Manual or power brakes? When it comes to your classic car, you might be wondering what’s the better option. And the answer is that it really depends on what your goals are when it comes to your classic vehicle and how you intend to use the vehicle.
In this post, we’ll discuss the basics of manual vs power brakes and what type of brakes your classic car should have. Read on to learn more:
Power Brake System
Power brake systems don’t quite have the authenticity or charm of a vehicle with manual brakes. But what they lack in authenticity, they more than makeup for in performance. The power brake booster applies the force that’s necessary to stop the vehicle quickly and efficiently.
In addition to performance benefits, it’s easy to outfit your classic vehicle with a power brake system. All you need to do to make the conversion is replace the manual master cylinder.
Manual Brake System
If you’re striving for maximum authenticity with your vehicle, then you’re likely going to want to outfit your car with manual brakes. Manual brakes are completely authentic in that power assistance doesn’t kick in when you step on the brake pedal.
Authenticity isn’t the only advantage of a manual brake system. They also tend to be easier to maintain. In fact, there are fewer overall parts to work with due to the simplicity of the system – which means that there are also fewer parts to maintain over time.
Some classic car drivers also just like the way manual brakes feel when you hit them, which can add to the overall experience of owning a classic car.
What Type of Brakes Should My Classic Car Have?
As previously mentioned, the type of brakes you outfit your classic vehicle with really comes down to personal preference and how you intend to use your vehicle. If you’re only taking it to local car shows and driving it sparingly, manual brakes are probably the right fit for you. As more of a show car than a vehicle used for practical purposes, the authenticity factor probably outweighs any performance benefits.
But if you intend to drive your classic vehicle every day, you want to ensure that it can stop reliably and safely. In this situation, it may make more sense to ensure it’s outfitted with power brakes. It’s fairly easy to convert brakes and conversion kits are widely available and fairly easy to install. Even if they might not have the authentic feel that manual brakes do, the safety and performance benefits are essential in everyday driving situations.
Contact Us Today
So what type of brakes are best for your classic car? For more information on the manual vs power brakes debate, contact us today. When it comes to auto restoration, we’re happy to work with you and your preferences so your car is just the way you want it. Contact us today to learn more.
Car enthusiasts are a different breed. They attend car shows, go on classic car cruises, and never miss an opportunity to show off or discuss their hot rod. We can’t blame them, as there’s just something about that classic look and feel, not to mention the labor of love that’s keeping the automobile in good condition.
Noting all of this, one of the questions that we often receive is why automakers can’t just reproduce a classic car. Well, if they did, the car couldn’t be considered “classic” anymore. Let’s dive deeper into this concept and why it’s just not possible.
Designs Aren’t Modern Looking
As times evolve, so too does design. It’s a big reason why automakers have model year vehicles – as the design, safety features, and other components are able to be updated and new models mass produced on an annual basis. Today’s designs just don’t match what automakers were doing 30, 40, 50 or more years ago. Another design-related factor is that safety standards have undoubtedly changed over the years, and many of the old designs don’t allow for the incorporation of today’s safety features without some major, often off-putting adjustments.
Not Everyone is a Car Enthusiast
One of the biggest reasons that automakers don’t reissue old models with updated specifications is profitability reasons. In other words, these vehicles would be unlikely to sell – and being that automakers are for-profit entities, it wouldn’t be the best business decision. The fact of the matter is that classic car enthusiasts are a small group in the grand scheme of things. Most drivers just want a vehicle that can get them from Point A to Point B. They care about fuel economy, reliability, and safety – not so much about classic look and feel. Of course, there are the gearheads to whom something like this might apply – but there isn’t likely to be enough of them for any reissue to make a decent enough profit to justify the means.
Safety Issues
We noted this in the above section, but it’s worth mentioning again here: Most classic designs can’t accommodate the modern-day safety features that have been grandfathered into the automotive industry over time. It would likely lead to one of two things: significant alteration of the design to accommodate the safety features or developing a car that isn’t exactly street legal because of that. Both are problematic when your market is gearheads.
Classic Car Restoration
In short, don’t expect automakers to reissue the development of any classic cars. Instead, your best bet is to have a classic vehicle restored yourself. This is also likely to be a more rewarding journey as well. For more information on classic car restoration and to park a hot rod in your garage the tried and true way, contact us today.
