Hello to all. I am looking for advice from anyone in the related business of owning or working at a restoration or paint shop.I have three years left in the Air Force and want to get into the business and was wondering what I could expect or should I even pursue it. What kind of money is involved? Is it a very successful venture? How hard is it to own and operate? I used to have a good friend who owned his own small restoration shop where he restored cars for people from the frame up and made pretty good money at it. But unfortunately he passed away and I didn't get a chance to learn about the business or the specifics from him. If anyone can give some advice on the subject,as descriptive as possible, then I would greatly appreciate it. I am tore between serving twenty years semi-happily or doing something I would love to do every day. Thanks.
You have to have the ability to run with taking in a job for a year. Parts and materials are you biggest cost. Lights, power, equipment, jigs, welder, tools,paint booth, compressor, etc. There is a lot of over head involved. I'm not trying to scare you off but I work as a paint rep and see many people start and fall with a loss. Take on jobs that you can get parts for. private message me and I'll help you out. Chris DeMik
Restoration Shop Ronald, Last fall I began working at a restoration shop part time. The owner of the shop, Marc Cleek, was in the Army for nine years then went to school for auto body. He is a super nice man and extremely knowledgable. Right now I am working on a '66 GTO convertible at the shop and it is a dream job! I never get out on time because time passes so quickly. However, nothing comes easy, and Marc has certainly paid his dues working for other shops over the years. He recently began getting national recognition with a series in Cars and Parts Magazine: http://www.carsandparts.com/features/072803/072803.asp PM me and I will forward his phone number to you. Here he is working on the SS396 the shop is doing.
