Classic car restoration - Central belt
Discussion
How about http://www.tandbclassics.com/ - no experience myself.
They talk a good game on facebook and all their fans who have never used them talk them up.. my experience was not good. My post copied from further down these topics.
Clydesdale Classic Cars
A few Months ago and after a few recommendations, (none of them would tell me how much they paid) I decided to visit them and subsequently use them for the repairs to my Car.
My 2003 Mx-5 (Mk 2.5) needed 2 rear section Sills and 2 rear half Wheel Arch Panels, I was impressed by their Workshop and 20 odd Staff Members, who seemed to do a quality job, I was asked by the owner and his Son if I had a budget and they commended me for having a total budget of 4-5k, but still wouldn't give me a quote, they explained that they couldn't quote in case they found any hidden defects, they said their Men put a timesheet in every week and that would be converted to my weekly invoices.
I put my trust in them and it backfired, the invoices started coming in and I was getting more worried every week, I felt locked into it, especially as each week I received a text to say they would not continue with any work until that weeks invoice was paid in full. My total for the fabrication work only, was £6631.84 for 114.75 hours work, at this point I was really feeling sick for allowing this to happen to me.
They then sent a quote for the paint work required, that came to £6720.00.(inc vat) I decided to remove my Car and go elsewhere.
As it was completely stripped down, Seats out, Softop off, Wings off etc I had to have it low loaded to another Paintshop.
So NO, I definitely could not recommend this place.
Clydesdale Classic Cars
A few Months ago and after a few recommendations, (none of them would tell me how much they paid) I decided to visit them and subsequently use them for the repairs to my Car.
My 2003 Mx-5 (Mk 2.5) needed 2 rear section Sills and 2 rear half Wheel Arch Panels, I was impressed by their Workshop and 20 odd Staff Members, who seemed to do a quality job, I was asked by the owner and his Son if I had a budget and they commended me for having a total budget of 4-5k, but still wouldn't give me a quote, they explained that they couldn't quote in case they found any hidden defects, they said their Men put a timesheet in every week and that would be converted to my weekly invoices.
I put my trust in them and it backfired, the invoices started coming in and I was getting more worried every week, I felt locked into it, especially as each week I received a text to say they would not continue with any work until that weeks invoice was paid in full. My total for the fabrication work only, was £6631.84 for 114.75 hours work, at this point I was really feeling sick for allowing this to happen to me.
They then sent a quote for the paint work required, that came to £6720.00.(inc vat) I decided to remove my Car and go elsewhere.
As it was completely stripped down, Seats out, Softop off, Wings off etc I had to have it low loaded to another Paintshop.
So NO, I definitely could not recommend this place.
Montana5 said:
My total for the fabrication work only, was £6631.84 for 114.75 hours work...
They then sent a quote for the paint work required, that came to £6720.00.(inc vat) ...
They then sent a quote for the paint work required, that came to £6720.00.(inc vat) ...
I can fully understand that a thorough, high quality restoration might cost a lot of money, but on a relatively inexpensive car like a Mk2 MX5 there needs to be some accurate costings up front to determine if it's worth going ahead.
Jesus! I suppose that way of charging for a restoration works for someone who has a valuable classic car and a pair of trousers with infinity pockets.
How was the standard of the fabrication work that they did do? I often think these types of places can be too thorough and standards too high for someone that just wants to make a relatively inexpensive car solid/presentable.
How was the standard of the fabrication work that they did do? I often think these types of places can be too thorough and standards too high for someone that just wants to make a relatively inexpensive car solid/presentable.
Edited by nunpuncher on Monday 27th January 12:38
Their standard of work appears to be good and time will tell, they claim that their work is better than anyone else, even slagged off RM Bodywork in EK, (whom I should have used, but they were busy at that time) claiming they had to redo some of their work.
The day my Car was uplifted they damaged the n/s door when fitting the wings back on..quite obvious screwdriver marks, claimed it was the apprentice (never ever seen one)
Hearing horror stories from other trade sources about many other people being overcharged, court cases, second mortgages and even a possible divorce. Many of the Cars they are selling are from people who could not pay the exhorbitant prices and told them to just keep the Car, however I have also heard through the Trade and Facebook, that they are no longer keeping Cars but taking clients to Court, an overheard shouting match over the phone with a client witnessed by my low loader driver on the day my Car was collected, backed this up.
I have also spoken with two other Car Club Members who were overcharged for work and will never use them again.