There’s nothing better than taking a Sunday drive in your classic car, then carefully storing it until the next chance of beautiful weather. While this is what most classic car owners do, who’s to say you can’t use your classic car as a daily driver? If you have found a classic car and you want to drive it daily, then you should! However, there are some factors that you need to consider. Learn how to make a classic car a daily driver:
Classic Car Maintenance Check
Several things will determine a car’s safety- the year, the mileage, and the past upkeep of the vehicle. When changing your classic into a daily driver, you’ll need to do a full maintenance check, including replacing or restoring some vital parts:
Change oil, plugs & all filters.
Replace the fan belt.
Recondition the starter and alternator.
Replace the battery.
Replace the coolant.
Replace the thermostat.
Replace radiator hoses.
Change transmission oil and filter.
Replace the timing belt.
Replace shocks, mounts, and springs.
Replace the tires and perform an alignment.
Check exhaust.
Replace the fuel pump.
Replace power steering fluid.
Use lube on window rails.
Replace rotors/drums.
Replace wheel cylinders.
Check/ replace brake lines.
Replace pads/shoes.
Replace brake fluid.
Weather Issues
Depending on the year of your car, it’s likely to lack the same safety features that modern cars have. Therefore, it’s essential to be mindful of weather issues before driving. Whether you live in a rainy climate, one with harsh winters, or a scorching desert, weatherproofing your car is essential.
Heat
Most classic car owners fail to consider the adverse effects of heat and sun on their classic car. However, consistent exposure to direct sunlight can cause paint to fade. When possible, either park in a covered spot or cover your vehicle.
Heat can also damage tires, so it’s essential to check the wear and tear and air pressure to avoid a possible blowout.
Rain
If you live in a rainy climate, rust is likely to form on your vehicle. However, by ensuring that any exposed metal on the car is covered and treated, you can hopefully avoid rust.
In addition, parking in a covered area will lessen the risk of rust.
Cold
If you live in a harsh winter climate, ensure that your vehicle has antifreeze, wiper fluid, and proper winter tires.
In colder climates, salt is applied on the roads to avoid cars skidding on the ice. However, this road salt can corrode any exposed metal.
To avoid corrosion, wash or detail your car thoroughly, emphasizing the exposed metal work. In addition, waxing your vehicle will provide an extra layer of protection.
Impact on Value
While some view classic cars as an investment, others find great joy in using them.
If you plan to increase the value of your car or at least maintain it, using it as a daily driver may not be the best choice. Daily driving will cause wear and tear on your vehicle that otherwise wouldn’t happen in storage. In addition to wear and tear, most classic car collectors tend to prefer low-mileage vehicles.
If you are looking to restore your classic car to a daily driver, we can help you. We have vast experience in the restoration of classic cars, including a 1962 Impala SS Convertible, a 1970 Chevelle, a 1979 Volkswagen Bus, and a 1964 Malibu. From detailing to collision repair and complete restoration, our team will get you back on the road with a beautiful vehicle as soon as possible. Not only will we help you with the insurance process, but we’ll provide a fast estimate and assist you with a rental car.
If you are selling your vehicle, working on a restoration project, or just in love with your car, it’s worth looking into a detailing service.
A professional auto detailing service cleans, restores, and protects all surfaces of a vehicle. The goal? To get the car looking as close as possible to how it did when first purchased. Auto detailing covers top to bottom cleaning, even removing small scratches and scuffs.
Ever left unsatisfied by the results of a car wash? Detailing is a worthy upgrade that will leave you unwilling to return to a normal car wash again.
How is Detailing Different from Washing?
A car wash cleans a vehicle, typically through automated means. A car wash may remove dirt, snow, and debris from the exterior of your car, but a detailing service goes much further.
Done by hand, auto detailing removes what a car wash will miss, reaching every space of the car’s surface. Detailing intends to restore the vehicle to a like-new condition again. Beyond washing the car’s exterior, detailing focuses on renewing the interior as well.
Benefits of Auto Detailing
Is getting your car detailed worth it? Detailing offers benefits beyond simply washing your vehicle. All cars experience wear and tear, even while sitting untouched in a garage. But auto detailing gets your vehicle looking new again, and helps maintain that appearance.
Getting your car detailed can help with:
Resale Value: When it comes time to sell your vehicle, you will see a better return if the car looks new.
Preserves Car’s Features: If you want to hold on to your trusted car, increase its longevity by maintaining and protecting the paint, wheels, and other parts.
