CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: briwolff on August 14, 2008, 09:47:36 PM
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I've owned my 1969 Camaro since I was 18 (23 years) and restored it myself one time to an 18 year old's spec. Now that I'm 41, it's time to get it restored the right way. Before I had the time and no money, now it's the opposite (more or less). I'm looking for recommendations for total restoration shops.
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This looks like a great one.
http://lucas-restorations.com/default.aspx
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What part of the country are you in?
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I'm in Indianapolis, IN
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Thanks WYKOF - you're right Lucas looks good, I'll add it to my list.
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I believe Ken Lucas is a member of CRG.
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The Super Car Workshop in Latrobe PA is also a VERY GOOD place to have your car done... they are very detail oriented.
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I never met ken lucas, however I needed a few questions answered on one of my cars and called him out of the clear blue sky one day. well he answered everything in great detail and sent me pics on how to install and cut the rug in my 69. he was a great help and a nice guy who knew exactly what he was talking about. His shop would be a good choice.
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We do all of the drive train restoration and rebulding for Lucas Restorations. Excellent shop to deal with and affordable too. They just had a few cars at the Camaro Nationals judged in the "Legends" class and did very well.
While many resto shops (general contractors) sublet most of the car out to other vendors to do most of the work, Lucas Restorations does just about does everything in house except for the paint and drive train.
Jerry
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I can wholeheartedly recommend Ken Lucas/Lucas Restorations.
Before I decided to work with Ken, I went back to Maryland and saw some of Ken's previous projects and met several of the people who would be involved in my restoration project. I was so impressd with Ken's work that decided to ship my car from California to Maryland just so Ken and his team could do the work on my car.
Jerry MacNeish is obviously an expert on all drivetrain issues, and Lonny Gordon at East Coast Muscle Cars is an absoulte perfectionist when it comes to paint and body. Everyone on the Lucas Restorations team has treated me very well. I've been kept very well informed and the documentation of the restoration has been meticulous and very complete. Ken is a fair and honest man, so I'd definitely give hime a call if I were you - you can't go wrong.
Paul
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I know a man who is great in Camaro restoration-does it in his garage. Lives in Monterey California. If you want to contact him send me a note a htheobald@comcast.net. I also know a shop in Campbell California and they are experts. Howard
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Guys: Thanks for the responses. So far I talked to Mark Murphy at Murphy's Restoration - very nice guy and very upfront about what he thought it would cost - now that my expectations are properly set :o, (not that I didn't know it was going to be a big number!), I'll continue to get other opinions. I will call Lucas and Super Car Worshop.
Howard, I just sent an email your way to have you put me in touch with the guy that does the work in his garage...that may be more my speed. This car is already a bastardized version of itself, I just need a good solid restoration so that I can keep the car and actually drive it forever!
Thanks again to all - if you have more input, keep it coming.
Brian
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Very Important,
Make sure you get details about where all of your work and parts get subletted out to during your phone interviews. Ask many questions. As I said before, most shops are general contractors and send everything out. Very important to get many details about everyone who will touch your parts and restore them. Who are they, what reputation do they have, etc. Also ask if their work will fly at the Camaro Nationals in concours or Bow Tie judging. I travel every week to inspect cars for clients all over the country. Many are restored and just terrible examples as to being restored correctly.
You'll get 1000 opinions on this board, just make sure that you make the right decision for your car and your hard earned money.
Good Luck,
Jerry
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Is Ken still doing restoration work? I thought he was directing jobs to East Coast Muscle?
Jeff
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Jeff,
Only the paint work is goes there. I get all of the drive train and parts that require special attention.
Jerry
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Great news - I misunderstood an email from Ken! Thanks for clearing that up -
Jeff
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Jerry
Who does all of your sheet metal? I have a couple of pieces that I cant decide whether to fix or replace
(wrinkle in the header, torn lower valance)
Chris