The day my Car was uplifted they damaged the n/s door when fitting the wings back on..quite obvious screwdriver marks, claimed it was the apprentice (never ever seen one)
Hearing horror stories from other trade sources about many other people being overcharged, court cases, second mortgages and even a possible divorce. Many of the Cars they are selling are from people who could not pay the exhorbitant prices and told them to just keep the Car, however I have also heard through the Trade and Facebook, that they are no longer keeping Cars but taking clients to Court, an overheard shouting match over the phone with a client witnessed by my low loader driver on the day my Car was collected, backed this up.
I have also spoken with two other Car Club Members who were overcharged for work and will never use them again.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-Busi...
Haven’t used but have seen there cars at vw shows and they look well finished. Unsure if do non vws though.
Haven’t used but have seen there cars at vw shows and they look well finished. Unsure if do non vws though.
I'd recommend Chris at Old School Garage in Falkirk, he does restos among other things and runs a crazy 1000hp Evo.
He's a good guy, prices are good and he will be up front with you before undertaking any work.
https://www.facebook.com/oldschoolfalkirk/
He's a good guy, prices are good and he will be up front with you before undertaking any work.
https://www.facebook.com/oldschoolfalkirk/
Brayon Classic Engineering do some really nice cars, they refurbished my chassis although I stripped it out.
based at Loch Lomond
www.brayonclassicengineering.com
their website seems to be down but they are also on Facebook.
based at Loch Lomond
www.brayonclassicengineering.com
their website seems to be down but they are also on Facebook.
Edited by walt762 on Saturday 14th March 22:08
Montana5 said:
They talk a good game on facebook and all their fans who have never used them talk them up.. my experience was not good. My post copied from further down these topics.
Clydesdale Classic Cars
A few Months ago and after a few recommendations, (none of them would tell me how much they paid) I decided to visit them and subsequently use them for the repairs to my Car.
My 2003 Mx-5 (Mk 2.5) needed 2 rear section Sills and 2 rear half Wheel Arch Panels, I was impressed by their Workshop and 20 odd Staff Members, who seemed to do a quality job, I was asked by the owner and his Son if I had a budget and they commended me for having a total budget of 4-5k, but still wouldn't give me a quote, they explained that they couldn't quote in case they found any hidden defects, they said their Men put a timesheet in every week and that would be converted to my weekly invoices.
I put my trust in them and it backfired, the invoices started coming in and I was getting more worried every week, I felt locked into it, especially as each week I received a text to say they would not continue with any work until that weeks invoice was paid in full. My total for the fabrication work only, was £6631.84 for 114.75 hours work, at this point I was really feeling sick for allowing this to happen to me.
They then sent a quote for the paint work required, that came to £6720.00.(inc vat) I decided to remove my Car and go elsewhere.
As it was completely stripped down, Seats out, Softop off, Wings off etc I had to have it low loaded to another Paintshop.
So NO, I definitely could not recommend this place.
Reply maybe a bit late just noticed this post, thought I would say something anyway, that is truly shocking !!, I own a bodyshop and recently carried out a similar job on a MX-5 Clydesdale Classic Cars
A few Months ago and after a few recommendations, (none of them would tell me how much they paid) I decided to visit them and subsequently use them for the repairs to my Car.
My 2003 Mx-5 (Mk 2.5) needed 2 rear section Sills and 2 rear half Wheel Arch Panels, I was impressed by their Workshop and 20 odd Staff Members, who seemed to do a quality job, I was asked by the owner and his Son if I had a budget and they commended me for having a total budget of 4-5k, but still wouldn't give me a quote, they explained that they couldn't quote in case they found any hidden defects, they said their Men put a timesheet in every week and that would be converted to my weekly invoices.
I put my trust in them and it backfired, the invoices started coming in and I was getting more worried every week, I felt locked into it, especially as each week I received a text to say they would not continue with any work until that weeks invoice was paid in full. My total for the fabrication work only, was £6631.84 for 114.75 hours work, at this point I was really feeling sick for allowing this to happen to me.
They then sent a quote for the paint work required, that came to £6720.00.(inc vat) I decided to remove my Car and go elsewhere.
As it was completely stripped down, Seats out, Softop off, Wings off etc I had to have it low loaded to another Paintshop.
So NO, I definitely could not recommend this place.
we fitted new rear sill sections, repairs to inners.
Some metal patch welding done to n/s and o/s rear arch’s ( they were pretty sound mostly)
Supplied and fitted two new front wings.