Air Quality: A good cleaning of the interior not only looks nice, but will free the inside of any dust trapped in vents.
Interior Auto Detailing
Detailing the interior is a perk often overlooked by a normal car wash. The interior is scrubbed down, from the dashboard to small details like seatbelts. The detailing process will include:
Vacuuming: Interior detailing starts with removing dirt and debris from seats and floor mats.
Vinyl/Leather Cleaning: All seats and surfaces will be cleaned and rid of stains.
Glass Cleaning: All windows and windshields will be washed.
Exterior Auto Detailing
Exterior detailing restores the appearance of the paint job, windows, trims, tires, and wheels. Stages of exterior detailing include:
Deep Cleaning: Detailing begins with a thorough wash using special brushes and cleaning products. Once completed, microfiber towels are used to hand dry the vehicle.
Repairs/Corrections: After washing, the detailer can remove any water spots or other imperfections with a clay bar.
Polishing and Buffing: Depending on the condition of the car, polishing can be the most time-consuming stage. This is where you will see small scratches buffed away.
Coating/Sealant: As a final step, the vehicle receives a protecting sealant to protect the paint from the sun, water, and dirt.
Get Detailed Done Right at Wrecktify
In the Madison, Wisconsin area? Learn more about our detailing services. We offer multiple packages to offer you the right level of detail. Plus, we’re transparent about our prices. Our extra attention to detail will shine through, literally! Contact us or stop by today!
Restore or replace? When it comes to your car, for many people it’s a no-brainer.
As a society, we love our cars – and for most car owners, shelling out thousands of dollars on parts and labor to restore their favorite vehicle is done without hesitation. But is restoring a vehicle really worth it in the long run? In this post, we’ll break it all down – here’s a closer look at what you need to know about restoring a vehicle:
Is Restoring an Old Car Worth It?
There’s no real clear-cut answer to this question. It really depends on a variety of factors and how much money you’re willing and able to spend on restoration efforts. For instance, keep in mind that older vehicles and classic cars can cost up to 20 percent more to restore than a conventional automobile. Additionally, you should ask yourself the following during your decision-making process:
What’s the overall condition of the vehicle?
How many key parts do I need and how difficult are the parts to find?
Does the powertrain need any significant work?
To what quality do I expect the end project?
Cost of Parts
You should be paying particular attention to car parts when it comes to restoring any vehicle. For a classic car, for example, your total cost of parts alone could be upwards of $10,000 when you factor in the cost of the part itself, if it’s widely available and where you need to ship it in from. What’s more is that when you’re going to restore one particular part of the vehicle, you may notice a hidden problem with a part that you thought was otherwise just fine in that same area. These hidden costs can amount to several thousand more dollars in part costs – and it should go without saying that they’re more common on vehicles that are older. And keep in mind that part costs don’t even include the cost of labor.
Cost of Labor
It’s one thing to have all the parts you need on hand – it’s another thing to go about installing them in your car. If you’re Tim “the Toolman” Taylor from the classic Home Improvement sitcom and can restore the vehicle at your own pace by doing the labor yourself, that’s one thing. But if you need to rely on a mechanic to do it, it’s an added cost that you’ll need to account for. And when you consider that some mechanics charge more than $200 per hour for labor costs, these costs can certainly add up over time.
Think of it this way: If you spend $10,000 on parts and need tens of hours of labor at $200 per to get the vehicle restored, you’re looking at quite the bill. And then there’s the paint job to bring the restoration full circle.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Classic Car Painted?
On the low end, a paint job on a classic car costs more than $2,000. On the high end, it can cost up to $10,000. The cost largely depends on the color of the paint, any trim that needs to be painted and any other bodywork. Learn more about the car paint process here.
Contact Us Today
How much does a car restoration cost? Not all vehicle restoration efforts are the same, so not all of them are going to cost the same. For a more accurate picture of what you can expect to spend on a vehicle restoration project, contact Wrecktify Collision today.
Classic cars are a thing of beauty. They give people today a glimpse into the past and are an iconic representation of yesteryear. If you own one, you know the painstaking process to keep the car in the best shape possible. The attention to detail is imperative to ensuring the car can last for decades to come- and a lot of that starts with the paint job. There’s nothing worse than going through the process of restoring and maintaining a classic car just to have a poor paint job. That’s why it’s best educate yourself and know that you are working with a professional who understands the car paint process!
