Restoration price range and recommendation?

[fazeka]

Hi all,

First timer on the 67-72 forums here.

I have an older Toyota Tacoma that is getting tired that will soon need to be replaced.

I have an interest in replacing it with a 1967 (large window only) through 1970 Chevy C10 SWB fleetside for my daily driver. Always had a fondness for these after having learned to drive on my grandfather's '71 back in the day...

I am looking for one that is already restored, stock.

Two questions:

1) What kind of price range could I expect for a restoration? I'm not talking concurs, but (close to) the level of what would have rolled off the assembly line back in the day.

2) What shop would y'all recommend for the restoration?

Yep, I live in Hawaii, and am prepared for shipping costs...

Thanks,
Paul

[RenoKeene]

Hi Paul, welcome aboard from Florida.
A decently restored truck like these will be $15 to $20 grand. There are members here that live on the Islands, they should be able to give you advice on whats available local and shipping costs, etc.
Cali is full of good sheet metal so this shouldn't be too hard.
Good luck.

[RenoKeene]

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4339153358.html
Check this one out.

[JointTech]

hmm i lived in dana point for a while and im there often. never seen that one around. nice truck!! looks like a great price compared to the barrett jackson koolaid drinkers I see usually.

[67ctener]

Honestly the hard part will be to find a factory restored truck. Most have custom touches you may not want in a daily driver. I'd agree 20k is a safe number but may be less or may be beyond.

[fazeka]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies thus far.

I do realize I may not get a 100% factory restored truck, but my statement re: the restoration was more regarding the level of quality. Meaning, for example, if the original frame was good, solid and straight to begin with, I would expect nothing more than it being stripped and repainted, not detailed out/polished. That was what I meant by "not concurs".

Getting a truck with some modern day comforts like A/C, mild suspension modifications for better handling, maybe some rally wheels and an otherwise stock inline 6 or V8 (matching numbers would be nice but not required if price is significantly higher) would be fine. I'd also be fine with a bone stock resto, too. Things I need to have as close to original as possible would be the exterior (possible exception of wheels) and interior.

Thanks,
Paul

[Eddie H.]

It has been my experience that any restoration project will usually take at least twice as long and cost 3 times as much as you budget for when you start on it.

[fazeka]

Hi,

One more thing I was asking about in the original posting was regarding the cost of a restoration and a reputable place that could do one.

I ask because I have a friend on the West Coast that may have a line on one. This option would allow me to get something that is exactly what I want (of course, depending on price).

Yes, I realize this option will leave me probably paying more than searching for/buying a truck that is already done. But I just wanted to get a gauge...

Thanks,
Paul

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by fazeka

Hi all,

First timer on the 67-72 forums here.

I have an older Toyota Tacoma that is getting tired that will soon need to be replaced.

I have an interest in replacing it with a 1967 (large window only) through 1970 Chevy C10 SWB fleetside for my daily driver. Always had a fondness for these after having learned to drive on my grandfather's '71 back in the day...

I am looking for one that is already restored, stock.

Two questions:

1) What kind of price range could I expect for a restoration? I'm not talking concurs, but (close to) the level of what would have rolled off the assembly line back in the day.

2) What shop would y'all recommend for the restoration?

Yep, I live in Hawaii, and am prepared for shipping costs...

Thanks,
Paul

Welcome Paul

Any low-modest optioned 67-72 truck (properly) restored to factory original condition is going to cost $25K or more. Then, add some $'s for a highly optioned truck. Prices will be quite a bit less if you're willing to back off a bit on the 'factory original' scheme.

cheers
JohnG

[Coley]

....some great info here for you Paul!! These guys know their stuff....
I'll give you my two bits....now, if money is an issue...and it almost always is, you are probably best to find a truck that has already been done or is just a really nice original truck.
If you buy something that is going to need bodywork, parts and mechanics in the realm of 'restoration' etc....don't break out the wallet...break out the mortgage
You should be able to find a really nice example that you can enjoy 'right out of the box' for $10-$15k....easy. Then drive it a while, enjoy it, grow into it...then decide what you really want to do to it.
I think a lot of guys start by tearing down the truck to restore and then lose patience and their vision (or their wife does..LOL)....you really gotta hang in there to go this route and have excellent tools, space, money...and a great wife!
Again...just my two bits!!

All Good
Coley

[fazeka]

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

Any low-modest optioned 67-72 truck (properly) restored to factory original condition is going to cost $25K or more.

Kinda what I was figuring. OK. $25k for the restoration or for the completed truck?

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

Then, add some $'s for a highly optioned truck.

Of course. Don't think I need a highly optioned truck, so shouldn't be a problem.

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

Prices will be quite a bit less if you're willing to back off a bit on the 'factory original' scheme.

Yes, I can understand this. I likely will back off a bit, to what extent I don't know. Like I said, I don't need a "numbers matching" engine, etc.

Thanks again,
Paul

P.S. Still no feedback on a reputable "restoration" shop?

[Grumpy old man]

What is your real cash ready to spend budget ? There are more than a few guys in here that can build anything you want ! You just have to decide what that is ? We can guess all day long and never be right !

[fazeka]

Thank you, someone already answered on the price range.

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by fazeka

Thank you, someone already answered on the price range.

Check out the paint forum for the thread on 'paint cost'. That will give you a basic idea on what paint will cost. Add in mechanical restoration and you're looking at crazy 'fat stacks' to professionally restore one of these trucks.

Takeaway: Unless you're willing to do most of the work yourself you'll be WAY ahead (price wise) finding one "done". i.e. buy one from someone who has 500+ hours of sweat equity into the project and willing to sell at/below his outlay + parts cost.

cheers
JohnG

[69Rumbler]

There no such thing as a budget lol .. Budget are like rules meant to be broken lol

[Sicklajoie]

I would definitely find one done. I got wicked lucky with mine. Decent ones are easy to find on the US west coast.

[bigmac73]

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/mau/cto/4346618011.html

[Sicklajoie]

Originally Posted by bigmac73

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/mau/cto/4346618011.html

Holy crap that is sweet!!!!

[rocks409]

All good suggestions. Suggestions from people who know their stuff. My favorite is Eddie H's comment. Oh, so true. I am in the camp of those who suggest buying one already done. It may sound expensive but you would actually save a lot of money and a year of your time.

[bigmac73]

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/cto/4334054376.html

[bigmac73]

found 2 in about 3 mins in your area, would save on a shipping price from the mainland

[solidaxel]

My neighbor has a fleet of trucks, Finished, and he has one for sale I think it is a 70 or 71 SWB I will get some pics if you are interested, new Red ,with new chrome and bumpers
305 stock and a 350TH
It does have a Belltec lowered front and rear. I am sure it is in the mid teens if you want I will get more info
This is a So Arizona truck all its life