Painted everything expect bumpers and windscreen surround for a little over 3k plus vat.
I get what they say about can’t estimate what they can’t see, I.e. hidden rust, BUT they should be able to give a standard price for the welding required that can be seen.
So it would be x amount plus any hidden corrosion what will be, will be.
At that point I would fully image each additional step And email customer to show what being done so no wool was getting pulled over thy eyes.
Edited by nickv on Thursday 30th April 17:09
I've just joined after finding this on a search for undersealing.
This company recently did my car with Lanoguard. I was quoted £800 at another garage. CCC gave me an estimate of £450 which I went with.
My mistake was not realising it was an estimate.
Vladimir spoke to me after checking my car over and said he would need the car for 3 days.
About 2 hrs after dropping my car of the receptionist, who I think may be related to him, phoned me and spoke sincerely that they had to drill our some screws on the wheel arch shields as they were corroded. Hardly surprising on a 12 year old car. What she never mentioned was that the estimate had now jumped by £200. I said I'd like to see under the car, as Vladimir had said I could. She seemed rather reluctant, but agreed, once it was done. I was shown a container of a few rusted screws, as you'd expect to see.
I am angry with my self for being conned so easily.
As it turned out, the car was ready next day by late morning.
So no extra time was incurred.
I can only shudder to think how people who put their beloved classics in there must be exploited.
Vladimir speaks clear enough English when required but becomes very confusing when explaining detail.
There was a large number of cars parked in their shop, not being worked on. Victims of their estimate sting no doubt.
A great business model sadly very common in the garage trade.
This company recently did my car with Lanoguard. I was quoted £800 at another garage. CCC gave me an estimate of £450 which I went with.
My mistake was not realising it was an estimate.
Vladimir spoke to me after checking my car over and said he would need the car for 3 days.
About 2 hrs after dropping my car of the receptionist, who I think may be related to him, phoned me and spoke sincerely that they had to drill our some screws on the wheel arch shields as they were corroded. Hardly surprising on a 12 year old car. What she never mentioned was that the estimate had now jumped by £200. I said I'd like to see under the car, as Vladimir had said I could. She seemed rather reluctant, but agreed, once it was done. I was shown a container of a few rusted screws, as you'd expect to see.
I am angry with my self for being conned so easily.
As it turned out, the car was ready next day by late morning.
So no extra time was incurred.
I can only shudder to think how people who put their beloved classics in there must be exploited.
Vladimir speaks clear enough English when required but becomes very confusing when explaining detail.
There was a large number of cars parked in their shop, not being worked on. Victims of their estimate sting no doubt.
A great business model sadly very common in the garage trade.
As someone who works in the restoration industry, I can attest to how difficult it is to put a price on restoration because you never really know what you are getting yourself into until the project is completed. Nevertheless, quality should always be there, and keeping customers informed about your progress is crucial. However, I would never simply send a monthly invoice because that would be pointless. If I were to downsize and only work on one car, I would not be able to continue operating my business and remain reasonably priced.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where people do not care that they are taking advantage of your hard-earned money; as long as you keep offering it, they will take it. That is why I like to work in stages. The first step is to strip the car to determine the amount of repair required; by stripping, I do not mean the entire vehicle; rather, I just the structural part , Next, I involve the customer and we decide on a course of action that keeps both of us satisfied. All restorations require a solid foundation; otherwise, you are flogging a dead horse. My advice to anyone looking for a restoration is to look at the work that has to be done; have an open discussion that suits your pocket. Pay only as work is completed; once they have your money, the incentive is gone, and your project will be shelved. Do not pay in full.
I hope this advise helps you,
Joe , Old iron rides
Unfortunately, we live in a world where people do not care that they are taking advantage of your hard-earned money; as long as you keep offering it, they will take it. That is why I like to work in stages. The first step is to strip the car to determine the amount of repair required; by stripping, I do not mean the entire vehicle; rather, I just the structural part , Next, I involve the customer and we decide on a course of action that keeps both of us satisfied. All restorations require a solid foundation; otherwise, you are flogging a dead horse. My advice to anyone looking for a restoration is to look at the work that has to be done; have an open discussion that suits your pocket. Pay only as work is completed; once they have your money, the incentive is gone, and your project will be shelved. Do not pay in full.
I hope this advise helps you,
Joe , Old iron rides
Just a heads up,this earlier PH thread was heavily tidied up after some not very complimentary comments.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...
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