A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER
Since restoring a car can be a long and expensive process, there are a few things to consider when beginning the process and can help you determine the best path to take if and when you arrive at the time to get that classic beauty ready for a new paint job.
What do you want to do with the car?
What is the condition of the vehicle?
Is it a rare car?
What is your budget to restore the vehicle?
Answering these questions can give you a better idea on how much time, money, and effort you are willing to get that classic ride looking just like it did in its heyday.
WHEN TO PAINT
Painting your classic car is an essential part to keeping the vehicle in the best shape possible. If you notice rusting or other damage, it’s important to get the car repaired. More extensive bodywork, rust removal and replacement parts will be necessary to bring the classic back to life. These are all things that can factor in your future plans for the car to determine how much work you’re willing to put into it.
Once your vehicle is ready to be painted, you want to make sure you make the best selection for paint. One thing you do not want to do is spray paint. Not only will it take forever, but it will also look rough, and it won’t last. What is important in preparing your vehicle for painting is to make sure you remove all the dirt and grime. Basically, everything that will cause inconsistencies. Once you have primed, cleaned, and sanded the car, you then need to mask off your vehicle. Pay attention to make sure you do not miss any spots on your car that need to be covered. You don’t want to wreck all your hard work!
KEEPING THE CLASSIC LOOK
When painting your classic car, it’s important to try and stay true to the original look and color. This will have a great impact on its value- especially if it is a rare classic car. If you have no plans on entering shows or competitions you can really choose to do whatever you want but do keep in mind that the closer you keep the car’s original color and style, the higher the value will be. Certain cars have distinguished looks and colors that are iconic to making sure the classic car still remains a “classic”.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
While preparing your classic ride for painting can take a while, so can the actual process of painting as well, depending upon how intricate a paint job the vehicle requires. All in all, the process of getting your classic car a new paint job can take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. Obviously, this will ultimately depend on how much body work and prepping is needed to get the car ready as well as the paint job itself. The painting itself is a multi-step process. It starts with the primer coat. From there, depending upon the number of coats, paint type, and specialty designs each step can take a multitude of hours or even days.
WHAT IF THERE IS BODY OR FRAME DAMAGE?
A big part of preparing your classic car for painting is ensuring the proper body work and restoration is taken care of. If you are making the large investment on your vehicle’s paint job, you want to also make sure you do all the steps to ensure your efforts are not wasted. This can be included in your total expenditure when you take your vehicle in for restoration and painting.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of getting your classic ride a new paint job can vary greatly. The average price of a new paint job is in the $3,000-4,000 range. In some cases, it could even be as high as the tens of thousands of dollars depending on the car, paint scheme, trim, and bodywork needed for the vehicle you are restoring. If you have an elite car, you can expect the paint job to be more on the expensive side. Keep in mind, to maintain the “classic” status, the car has to be 100% original- paint and all. On top of the painting, bodywork and restoration can also add greatly to your costs. The largest contributor to this is the cost of man hours. Body work labor can rack up quickly, but it’s important to correct these issues to make sure your new paint job lasts. That’s why it’s best to trust the car painting process to the professionals.
WRECKTIFY: YOUR HOME FOR CLASSIC CAR RESTORATION IN MADISON, WISCONSIN
Wrecktify Collision and Restoration provides complete frame-up hot rod, streetcar and classic car restoration services in Wisconsin. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship and the ability to provide all your body, paint, and mechanical needs. Our team has a passion for cars and 100% Customer Satisfaction is what we pride ourselves in. So, if you are looking to build a dream ride from the ground-up or restore your “first Love” back to its original condition, look no further than Wrecktify! Contact us today!
The journey of finding a classic car and restoring it is part of the fun for many classic car owners. That’s even true for the classic cars you see driving around Madison, WI. In Madison, we have long winters and still can have hot summers— so it’s important to know a classic car mechanic that can keep your classic car on the road through all the seasons. We’ll tell you how to find a classic car mechanic and what you should be looking for when deciding who should operate on your prized vehicle.
Finding a Classic Car Mechanic
It can be tough to find a classic car mechanic that is dedicated to the restoration or repair of classic vehicles. It’s not like you can just roll up to a dealership and expect to find a mechanic whose focus is working on classic cars and when it comes to classic cars, that is exactly what you need. However, if you have a car mechanic you usually use for your other vehicles, it can be worth it to ask them if they know of a classic car mechanic.
