Thought I would share a story of a restoration:

[FL SAAC]

Precisely the reason I started this thread :

Who has the best paint and body shop in the USA ?

http://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=16675.0

[shelbymann1970]

Precisely the reason I started this thread :

Who has the best paint and body shop in the USA ?

http://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=16675.0

subjective as there are many at the same level so how do you call one out to be the best? sounds like a subjective trouble post.

[67 GT350]

That is a question that you simply cannot have a correct answer for.
RULE 1...NEVER recommend a shop to anyone. I will bite you.

[shelbydoug]

That is a question that you simply cannot have a correct answer for.
RULE 1...NEVER recommend a shop to anyone. I will bite you.

You've had all of your shots right?

One of the issues that I see with a shop with long term is that say they told you $3,500 to paint it. You put it together, which is fine.

In three years, if you're still waiting, they want something more like $10,000 and you owe them for storage. It's just problematic.

[FL SAAC]

Well then who's on first?

Yes

[vtgt500]

Thanks for sharing a common story that can not be told often enough.  I purchased my essentially, rust and collision free '68 GT500 being 19 years old, in '77 for $3000.  Living in rural, northern New England, pre internet,  was at a loss to recognize a capable body shop for paint.  Was a lesson in maturity, small town egos, incompetence, and human nature.  Wasn't until 25 years later I was able to connect with a restoration facility out-of-state, that shared my standards.  Fuc'n expensive doesn't begin to describe the cost.  However, have been offered 4X my total investment including original purchase cost.  Lesson learned, do not be in a rush to do business.  Insist on references and inspecting a shop's recent work.  If the shop is a cluttered shit hole, keep looking.  Use a lawyer to generate a contract spelling out every detail.  Include completion date with clause for non performance, sub standard work,  liability for damage, theft, fire, lost parts,  etc.