Can anyone recommend a really good full restoration shop in the southeast US?

 

there is a restorer in Lakeland Florida who is known to be quite expensive but I have no experience with him. Heard he has a good reputation but again, no experience. Otherwise I have also heard of nightmares stemming from other restoration shops who ended up blocking users who had to sue and that kind of situation.

What needs to be done ?

 

Thanks for responding. I’m looking for a body off restoration and paint, repairs to some of the interior wood trim and a complete evaluation (and potential rebuild) of all mechanical components. I don’t mind spending a little extra (within reason) for reliable quality work.

 

there is an outfit in Missouri who restored a 1965 S type to like new, cost was around $60k for a body off restoration, the owner passed away before completion. And in the southeast, with the current inflation, cost might be more.

Have you considered that for around $30k you can buy a fully restored MK-2 and not go through the headaches of a restoration? Unless your car has some special sentimental meaning to you, it's not worth spending the money, the time, or the headaches involved. It's a never ending proyect. Just my two cents.

 

My two cents from across the pond is try Poland.

I know this sounds extreme from the USA but try contacting one of the restorers in Poland. Glyn might have a name or contact for you as I think he once said he has a friend who owns a workshop there. They do tremendous work and the labour costs are very low which is the biggest killer in restoring a car in the UK or USA. Putting the car in a shipping container and sending it to Poland is not as expensive as you think. The only draw back is how long the car will be away from you and not being able to pop in to check on the progress but they have internet in Poland so video calls, Zoom or Whatsap chats are always available.

 

I have a friend who works in a shop that specializes in Mercedes gullwings, and they routinely have customers ship cars from Germany to Canada to be restored, and are then sent back to Europe when finished. As Cass mentioned, ocean freight in a container can be surprisingly cheap. I have had a friend bring in a Mercedes E Class from Japan to Canada for $1300.

 

My Polish & Dallas contacts only do Porsche & Mercedes at present but intend expanding that. The standard of workmanship is utterly superb & accurate. The car even has a 500Km run on it to ensure trouble free with paint protection fitted. Their premises & different work areas/stations are immaculate. It is a properly organised process covering a large space. With stripping & cataloging, to engine to transmission to paint etc. etc. all separated. Ship in & out of Houston. Other can be accommodated.

I will make inquiries over Skype & respond.

No one goes home at night until their workstation is spotless.

 

Sorry ~ since my Dallas buddy bought 50% of the business they have moved on a lot & hired Polish specialists from other brands. Built on ~ bought more land etc. If they can do Ferrari flat 12's an XK should be a walk in the park. Staff 53 graduates. Note: click the British flag for English. The major savings are made in labour cost.

Here is a dump of my e mail response to chat on Skype: See webpage, Facebook site etc.

"I am sure we will do Jags as well

Please ask him to look at our website and Facebook page for an overview of our capabilities and examples of projects done.




He can then reach out to Jacek in order to discuss his specific project budget and time.





Renowacja i serwis zabytkowych pojazdów

doctorclassic.eu

[img]file:///C:\Users\Glyn\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\c lip_image002.png[/img]

Doctor Classic" target="_blank">Doctor Classic

Facebook Post

facebook.com" target="_blank">facebook.com

Facebook Post

Jacek Oraczewski

Doctor Classic sp. z o.o.
ul. Dworcowa 30 J, Lubiszyn 66-433, Poland.
NIP 599-317-45-11

Telephone 0048 883 555 050

Porsche - Mercedes-Benz - Ferrari - Rolls-Royce - Bentley specialist"

 

Damn ~ The Facebook references have disappeared. You might have to search Facebook. Even taking shipping into account their pricing will be way cheaper than other markets like UK & US for a fine job. The major savings are made in labour cost.

Dr Classic link operates below. Look up Doctorclassic.com on Facebook. Note: click the British flag for English.

doctorclassic.eu