.
First a bit of nomenclature straightening. You hear lots of sexy modifiers attached to the word restoration. A couple of examples are ground-up and frame-off. In the case of a Z car the correct expression is ground-up restoration. The Z, a car built using monocoque construction, doesn’t have a frame.
Whether you’re a prospective Z car owner or one who is about to make up for all those years the car sat in the garage collecting dust while the kids completed their education, you need a plan. Is there someone in my area that has experience with Z cars or will I have to have it transported to a distant shop? Do I want a full restoration or something less? How much am I willing to invest in this car stretched out over a period of time? How will I use the car after the work is completed? Will I be able to keep it in a garage or will it sit out in the weather? Think long and hard before setting out on your quest, could save you lots of aggravation.
So you’re looking for a suitable candidate. Don’t make the mistake of buying an inexpensive rusty or crashed car with the idea that you’re going to save lots of money. Buy the nicest example you can afford; can’t say this strongly enough. By spending more now, you can save tons later. If a car is sound you can save up to $10K in restoration expenses over a rusty example. Consider buying a car that has already been restored, always cheaper that way. Let the previous owner pay those big bills. In any case have it checked by someone that know Z cars before you commit yourself. I’ve had to condemn several terminally rust cars brought to me by new owners with stars in their eyes.
Let’s say your Z has been in the garage for the last few years-or decades-and it’s time to do something with it. Start by answering the questions in the 3rd paragraph followed by a session with the local Z guru. Remember, a well thought out plan is the surest way to Z car happiness!
How does one find a restoration shop that knows Z’s? Join the nearest Z club! Attend a couple of Z car shows and ask some questions. Any Z owner will be glad to tell you all about his baby.
Full or partial restoration? Very important question that begs for a well reasoned answer. Maybe the next paragraphs will be of help.
Ah yes, now for the money question. How much can I afford to spend for a full restoration to new condition? Let’s be real, and remember that payments may be stretched out over more than two years. To do the level of labor intensive work outlined in the first installment of this series will start at about $30K. If your car is rusty or has been the victim of butchery it will be more. Beware of the shop that claims to be able to do the whole job for much less. They will be taking shortcuts. A couple of customers have gagged on my initial ballpark estimate, only to spend more and achieve less by trying to do the project on the cheap.
What do I mean by butchery? I am in the process of restoring a 74 ½ 260 that was involved in several minor collisions during its 28-year life. In each case the repair was not done to recognized standards. Now those foul-ups must be made right at the expense of my customer. That’s what I mean by butchery.
What about a partial restoration, say paint, interior and mechanical? Plan to spend no less that $4K for a paint job that will look good and last. Of course, correctly performed rust repair will add considerable to the final cost. Interior restoration can be $2,500 and the mechanical stuff will run about $5K if the engine and transmission are not involved and twice that amount if they are.
If you decide to spring for a full, or even partial restoration don’t plan to use your Z as a daily driver. It will deteriorate with every paint chip and door ding. Not to mention the heartbreak! Better to use it as a club activity and nice weather fun car.
It really goes without saying that the finished product, however deeply to go, really must be left in a garage when it isn’t in use. Build the garage then do the Z car!
Next time, getting started and What can I do?
Michael McGinnis
Banzai Motorworks
(Second in series)
I ended my first installment with an expression – The Slippery Slope. This installment will cover avoiding that situation.
First a bit of nomenclature straightening. You hear lots of sexy modifiers attached to the word restoration. A couple of examples are ground-up and frame-off. In the case of a Z car the correct expression is ground-up restoration. The Z, a car built using monocoque construction, doesn’t have a frame.
Whether you’re a prospective Z car owner or one who is about to make up for all those years the car sat in the garage collecting dust while the kids completed their education, you need a plan. Is there someone in my area that has experience with Z cars or will I have to have it transported to a distant shop? Do I want a full restoration or something less? How much am I willing to invest in this car stretched out over a period of time? How will I use the car after the work is completed? Will I be able to keep it in a garage or will it sit out in the weather? Think long and hard before setting out on your quest, could save you lots of aggravation.
So you’re looking for a suitable candidate. Don’t make the mistake of buying an inexpensive rusty or crashed car with the idea that you’re going to save lots of money. Buy the nicest example you can afford; can’t say this strongly enough. By spending more now, you can save tons later. If a car is sound you can save up to $10K in restoration expenses over a rusty example. Consider buying a car that has already been restored, always cheaper that way. Let the previous owner pay those big bills. In any case have it checked by someone that know Z cars before you commit yourself. I’ve had to condemn several terminally rust cars brought to me by new owners with stars in their eyes.
Let’s say your Z has been in the garage for the last few years-or decades-and it’s time to do something with it. Start by answering the questions in the 3rd paragraph followed by a session with the local Z guru. Remember, a well thought out plan is the surest way to Z car happiness!
How does one find a restoration shop that knows Z’s? Join the nearest Z club! Attend a couple of Z car shows and ask some questions. Any Z owner will be glad to tell you all about his baby.
Full or partial restoration? Very important question that begs for a well reasoned answer. Maybe the next paragraphs will be of help.
Ah yes, now for the money question. How much can I afford to spend for a full restoration to new condition? Let’s be real, and remember that payments may be stretched out over more than two years. To do the level of labor intensive work outlined in the first installment of this series will start at about $30K. If your car is rusty or has been the victim of butchery it will be more. Beware of the shop that claims to be able to do the whole job for much less. They will be taking shortcuts. A couple of customers have gagged on my initial ballpark estimate, only to spend more and achieve less by trying to do the project on the cheap.
What do I mean by butchery? I am in the process of restoring a 74 ½ 260 that was involved in several minor collisions during its 28-year life. In each case the repair was not done to recognized standards. Now those foul-ups must be made right at the expense of my customer. That’s what I mean by butchery.
What about a partial restoration, say paint, interior and mechanical? Plan to spend no less that $4K for a paint job that will look good and last. Of course, correctly performed rust repair will add considerable to the final cost. Interior restoration can be $2,500 and the mechanical stuff will run about $5K if the engine and transmission are not involved and twice that amount if they are.
If you decide to spring for a full, or even partial restoration don’t plan to use your Z as a daily driver. It will deteriorate with every paint chip and door ding. Not to mention the heartbreak! Better to use it as a club activity and nice weather fun car.
It really goes without saying that the finished product, however deeply to go, really must be left in a garage when it isn’t in use. Build the garage then do the Z car!
Next time, getting started and What can I do?
Michael McGinnis
Banzai Motorworks
