Anyone know a good restoration shop? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Lafayette 68K20 · 10-25-2007, 01:40 PM

I'm new to the board and am looking for recommendations for a shop that does frame off restorations. I searched the message board and did not find a thread or topic talking about specific shops near me.

I'm looking to restore a 68 K20 CST, 327, 4spd granny close to original, with a few mods for safety and convenience.

I've got the skills to maintain the vehicle, I just don't have the skills, space, tools, or time to do a complete frame off restore.

Anybody know of a shop out west, preferably close to Colorado? Thanks!

Musclerodz · 10-25-2007, 02:43 PM

I typical don't do stock restorations, but we can handle anything you wish to do. I am 12 hours from Denver in OKC, OK

Mike

68gmsee · 10-25-2007, 02:44 PM

It's going to be hard to find a good restoration shop. Most of the body shops around here don't mess with older trucks and cars. They make most of their money with quick panel replacement and paint jobs on the newer vehicles.

There's one (and only one) in this area that's willing to tackle restoration work and he's not shy to tell you that it will take a long time and cost a lot of money. He does excellent work and $15K to $30K is some quotes I've heard. Plus it may take anywheres from several months to a year or more...

Needless to say, I didn't take him up on it...

powell72 · 10-25-2007, 10:00 PM

You could check with Zoomers in Denver, they mostly do street rods but could point you in the right direction if they weren't interested.

Lafayette 68K20 · 12-19-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powell72

You could check with Zoomers in Denver, they mostly do street rods but could point you in the right direction if they weren't interested.

Hello Powell72 - thanks for the lead to Zoomers in Denver. Very nice people, really nice shop, just way out of my price range. I really did like the people there. I just think they are not that interested in doing stock restorations. They quoted me $60K to do the job. I had to ask them twice if they were joking

. Sadly, it was no joke.

Anyway - I struck a deal with Mike at MuscleRodz (see earlier post above.) Very reasonable, easy to work with, and very thorough estimate that's definitely in my price range. I'm very impressed so far. Shipped my truck to Oklahoma (just before the deep freeze) and I can't wait to see the progress. I think Mike is planning to post pictures and progress in the Projects and Builds forum.

GlennBrittain · 10-25-2007, 10:42 PM

I am also looking for a shop to do my bodywork. I can handle the frame, but would rather have a professional restore my cab. I have been quoted some outlandish amounts, which leads me to believe they did not want the job to begin with. I recently stopped at a paint and body, which I drive by at least weekly. I had not stopped there because it was a converted chicken farm. I finally stopped due to seeing a 69 there. Turns out, this was an older man with experience on out trucks. I will be following his work on a truck that was in the shop. If the one he is working on turns good, he will get my cab.

factorystock · 12-19-2007, 03:12 PM

I would recommend to send along a sales brochure from 1968 and the paint chip code sheet to correctly match the factory colors to the right places. It is very important to do the reseach on your own, if you do not have a completely original vehicle in the first place.

**70cst** · 12-19-2007, 03:38 PM

Lafayette 68K20...glad to see that you hooked up with Mike at MuscleRodz.
I am looking forward to watching your progress. Do you have a time table and estimate of restoration cost? It looks like my restoration cost will be $15-20K and that is not a frame off but once it is done I will have a very nice DD.

Musclerodz · 12-20-2007, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

Lafayette 68K20...glad to see that you hooked up with Mike at MuscleRodz.
I am looking forward to watching your progress. Do you have a time table and estimate of restoration cost? It looks like my restoration cost will be $15-20K and that is not a frame off but once it is done I will have a very nice DD.

Planning 1 years but shooting for less. I will let Richard comment on price if he wants to.

Lafayette 68K20 · 12-20-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

Lafayette 68K20...glad to see that you hooked up with Mike at MuscleRodz.
I am looking forward to watching your progress. Do you have a time table and estimate of restoration cost? It looks like my restoration cost will be $15-20K and that is not a frame off but once it is done I will have a very nice DD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

Planning 1 years but shooting for less. I will let Richard comment on price if he wants to.

70cst - I too have a budget like yours. I'm hoping to keep it around $20K, but am willing to go a bit higher (within reason) to get it done right. Right now, we have $25K in the contract, and that is a frame off price. What I like about Mike is his willingness to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. For example, he noticed my exhaust and tires were basically new - so, no need to replace those. I'm not sure all shops would take that extra step.

Musclerodz · 12-20-2007, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factorystock

I would recommend to send along a sales brochure from 1968 and the paint chip code sheet to correctly match the factory colors to the right places. It is very important to do the reseach on your own, if you do not have a completely original vehicle in the first place.

This truck is VERY original and will be a straight foward frame off with a few upgrades to improve drive ability. I started a thread already in the project section and will be updating this week. I have started disassembly.

Lafayette 68K20 · 12-21-2007, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factorystock

I would recommend to send along a sales brochure from 1968 and the paint chip code sheet to correctly match the factory colors to the right places. It is very important to do the reseach on your own, if you do not have a completely original vehicle in the first place.

factorystock - thanks for the heads up. I have the sales brochure and I believe Mike has the correct paint chip codes. Curious - do you know where I can get a copy of the paint chip codes? Are they available online?