The best way to find a classic car mechanic is through the recommendation of one’s peers. Mechanics know other mechanics and the quality of their work. This is an assured way to know you’re in good hands. If this option is not available, the internet is a valuable resource. But before just choosing any classic car mechanic that you see on the internet, you should know what you’re looking for before sending off your classic car to be worked on.
Choosing the Right Mechanic
There are certain things you should look for when choosing a classic car mechanic. First, you’ll want to make sure they have experience working on classic cars. Most car mechanics who work on classic cars, will be able to show cars that they’ve restored or worked on. Chances are, if you check out their automotive shop, you’ll even see them actively working on a classic car. This is important because depending on the era of classic cars, the engines could be in different places and oftentimes the construction of the vehicle differs from the vehicles of today. Next, you should read reviews.
If the classic car mechanic has a website or shop, chances are you’ll be able to read reviews or speak with other classic car owners who have their vehicles worked on by the mechanic you’re looking into. This is important because you want to make sure you’re receiving the best service possible for your classic car. It is already tough enough to get your hands on a classic car, and the last thing you want is a classic car mechanic who can’t get the job done.
If you need a classic car mechanic in Madison, WI with professional service, and a mechanic you can trust, look no further than Wrecktify.
Wrecktify: Your Home for Classic Car Restoration in New Glarus, Wisconsin
Wrecktify Collision and Restoration provides complete frame-up hot rod, streetcar, and classic car restoration services in Wisconsin. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship and the ability to provide all your body, paint, and mechanical needs. So, if you are looking to build a dream ride from the ground up or restore your “first love” back to its original condition, look no further than Wrecktify! Contact us today!
Getting into a car accident is a scary experience, and the moments after the accident are stressful. If your vehicle is damaged, you’ll need to file an insurance claim, but then what? You may assume you’re in for further headaches as you choose an auto body repair shop and work to get insurance reimbursement for the damages.
However, getting post-accident repairs doesn’t have to be difficult. Basically, you have two options. You can select an auto body shop from your insurance company’s list of approved shops, or you can find your own body shop to handle the repairs.
Keep in mind that the same technological advances that make your car better to drive may also make repairs more complicated. They could also make the repairs more expensive. Here are some things to consider when making this decision.
Ask Your Family and Friends
Most people have worked with an auto body shop at one time or another. That’s why asking your family, friends, coworkers, or acquaintances for referrals is a great place to start. If your friend is raving about the outstanding work a particular shop did on his car, it’s probably worth checking them out. Just be careful to still do your due diligence, ask plenty of questions, and look into your other options as well.
Consider Using an Insurance Company-Recommended Auto Body Repair Shop
Using a recommended body shop from your insurance company can have many benefits. While your insurance company is committed to fixing your vehicle after an accident, your situation will dictate the better option for you.
Saves You Time and Money
Opting to use an auto repair shop that your insurance company already approves can save you time and possibly money. That’s because you don’t have to search for the shop, get an estimate, or wait for an inspection. Your insurance company has already agreed to work with the shop. Because you save some time on the front end, working with a recommended shop also may help you get your car back sooner.
Less Paperwork
In addition to saving time, working with an approved shop can save you the hassle of filling out paperwork required by your insurance company. And, in most cases, insurance companies require their approved shops to guarantee the workmanship if there is a problem with the work down the road for as long as you own the vehicle. On the other hand, if you choose your own shop, you’ll have to deal with any future issues on your own.
Potential Discounts
When you use an auto repair shop recommended by your insurance carrier, they may offer a reduction in your deductible — the price you pay out of pocket for repairs. Such discounts can help when you’re already dealing with the stress of an auto accident and repairs. In fact, the option of using an approved shop is intended to help you avoid additional worries during a stressful time.
The body shop should provide an initial estimate, whether it’s an approved shop or not. However, if you select a shop that your insurance company recommends, the shop will be able to work directly with the insurance company to handle any additional costs that come up during the repairs. That way, you don’t have to pay upfront for other items that may arise and then wait for your insurer to reimburse you for those charges.
Rental Car Coverage
While your car is in the shop for repairs, you may need alternative transportation. Some insurance policies include rental car coverage for such situations. If you have chosen an approved repair shop and the repairs turn out to take longer than planned because of hidden damages, your insurance company often will work with you to extend your rental car agreement. Check your policy to determine exactly what it covers regarding rental cars during a repair.
