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My GT/CS is on it way to the Restoration shop!!!

classicsguy

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
1,519
I finally sent my newly bought 1968 GT/CS to a Mustang specialized shop in Florida. The shop is Classic Creations of Central Florida. After almost 1 year of research for restoration shops I have decided on this one. Got great feedback from past customers and all of them positive.
The car needs a complete refurbishing and needs cowl work and possibly the 2 doors replaced and of course a new paint job. The car should be at the restoration shop on Friday.
If anyone is interested here is their website: www.classiccreationsfl.com
Their work has appeared on numerous Mustang Monthly magazines.
I will get a restoration estimate in the next 2 or 3 weeks so I am very excited to get the car started soon!
 
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classicsguy

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
1,519
I will find out as soon as the car gets to the shop and evaluate the work to be done and how long it will take. I believe they wont be able to start working on it until December but I will know more once the car gets there.
 

sam

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 2, 2003
Messages
494
sounds exciting...tell them not to rush it because you'll want a top notch job
Sam
 

RedGTvert

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Joined
Apr 17, 2006
Messages
262
One thing to keep in mind, no matter how much they estimate, don't take that as a final number. Many things can come up that are easy to see. Make sure they detail all work done, both written and pictoral. Make sure they understand before spending any additional dollars that was not in the original estimate, to discuss with you first. This may be a pain for them, but it is your money, not theirs.

Many resto shops will do work without discussing with you. Also, will they allow you to supply any of the parts?
 
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PNewitt

Guest
RedGTvert said:
One thing to keep in mind, no matter how much they estimate, don't take that as a final number. Many things can come up that are easy to see. Make sure they detail all work done, both written and pictoral. Make sure they understand before spending any additional dollars that was not in the original estimate, to discuss with you first. This may be a pain for them, but it is your money, not theirs.

Many resto shops will do work without discussing with you. Also, will they allow you to supply any of the parts?

First of all, my congratulations--and I share your enthusiasm for your taking this restoration plunge!!

I quoted RedGTvert, because I agree with the caution with having a shop do this. My only other "advice" is to remind this shop that your car is a "San Jose Produced" Mustang, and that the undercoating of the undercarriage--and wheelwells--is different than the Dearborn and NJ-factory cars. It's much less, and they are not painted black on the underside like the east coast cars. Have they done a GT/CS before? Or '68 Shelby?

Also--if you wish to go this far; have the fiberglas removed and painted separately. This will make it easier to put the stripes on the side scoops. Also, a lot of paint shops will paint over the semi-flat backing plates in the trunk with body color. It might be a real job, but it would make sense to go through the whole back end, have everything painted separately, and re-wire and clean up the taillight section as well. For a restoration, these are things to consider.

If you need any help, (paint codes, etc.) there are many here that can help you, and/or the shop if they have any specific questions. PM me if you have any specific questions, too. If you have Lucas lights, and you need the pedistals, ask Bob Teets.

Be sure to share photos of the progress with us, too!

Paul N.
 

J_Speegle

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 19, 2006
Messages
488
Hope it turns out great. Does the shop have a good knowledge of San Jose built cars or are you just looking to "freshen up" the car a bit?

Lots of different kinds of restorations ;)

Saw a San Jose car done at Las Vegas MCA show last month. The guy hired a guy in Fla to help with the details (don't know why) Car ended up with all kinds of NJ details.... just a good thing the judges ;) and the owner didn't know better.

Did get him to pull the Metuchen paint inspector marks off the car at least. Detail guy was a bit embarrassed so I just stopped there.

Earlier this year judged a 67 Shelby in PA that had been restored as a 68 Shelby under the car. Owner was not happy with the news as it was apparent that he had paid someone allot of money for the job. On another 67 in attendance the front wheel wells had been finished as a Dearborn car.

It’s unfortunate that many shops do not get to see many/any San Jose cars and very few ever get in magazines though many are located on the west coast. This sort of thing goes on and on. And in general many of these details will never been mentioned until the car ends up in a magazine or for sale .... then the forums start using the car as an example :( of how not to restore a car

In any case I'm sure you will make sure you’re getting what you’re looking and paying for, based on your expectations.
 
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classicsguy

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
1,519
Thanks for all the advise!!! This restoration shop has been specializing in Mustangs for over 20 years so I hope they do things right,but I know that the GT/CS is not very common and all the details are not known by them. I am looking to freshen up the car and get it as close as possible to original condition. .
 
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