I am seeking advice on the practicality of a restoration project that I am
seriously
considering. I have located a 1964 Sunbeam Tiger which is in need of a
complete ground up restoration. This appears to be a California car with no
visible body rot. It is
relatively unmodified and 95% complete, the most notable missing component is
the air
cleaner housing. The car has a steel hardtop. As best as I can tell by
checking numbers
and configuration the car is authentic. The setteled upon sales price is $4500.
I have an estimate from a local body shop which deals exclusively in antique
and special
interest restorations for a complete refurbishing of the body shell. For the
body work
including media blasting of the entire shell, paint, etc. I have been quoted
$5600.
The name of the shop is Showdown Auto Body, they are located in Santa Rosa, Ca.
I intend to do most of the mechanical restoration myself. I estimate that the
total cost ofthis project, not including my labor, to be about $15K. This
should end up being a very
nice car when it is finished.
O.K. , assuming I want this car bad enough and I am looking to keep it for a
long time and
I am not interested in profit but rather just a reasonable investment, what do
you think?
Am I kidding myself about being able to finish it for $15K. Would I be better
off looking for a finished car? Any body heard of or have any info on
Showdown? Do you have an air
cleaner housing for a `64 Tiger? Any comments (constructive only please) would
be
appreciated.
Please answer direct,
Frank Marrone at:
marrone@optilink.com
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