Ask the Right Questions
Whether you use an auto shop approved by your insurance company or a self-selected shop, it’s important to make the selection carefully. When assessing your options, you may choose to have an independent shop or mechanic provide an estimate for the work to be done, so you can use it in making your decision.
To ensure that your vehicle is repaired properly and efficiently, you’ll need to ask a number of questions from your insurance company and the auto shop(s) you’re considering.
When you talk to your insurance company representatives, here are some questions you may want to ask:
What information do I need to prepare to make a claim?
What is covered, and how much is covered?
Is a rental car available with my policy, and for how long?
What do I need to do next?
How does the process look from now until my car is made whole again?
What shops in my area are approved by the insurance company?
When you evaluate an auto repair shop, consider asking the following questions:
Are your technicians certified?
Will you be using genuine manufacturer replacement parts?
Do you offer a warranty on repairs?
Your estimate is more/less expensive than another shop. Can you explain why? (Keep in mind that only one estimate is generally needed to determine damages, but if you choose to get more than one and they are quite different, this is a good question to ask.)
All body shops are not the same. That’s why choosing the right body shop is important. A reputable body shop employing trained, competent technicians, following recommended repair procedures, using the proper tools and equipment, and operating in an ethical manner can make a big difference not only in how your car is repaired but equally important, how you’ll feel about driving your car afterward.
To learn more about collision repair or find the shop nearest you, contact Wrektify Collision Repair in Madison. Our professional technicians will evaluate the damage and make the process as easy as possible.
So, you already own or just bought a car that you want to restore. You have already done some research on how to undertake such a project and want to go all the way and make your car as good as new. But how do you find the right restoration shop to do the work?
There are a number of factors that make for a high-quality restoration shop; some of them are obvious, and some are less so. Let’s go through what you should know when considering a shop to make your car showroom fresh.
1. CHECK OUT THE SHOP
To start, you should do an in-person visit to any shop being considered. You need to see what the facility looks like and see how the staff handles projects in the process. When visiting a shop, take a thorough look around. Is the shop clean? How well is it organized? Does it have a dedicated staff for specific jobs? Is there a painter, a fabricator, a mechanic? Does the shop outsource any work, such as interior or machine shop needs? If so, where is that work done?
Regarding parts, where do they source their parts? All parts companies are not created equal, and the cheapest parts often are not the best parts. Do they have the ability to recondition parts at the shop? Where does the shop send parts for plating, and can you see before and after examples?
2. REVIEW THEIR PAST WORK
If you are going to work with a classic car restoration shop, you should review some of their past work to make sure that it is up to your standards. Look for a broad range of types of vehicles and the time periods they come from. An excellent automotive restorer should have a comprehensive portfolio.
3. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH?
Different restoration shops may have different approaches even though the objective is to restore your car. A body repair shop, for example, addresses body works differently than a fabrication shop.
Ask yourself what you care about. Do you want metal or body putty? Do you want to restore your vehicle to its original condition, or do you want modern conveniences like power steering or power brakes?
Know your priorities and objectives.
4. ARE THE SHOPS GOALS IN LINE WITH YOURS?
Fear-inducing stories and low prices may initially boost sales, but a shop’s approach with you should focus on how it will restore your vehicle, not only on price.
If all you hear from the shop is price and restoration project horror stories, and you don’t hear detailed talk about how they will restore your vehicle, how can you be sure to get a properly finished product that you desire?
Check the shop’s website to learn its goals. See how it plans to accomplish them and recommendations from current and past clients. What you want to see is a restoration shop involved in its’ industry and community, one that promotes best practices and safe communities.
If the shop you are researching doesn’t post such information on its website, don’t hesitate to call and ask for it. Any good shop would be happy to discuss their industry and community involvement with you on the phone.
5. WHO ARE THE SHOP OWNERS?
Another good way to find out if a classic car restoration shop is right for you – especially in communities with many options – is to learn about the people in charge. Evaluate their skill sets, restoration and repair experience, and business experience to determine if they are capable of taking care of you.
Shop owners and manager names may be found on their website, on LinkedIn business pages, and other sources. You can also call the company and ask.
Make sure you know the skills and character of the people behind the company.
6. WHAT ARE OTHERS SAYING?
The classic car repair industry is multi-faceted and ever-changing. Getting the opinions of others can greatly improve your understanding of your options and help you pinpoint the most effective restoration company for you.