Tynee · 12-20-2007, 11:22 AM

Lafayette, Welcome to the board. Good luck with the restore!!!

Lafayette 68K20 · 12-21-2007, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tynee

Lafayette, Welcome to the board. Good luck with the restore!!!

Tynee - thanks for the well wishes - I'm looking forward to watching the progress and very eager to drive when complete.

Mudder · 12-21-2007, 09:21 AM

Sounds like you have found a good one. Communication is very important just like in a marriage. My bodyman does restos on the side but chooses what he wants. They work on those when they don't have any insurance jobs. They are very good at it also. These kind of shops are getting hard to find.

piecesparts · 12-21-2007, 02:58 PM

If you want a good shop and don't mind traveling to get a job done and more than one option. One that I would suggest is Roeher's Shop, just outside the small town of Burlington, Kansas. They have been doing frame off work for years (Example: streetrods, full size Cadillacs, Mopars, and trucks). The truck in the attached pictures was done by them and this truck made the Custom Classic Trucks magazine cover in 2005. This business is run by Harry Roeher and his sons and they do their work, basically from start to finish. They can be reached at 620-203-0041.

Just a suggestion--sometimes a small shop does the great work.

10-25-2007, 01:40 PM	#1
Lafayette 68K20 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 38	Anyone know a good restoration shop? I'm new to the board and am looking for recommendations for a shop that does frame off restorations. I searched the message board and did not find a thread or topic talking about specific shops near me. I'm looking to restore a 68 K20 CST, 327, 4spd granny close to original, with a few mods for safety and convenience. I've got the skills to maintain the vehicle, I just don't have the skills, space, tools, or time to do a complete frame off restore. Anybody know of a shop out west, preferably close to Colorado? Thanks!

10-25-2007, 02:43 PM	#2
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,364	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? I typical don't do stock restorations, but we can handle anything you wish to do. I am 12 hours from Denver in OKC, OK Mike __________________ Mike Redpath

10-25-2007, 02:44 PM	#3
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? It's going to be hard to find a good restoration shop. Most of the body shops around here don't mess with older trucks and cars. They make most of their money with quick panel replacement and paint jobs on the newer vehicles. There's one (and only one) in this area that's willing to tackle restoration work and he's not shy to tell you that it will take a long time and cost a lot of money. He does excellent work and $15K to $30K is some quotes I've heard. Plus it may take anywheres from several months to a year or more... Needless to say, I didn't take him up on it...

10-25-2007, 10:00 PM	#4
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? You could check with Zoomers in Denver, they mostly do street rods but could point you in the right direction if they weren't interested. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html

10-25-2007, 10:42 PM	#6
GlennBrittain Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Panola County Texas Posts: 401	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? I am also looking for a shop to do my bodywork. I can handle the frame, but would rather have a professional restore my cab. I have been quoted some outlandish amounts, which leads me to believe they did not want the job to begin with. I recently stopped at a paint and body, which I drive by at least weekly. I had not stopped there because it was a converted chicken farm. I finally stopped due to seeing a 69 there. Turns out, this was an older man with experience on out trucks. I will be following his work on a truck that was in the shop. If the one he is working on turns good, he will get my cab.

12-19-2007, 03:12 PM	#7
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,396	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? I would recommend to send along a sales brochure from 1968 and the paint chip code sheet to correctly match the factory colors to the right places. It is very important to do the reseach on your own, if you do not have a completely original vehicle in the first place.

12-19-2007, 03:38 PM	#8
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? Lafayette 68K20...glad to see that you hooked up with Mike at MuscleRodz. I am looking forward to watching your progress. Do you have a time table and estimate of restoration cost? It looks like my restoration cost will be $15-20K and that is not a frame off but once it is done I will have a very nice DD. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 12-19-2007 at 03:39 PM.

12-20-2007, 11:22 AM	#13
Tynee I miss this truck. Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lexington, KY U.S.A. Posts: 2,863	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? Lafayette, Welcome to the board. Good luck with the restore!!! __________________ '07 GMC Acadia SLT. Sweet ride. '08 Crew Cab Z-71 short bed. Really like this truck A LOT.

12-21-2007, 09:21 AM	#15
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? Sounds like you have found a good one. Communication is very important just like in a marriage. My bodyman does restos on the side but chooses what he wants. They work on those when they don't have any insurance jobs. They are very good at it also. These kind of shops are getting hard to find.

12-21-2007, 02:58 PM	#16
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Anyone know a good restoration shop? If you want a good shop and don't mind traveling to get a job done and more than one option. One that I would suggest is Roeher's Shop, just outside the small town of Burlington, Kansas. They have been doing frame off work for years (Example: streetrods, full size Cadillacs, Mopars, and trucks). The truck in the attached pictures was done by them and this truck made the Custom Classic Trucks magazine cover in 2005. This business is run by Harry Roeher and his sons and they do their work, basically from start to finish. They can be reached at 620-203-0041. Just a suggestion--sometimes a small shop does the great work. Attached Images



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