Seriously... It's close to impossible to give a general answer those two most asked questions. It would be nice if there were some magic formula we could use to come up with an accurate estimate of time and cost requirements for every project. The truth of the matter is that every project is different. Another factor that makes giving an estimate difficult is that project goals tend to evolve throughout the build. For example, your original intent was to keep the stock engine but as work progresses, you decide to go with a new, bigger engine which also requires bigger brakes. Or, your plan was to “just get the car painted.” However, rust and fillers are uncovered after the car is stripped. You decide to have some body work done before beginning the paint job. Changes like this obviously change the original time and cost estimate.With that in mind, we’d like to give you an idea of what to expect during the project. Below is a rough timeline of how things typically progress during a complete restoration.
STEP ONE - The Initial Consultation
Schedule a visit with Road Killer Kustoms. If your project car is driveable, come on up to Cartersville, tour the shop and let us take a look at the car. If the car is not driveable, we’ll come to you! During this visit, we’ll look over the car, talk about your dreams for the car, your likes and dislikes and your rough budget goals. Come prepared to share your ideas and feel free to bring pictures. After seeing the car and talking about your goals, we’ll be able to give a rough estimate of how long the project may take to complete.
STEP TWO - Uncovering the Unknown
Once the car has been delivered to Cartersville to begin the restoration, we will begin the disassembly process. As we take apart the car, we document everything by taking pictures, recording measurements and labeling all the parts. We refer to this step as “bag & tag.” Once the car is taken apart - interior, engine, suspension, etc. removed - we begin stripping the old paint, rust and fillers so we can determine the condition of the metal beneath. This step can reveal many imperfections that were not visible or expected.
STEP THREE - Body Work
After the car is stripped, we expoy & prime the entire car to prevent it from rusting while the body work is done. During this phase, the metal or rust damage is repaired. Depending on the condition of the car, entire panels may need to be replaced. These can often be purchased but sometimes must be fabricated. Once the initial body work is done, we allow the fillers and primer to cure. Allowing a natural cure makes for a longer lasting paint job down the road. Body work can be the longest phase of a restoration - and sometimes it can feel like there is no end in site!
STEP FOUR - Making it Run & Making it Your Own
While the body work is being done, we will simultaneously be making decisions regarding the engine, suspension, brakes, transmission and any customizations you’d like to do. Some of these decisions may require additional body work so now is the time to decide which route to go. For example, how about adding larger wheels and tires? We can do a mini-tub customization to accommodate the larger wheels while maintaining a stock look. What about adding an air conditioner, removing the mirrors and door handles or even installing “suicide doors”? Whatever your dreams for your car, we can customize it to match that picture in your head.
STEP FIVE - Add Some Color
The first thing people notice is one of the last things to be completed during a restoration. Before heading to the paint booth, we block sand the entire car to make sure all of the panels are straight. The car is primed and allowed to cure for another 2-4 weeks before a 3rd block sanding session is done. If all panels are straight, gaps are consistent and imperfections are repaired, then the car is sent to paint. However, if extensive body work has been done, an additional block sanding session may be necessary before heading to paint. Depending on the finish desired, the car will be painted, wet sanded and polished.What color you ask? We can do just about anything. If going with something other than a solid color, we recommend having some renderings done to help you visualize to finished effect. We’re also happy to work with you to create a custom color just for you.
STEP SIX - Interior
Road Killer Kustoms can put the finishing touch on your car by completing your car’s interior. We can replace seat covers, carpet and headliners and restore or modify the dashboard and consoles. Looking for something with a more custom feel? We can help you design something unique to fit your car’s style.