Ask your neighbors, friends, and trusted associates to share their personal experiences and opinions about what companies are exceptionally fair and reliable.
Take a look at review websites like Yelp. Don’t place too much weight on any one review. Instead, read them all, so you get a good overall feel about what others think of the shop.
Contact your local Better Business Bureau for information. Search a shop’s name online to learn of lawsuits or negative customer service, or performance issues.
Many states have licensing requirements for classic car repair shops. Make sure the company you are considering has a current license in good standing with the community and state in which you live.
7. Financial Matters
Estimating the cost of the restoration work for a specific vehicle is one of the most challenging tasks a restorer has to, inevitably, deal with. It is very hard to determine the level of rust and repair and the resulting costs during a quick, first-sight inspection, as one needs to disassemble the vehicle in its entirety and inspect each and every individual component of the car to give a close-enough cost estimate. Although you should do your best to get a generally written estimate by the restorer for all the project’s potential costs (including labor, work materials, car parts, etc.), you should always keep in mind that the estimated cost is subject to change. This is because, as the restorer looks deeper into the inner workings and condition of the car, issues that were initially unnoticed now unfold and manifest themselves, causing higher costs than were originally quoted. This is the reason why the majority of restorers have an explicit, well-defined clause in the contract acknowledging that an additional charge may incur in case of unforeseen additional repairs.
If you are finally ready to restore that old car, a great place to start is with the professionals at WRECKTIFY COLLISION & RESTORATION. Contact their shop in Madison, WI, for more information.
Monroe, Wisconsin is a mid-sized town north of the Illinois border that offers multiple fun attractions. There is no doubt that Monroe is a charming place to be especially if you’re a cheese lover. Family-owned stores and restaurants like Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern and the Monroe Antique Mall give its residents a unique place to dine and shop. When it comes to receiving the most care and personalized service residents know, a local establishment is where you want to go. Auto repair stores and body shops aren’t any different. They may not be as enjoyable as going to your favorite restaurant, but if you find yourself in need of one why not go somewhere that will provide you quality workmanship with integrity.
Go Local
While searching for a body shop many residents find it easier and more convenient to do so locally. So, how can choosing a local body shop over a national chain serve your best interests? Let’s discuss a few of the most significant ways staying local can work in your favor:
Exceptional Service
Local body shops like Wrecktify Collision rely on customer satisfaction to remain in business. Without the resources of a large corporation powering operations, emphasis must be on providing high-quality service that won’t be found at a national chain. It all comes down to maintaining longstanding relationships with customers, a solid reputation in the community, and people spreading the word about our services.
On the other hand, auto body chains are powered by quotas, as is the case for any kind of big business in a competitive industry. To stay in business, these shops must meet quotas, which are typically set by managers who know nothing about local customers and have never even been to the town where the shop is located.
This means that such shops are required to service a lot of vehicles in a short amount of time. The requirement to make a predetermined turnover drives technicians to work faster and order cheaper parts. In this case, rather than prioritizing quality, the bottom line and profits are in control.
Quality Parts
There are tons of auto parts on the market for every kind of repair and replacement. It matters which ones you use. Your vehicle was designed with certain parts and equipment. So, if you think about it, your vehicle will function best when it’s using the parts that were designed for it. However, auto body chains will often opt for cheaper aftermarket parts. They have many of these parts on hand, which means they don’t have to spend time ordering a product and going through the shipping process.
While the bottom line and profits are important for any type of business to thrive, it’s usually not the primary focus of local body shops. Building a sterling reputation, forging strong customer relationships, and earning positive word-of-mouth advertising happens from prioritizing quality over quantity.
Friendliness
When you take your vehicle to a local body shop, you’re much more likely to be met by friendly faces. Not only are accidents dangerous, but having to get your car fixed is inconvenient, and you may run into some unexpected costs. The entire experience can be frustrating and stressful. In other words, it’s not the best moment to have to deal with impersonal customer service. You don’t want to hear a technician or a worker at the front desk tell you about how this is against company policy or how that will require them to talk to their manager.
Monroe Body Shop: Wrecktify Collision
Establishing a long-term business relationship with a local auto body shop can make your life much easier. When you have trustworthy professionals you can turn to after an accident, you can rest assured your vehicle will get the care it needs. Moreover, going to a reputable body shop in your community will ensure that you receive the best value for your dollar—the highest quality of work with no hidden price gouging. Your local body shop should also be able to provide a wide range of auto body services.
