Complete Restoration
For your Vintage Thunderbird & Classic Ford needs in the Pacific Northwest!
503-432-6608
Automotive Restoration
At Watkins Restoration we love classic cars, especially classic Fords. We provide top notch, quality service for you. Using our time tested process, each aspect of your restoration is handled as if the finished car would be our own. Car restoration is a highly individualized process. Whether you’re looking to get a nice daily driver or a show quality pristine rotisserie restoration, we can provide you with all the services you need. This list gives you an idea of the categories of restoration:
Concours: The ultimate restoration, a car restored to this level is considered perfect in every aspect: top, bottom, interior and under the hood. All parts are numbers correct, every part, line, nut and bolt is correct to the way it came out of the factory. Many times these restorations are higher quality and more perfect than the original factory! Cars at this level are show vehicles and are rarely if ever driven. This level of restoration is the most expensive way to go.
Show: A show restoration gives you a beautiful car. Every aspect of the car is restored. Every care is taken with the restoration but time is not necessarily spent tracking down numbers correct parts. These restorations would more closely match the quality of the car when it originally left the factory.
Driver A less expensive and less time-consuming restoration. This level restores the vehicle to the point where it is close in appearance to how it looked originally with emphasis placed on safety systems and bringing the car back to a good usable condition. Used parts are often refurbished and replaced rather than purchasing new items. Though not as stringent as the prior categories, a driver level restoration is generally more affordable and is still quite rewarding.
Each project we undertake is unique! Keep in mind that a vehicles overall condition and the amount of original or custom parts needed will vary, also there are many unknown or unforeseen repairs on any restoration project; (for example hidden rust beneath another metal structure). The closest you could get to an accurate estimate would be if the car was disassembled fully, only then could you see all surfaces and what attention they might require. For this reason, projects are taken on a labor and materials basis only. We do not provide cost estimates as they would be misleading and inaccurate. No one can say what will be found when engines are rebuilt, electrical systems redone and interiors torn apart.
To give you an idea of how restoration costs can add up, consider the following range of “average” prices included in a recent 60’s Thunderbird and 60’s Galaxie restoration I have completed:
Engine rebuild $2000-4000
Chroming $4000-6000
Paint $5000-10000
Front end work $1600-2400
These prices are just a guideline, your prices will vary.
The idea of an "inexpensive restoration" is just one of the many myths held by people not fully understanding the true meaning and scope of the work that is involved. Auto restoration is not for everyone. Every car owner must make a substantial financial commitment before deciding to restore his car.
Since estimates cannot be given, we follow a systematic process with each project. This process begins with an assessment of the vehicle. We go through the car, noting condition, missing parts and areas of concern. We check engine and drive train functions, pull up carpets, remove door panels and check operation of electrical systems. Once the assessment is complete, we go over the information with you, allowing you to make decisions regarding the directions of the project. This process results in a build plan for the project. This build plan is a roadmap and is not carved in stone, options will come up and changes may result.
To make sure that everything is done the way you wish we stay in close touch with you during the process. We let you know what we are encountering as we progress. All shop time is billed at a flat rate and billings are issued every two weeks including all labor, materials & parts used during the period. In addition, pictures are included showing the progress on the car. Once the project is complete, we include a project binder with each car that documents all the work done, receipts for all parts and materials, and a complete set of pictures of the project.
Car restoration is a labor intensive, time consuming and expensive process, but nothing can compare to the feeling of cruising down the road in your beautifully restored car!
