Restoring a classic car is a substantial investment, and getting an accurate quote is the first step toward protecting that investment. You need to know what you're paying for—labor, parts, materials, and timeline—before handing over your keys. Here's how to get quotes that let you compare shops fairly and understand the real scope of work ahead.
Know Your Car's Condition Before Reaching Out
Before contacting restoration shops, do a honest assessment of your vehicle. Walk around it with a flashlight, check for rust bubbling, test whether doors and windows move freely, look under the hood for corrosion or seized components, and note any missing trim or gauges.
Take photos from multiple angles—especially problem areas. This lets you describe the car's state clearly to potential restorers without wasting time on vague phone calls. Shops estimate differently depending on what they can see, so detailed photos speed up the quoting process significantly.
Decide on Your Restoration Level
Classic car restoration isn't one-size-fits-all. Shops typically offer three tiers:
- Mechanical restoration – Get the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems working; minimal cosmetic work ($5,000–$20,000+)
- Frame-off restoration – Disassemble the entire vehicle, rebuild the frame, restore every component to original specs ($40,000–$150,000+)
- Rotisserie restoration – The full deep dive: body work, rust repair, complete paint, interior rebuild, engine overhaul; museum-quality results ($80,000–$250,000+)
Know which tier fits your budget and vision before requesting quotes. Vague requests ("make it nice") lead to wildly different estimates.
Find Shops Specializing in Your Make and Era
A restoration shop that excels with 1960s Mustangs may not be the right fit for a 1920s Model A or a 1975 Porsche 911. Look for shops with documented experience restoring your specific make, year, and type.
Check their portfolio on their website or social media. Do they have before-and-after photos of cars similar to yours? Ask directly: "Have you restored [your car's make/model] before?" Shops with relevant experience will quote faster and more accurately because they know the quirks, part availability, and typical labor hours.
Request Detailed, Written Quotes
Never settle for a verbal estimate. Call or email 2–4 shops and ask for a written quote that breaks down:
- Labor hours and rate (typical: $85–$150/hour, varies by region and shop reputation)
- Parts and materials with estimated costs or sourcing method
- Specific scope – List every system or component to be addressed
- Timeline – How long from start to finish
- Payment schedule – Is it upfront, milestone-based, or final inspection?
- Warranty – What do they guarantee after delivery?
A proper quote is a 1–3 page document, not a text message or napkin sketch. If a shop won't provide one, move on.
Ask the Right Follow-Up Questions
Once you have quotes, send clarifying emails:
- "Are there any 'surprise' costs typical for this type of car?" (Hidden rust, seized bolts, rare unavailable parts are common wild cards.)
- "How do you source NOS [new old stock] or reproduction parts?"
- "If the project exceeds the estimate, how much overrun are you okay with before contacting me?"
- "Can I visit during work to check progress?"
These answers reveal how transparent and organized a shop is.
Compare More Than Just Price
The lowest quote isn't always the best value. A $60,000 quote from a shop with no portfolio and a 3-year wait time beats a $50,000 quote from a one-man operation that might disappear midway.
Weight your decision on:
- Experience with your specific car type
- Timeline and whether they'll meet it
- Communication style – Are they responsive and clear?
- Shop reputation – Read reviews, check references
- Quality samples from their past work
Use Mercoly to Streamline Your Search
Comparing restoration shops manually takes weeks. Mercoly connects you with vetted classic car restoration providers in your area, lets you request quotes from multiple shops simultaneously, and helps you compare responses side by side. You'll see labor rates, specialties, and timelines all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I provide my car's VIN when requesting a quote? Yes—a VIN lets shops check production details, verify originality, and flag potential issues before you visit.
Q: How much should I budget for "hidden" problems in a classic car? Plan for 10–20% above your main estimate; older vehicles frequently reveal rust, wiring issues, or seized components once disassembly begins.
Q: Can I supply my own parts to save money? Some shops allow it, but many decline—sourcing quality NOS or reproduction parts correctly is part of their expertise, and they stand behind parts they select.
Get your quotes, ask tough questions, and choose the shop that balances quality, timeline, and transparency—not just the lowest number.