Quote:
Originally Posted by GregWeld
Tony --
This is why I said to him earlier -- I wouldn't trust whoever is building the car for him. He's giving him total BS guidance if this is what he's telling him. Or the guy (builder) is clueless. Nobody would build a modern build from the ground up - and put a Richmond 5 speed (non OD) behind a big block built Pontiac. It would be different (MAYBE) if he planned to race it or something like that - where there was a clear reason why you'd do that... but in this case - no such plan has been offered.
RON -- When you say your builder is experienced... what does that mean? Is he a bodyman? A general service shop? A restoration expert? What? What else is he telling you to do with your car?? Spill it all out here and let us try to see what's going on. Do you have pictures you can post? Of the shop? Of the car? Of "before and after"?
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It took me almost 2 years to find the builder I am using. At car shows and gatherings I would ask everyone for information about builders and restorers. When I found my builder, Mike, I talked to him for several months about his experience, his knowledge about cars, his past builds, plans for my car, etc. before he came and picked up my '69. I am a very picky person and I have owned my '69 Firebird for 28+ years and the car is like family to me (odd to say). I got 10 references and talked to a few car owners. 2 guys are even return customers with more than one car.
Mike works out of his large and very nice and clean shop at his house. At the monent he is the lone worker in the shop but has a brother and nephew who help him out from time to time. The shop has its different areas...tear down area, body work area, paint booth, and finishing area. Mike does it all from start to finish. But in the beginning to told Mike that I may part out certain parts of the car like the motor, rear end, etc.
Eventhough I am not a gear head I have helped out by tearing down certain parts of the car, cleaning and media blasting small parts and doing what I can to learn and to save (hourly) money. I have spent many hours in the shop and have learned by this process more about my car.
I have many photos of my car. Not sure if I have too many of the shop. I am at work so I will try and post them soon.
But in general I have faith in my builder. Even though my build has not started we talk back and forth about idea's for my car which are not always set in stone. And of course I will have the final say so before certain work begins and which direction I go. And I will always come on this site to get idea's and opinions from all you guys.
Thanks.