Re: [AMC-list] AMC restoraton question

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

In general, restoration costs would be close to the same for any given car in the same condition. The Bel Aire might be CHEAPER to fully restore than an AMC because parts are readily available. Not necessarily cheap, but you can order any common part for the Tri-Five Chevys. Try finding the little plastic cover piece on the inside corner of the rear side panel of a 65 Rambler Classic or Ambassador hardtop. You can't find a good used one OR a new one, you have to make something work or leave it off! you'd think a guy like that would know better. It costs the same or more to restore a Tri-Five Buick or Olds based on the same body as the Chevys simply because the trim is different and lots isn't available.

The only thing that would make the restoration cheaper for the Rambler is the initial cost of the car. You already have that! You could easily spend $20K on restoring it to as close to factory condition as possible, especially if paying someone to do all/most of the work. In the end you'd have a $10-$15K car, depending on body style (with highest being a convertible, lowest could be a well appointed four door with V-8 and factory or aftermarket AC).

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Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:15:18 -0700
From: "Thomas Garner"<Tgarner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

I went to My Auction Connection in Mufreesboro, TN (also called MAC Auctions Tennessee) They specialize in power sport stuff and classic cars but had all kinds of other stuff. Today they only had a 1956 Bel Air that went for $20,000. I know the owner of the auction and the Bell Air and questioned him about his car and if he ever had any AMC's. He had his car completely restored and updated and I was curious as to how much it would cost as I may do that with my 64 Classic.
 He said he didn't get AMC's and he also said it would be much cheaper to restore an old AMC than it would be a Bel Air.

First, are there any auctions in Tennessee that anybody knows of that would have AMC's?

Second, is it true an AMC would be cheaper to restore than a Bel Air? If so, why? Is it because the Bell Air is more popular? Seems to me that would mean the parts are more readily available than an AMC, thus it would be cheaper. Surely the labor charges would be equal right? It should cost just as much (labor wise) to sandblast/paint/interior work/etc on a Bel Air as it would any car, much less and AMC right?

 I don't know, it just didn't make sense to me. If it costs more to restore a Bel Air than it does an AMC Classic, where's the cost difference coming from?

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)

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