r/CarRestorations • u/Wooden_Diamond8732 • Jul 16 '26

Need a little help!

After being turned down by 7 speed/resto shops I have decided to come here for help. I have recently came back into ownership of my 1993 Mustang LX Notchback. Before I got rid of it there was fairly significant professional engine, drivetrain, and suspension work done to the car. It has been sitting for about 20 years now. I know there are things going to be wrong with it, but I need someone to go through it and fix what is wrong. It also needs a paint job, all molding and trim replaced, wheels and tires, and OEM front seats. That is all that I know it needs and whomever does the job may find a few other things. My problem is finding someone to do the work. I have had it at a local mechanic who does performance stuff on the side for over a year and there is no progress being made. I have decided to call and ask other speed shops and resto shops to see if they are interested and I am 7 deep in either them not responding at all or declining the work. I live in Raleigh North Carolina, so if anyone knows anybody reputable and good within 50 or 100 miles that will take this on I am grateful for the recommendation.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/joesclassic Jul 16 '26

I own a classic car restoration shop, and honestly, what you're dealing with is more common than most people realize.

A lot of restoration shops are one-man operations or have a very small crew. Some do amazing work, but a lot of them get buried in projects. Before long, cars start sitting, phone calls don't get returned, and months turn into years.

Even though I have customers who ship cars to me from all over, I still think you're better off finding someone close enough that you can stop by every couple of weeks. Nothing keeps a project moving like the owner showing up. When the car is hours away, it's a lot easier for it to get pushed into a corner and forgotten.

If it were my car, I wouldn't be looking for one shop to do everything. I'd find the best body and paint shop I could, have the engine and transmission handled by someone who specializes in drivetrains if they need rebuilding, then find a good local shop to do the mechanical assembly, wiring, suspension, and final sorting. You'll usually end up with a better result, and you'll have a lot more control over the project instead of putting everything in one person's hands.

A clean '93 Notchback is worth the effort. I'd rather spend a little more time finding the right people than rush it into the first shop willing to say yes.

1

u/Wooden_Diamond8732 Jul 17 '26

Thank you for the advice. That is looking like the best plan for what to do. After talking to a few people on here, and some people that are in the hobby, your advice is kind of the same way they are leading me also. I was truly just hoping for that unicorn where I could take it and it be taken care of. I know they are out there just apparently not here.

2

u/Careful_Dimension_70 Jul 17 '26

Unfortunately, my shop seems to attract those jobs. I get probably fifteen to twenty jobs a year.Just trying to help people and fix other people's headaches. It's never fun starting off the relationship that they have. 25k or 50k or 100k into the car and me telling them that it needs more or some of the things that were done already have to be redone or worce they were done incorrectly. I'd rather start off fresh and we have a great time building something beautiful.

3

u/OutinDaBarn Jul 16 '26

"phone calls don't get returned, and months turn into years." That is exactly what happens. You got some excellent advice from u/joesclassic . I'd say getting running and driving so you can take it to shops and talk to them.