Truck restorations are typically complex projects that consist of multiple steps, regardless of the type of vehicle involved (i.e. classic, antique, or vintage truck). Each step of a restoration must be carefully planned and executed so as to avoid costly errors. A mechanic or other custom auto body professional can also provide assistance with the more sophisticated aspects of the process, such as an engine swap or the installation of a truck’s transmission.
Factors That Go Into The Cost Of A Truck Restoration
If you are planning to restore your truck, it’s also important to set both a timeline and a budget. The cost of a truck restoration typically varies based on five factors. Here is a close look at these factors.
The Cost Of The Original Truck
The main factor that influences the cost of a truck restoration is the cost of the original vehicle you chose for your project. This sum generally depends on the truck’s overall condition and where you bought it (e.g. dealership vs. junkyard) and can fall anywhere between $1,000 and $20,000. If you purchased your truck from a junkyard with a salvage title, it is highly recommended that you pay for a safety inspection to make sure your brakes and lights are functioning properly. Such inspections typically cost no more than a few hundred dollars.
Restoration Preparation Costs
If you intend to restore your truck to show-car condition, one of the first things you should do to prepare for your project is to remove every part located on the chassis and frame that can be taken off. Then, you should blast and re-plate the entire frame and body. All of your nuts and bolts should be thoroughly cleaned before being readded. All of the parts made out of chrome that are rusted must be either cleaned or upgraded with clean chrome. The restoration preparation process may ultimately cost more than $15,000.
The Cost Of New Parts
If you are conducting a full restoration, the majority of your budget will likely be allocated to parts. Should you plan on entering your truck in an auto show, your expenses for parts alone could potentially end up totaling several thousand dollars. Additionally, any parts you are unable to supply will normally include a markup fee of 25% or more. If any of your parts are shipped from another state or country, you will likely need to pay additional fees. The same is true for parts you wish to have cleaned and/or treated, such as oil filter cans and fuel lines.
Labor Costs
As with almost any other auto body project, the cost of labor must be factored into the final budget. Most shops typically charge labor on an hourly basis, and this rate can equal up to $75 per hour or higher. If a shop provides custom paint jobs or other similar services, you can expect to pay more in labor costs. According to popularrestorations.com, labor costs for stripping are usually between $40 and $60 per hour. Labor charges also generally change as inflation varies, so remember to keep this in mind.
Final Finishing Costs
Finishing costs include paint jobs and minor body repairs. Unless the objective of your restoration is to enter your truck in a show, you can keep finishing costs down by utilizing body fillers as opposed to sheet metal repair tools, which can often be expensive. A custom paint job alone can cost anywhere between $200 and $10,000, depending on the type of paint used and the number of coats applied.
Ultimately, you can expect a truck restoration to cost anywhere between $40,000 and $60,000. You will normally pay off this sum in monthly installments. Be sure to ask your shop if you can finance your restoration with interest or if you need to pay any money upfront.
Talk With A Truck Restoration Expert For Help
Reach out to the professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia, for more information on the average cost of a truck restoration. We understand that restoring vehicles is not simply a hobby but a passion.
Our restoration process always begins with a frame alignment, as this is essential to allowing your truck to drive openly on the road. We will then upgrade the rest of your truck’s body and replace any worn out parts with higher-quality options. We can also perform rust repair and restore your truck’s interior, including the seats, dashboard, and glove box.
Regardless of the level of restoration you are seeking, we will always ensure that your truck’s functionality is not compromised. Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online for a truck restoration estimate.