How Much? How Long?

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The short answer is, it depends.

A total body reconstruction and drive line restoration or replacement can cost over $100k.  A simple rust repair and full body repaint could be closer to $10k.  The best thing to do is contact us to discuss exactly what you need, then we can tell you what it will cost.

BUT, we know you're looking for a number (scroll down for a brief summary of what to expect) that's realistic but not a huge range, so let's go over the average project that rolls into our shop.  Most East Texans have a complete car with quite a bit of rust (floorboards are see-through, quarters and pillars are perforated, vinyl roofs are covering holes in the steel).  It's not uncommon to come across some rodent-damaged wiring, and owners typically want to get away from resistor wiring, ameters and generators, upgrading to new wires, gauges and higher output single-wire alternators.  The interior typically needs a complete replacement.  But the mechanical bits are all there and a simple rebuild (rings, bearings and a valve job) will do fine.  A lot of cars get parked because of failed transmissions, then issues compound once parked.  We typically end up installing a new AC as well.  In a scenario like this, you're going to end up investing about $30k in your vehicle.

The Rosy Wrench uses what we call Milestone Invoicing.  At first, you'll pay a deposit, usually between $1,000 and $5,000, which will get the project started and materials purchased.  After the first month, you'll receive an invoice every two weeks for the parts and labor invested during those same two weeks.  Sometimes it's all for parts, sometimes it's all for labor, but it is broken down in an easy-to-interpret invoice.  Payment is due within 7 days of invoice date.

The Ugly Part:

Failure to pay results in a cease work order and you will be responsible for removing your vehicle from the Rosy Wrench shop within 30 days before incurring storage fees and/or lein process.

A nut and bolt restoration of a classic can take a long time.  In some cases, we'll need a car for a year.  It's actually pretty easy to dedicate 2,000 hours to a car that needs everything.  In most cases, we can renew a car in less than 1,000 hours.  If all your vehicle needs is a repaint, tires and brakes, then you should have it back, looking like new, in about a week!  If you've got a car with several rusted panels that's been sitting for a few years, expect to leave your car with us for a few months.

If you want your car back on the road, but aren't ready for a full restoration, here are a few examples of what kind of expense you'll encounter if you decide the Rosy Wrench should make some repairs for you.  These figures are average representations.  Each car is unique, and you'll need us to get our hands and eyes on the vehicle for an estimate, but these ballpark figures will give you an idea of what we can do for you.

• Engine Rebuild - $2500
• Transmission Rebuild - $2500
• Body Repaint - $3500
• Interior Overhaul - $3000
• Modern AC Install - $3000
• Complete Brake & Suspension Replacement - $2000
• Carb to Fuel Injection - $2500
• Premium Stereo Installation - $2000
• Complete Re-Wire - $4000
• Custom Drivetrain Swap (Not a kit) - $10,000