You don't realize how happy I am to see you back in some type of format available for us. A huge thanks to you and all of your camera crew and everybody else for bringing us back into your lives. Was always a huge fan of your straight up no BS approach!
I have admired Dan's integrity and ethics since the very first episode. Doing things the right way, the first time, every time regardless. Thank you for this episode putting the truth out there about costs.
I had the joy of restoring or building restomods with my dad. We built daily drivers ( dad turned away a lot wanting him to build a " trailer queens" ) after looking at a project he would tell them in parts alone expect $30 -$50 K ... paint $$10-$25K ( or more) labor $25-$45 and a minimum of 24 months ( depending on what was needed) Thank you dad for the opportunity to work alongside you. I miss you ( I lost dad to cancer 5 yrs ago)
As a lifetime car enthusiasts and someone who has been over 40 cars himself I love the way Dan covers this common topic. People think they know what it cost to restore a car don’t argue with guys like us especially Dan lol. He has done it his whole life he is passionate and sincere great video Dan start a podcast!
Here's why I whole heartedly agree with this video. 1994-1998 I restored a 39' cad Le salle. The build took four full years, over 20k hours and a grand total of 315k to the client. He's still winning best in show with it. You are in fact a good guy Dan 👍😎
I was in the auto glass replacement business for over twenty years. 25% of my business was antique car & truck glass. I have spent alot of time thru the back door of countless body shops. I have done bodywork on my own classics. With this background I have a good feel for what things cost back 20 years ago. The crazy high numbers you are discussing in this video is something I can’t wrap my head around! What the hell has happened in the last 20years?? How could any average american afford to have anything done nowadays? And how can these shops be allowed to preach one hourly rate , but get away with a rate considerably higher? Greed & Lies are what life is all about in this part of our century. High profile politicians that commit felonies are popular front runners in our presidential elections! Now third world countries are shooting missiles at each other. It goes on and on! It’s probably just me that has woken up in a nightmare! I really worry about the poor folks we are leaving our world to. So back to the crazy car bills.. I wonder what a true dollar is worth now? If it continues to collapse we will be leaving to our children just a memory of a world we once were proud of.😢
I don't know Dan, when I was in high school I had just finished putting a 351 cj motor in my 1954 Ford pick up and it needed a paint job. Earl Schieb was offering to "Paint any car for $99.95". I've got to say, that was a truly amazing paint job to see, and I got a lot more than I bargained for. Two of the tires and wheels were painted, one headlight was now half blue, emblems, door locks, chrome trim, everything was either painted or over sprayed. When I complained, they told me the $99 special included 15 minutes of prep work! I learned a lot that day!
This is why I built my own shop, I raised 4 kids and for a long time we have had 8 cars in the family, if I didn't do my own mechanical work I'd be broke, oil changes alone same me thousands per year, I was quoted 1700 for ball joint and tie rods for my daughter's durango, 143 in parts, I did it myself, the only thing I have taken to the shop is alignments and tires install, other than that we do it all ourselves, from oil changes, to swapping crown vic. Front ends into my 1963 f100,
You are delusional or vastly dishonest …oil changes are $30-$50 …not a chance in hell or Heaven that you save “thousands” per year doing your own oil changes. Try finishing high school before running a con like that comment.
Reality is always a hard pill to swallow, been a mechanic for 54 years , have seen many customers do the dirty AND many shops i worked at do the over charging in my mind, but 20% not 800% its legal? But definately criminal! Thanks Dan for showing the public why the US auto repair industry is publicly thought of as "scams, ripoffs, thiefs! And they are generally true. Just makes its incredibly hard for honest people to survive
We miss you and your staff doing restorations of cars and trucks for television. Watching you deal with customers and your staff is was fun TV. Thanks for the time you did your show !!!
Absolutely phenomenal job breaking this all down to the ordinary person who has no real idea as to what goes into a restoration job in respect to the cost and the process.
Having been in this business for my whole life. Amen to your comments!!! I have a friend with a very clean 69 chevelle buy paint is checked, but was pissed when he got a 10k estimate to “Paint” the car. I told him it was a deal.
Trying to skimp on labor will only hurt quality and I've seen alot of unsafe vehicles done, I won't say done correctly when cost was the main focus. Performing all the labor yourself also curbs your tendency to buy all new parts. I've had occasions that an old used part has better quality than any new part. Labor is a huge cost and a necessity you can't work around if your skills aren't up to the level of the work.
I run a small two man restoration shop in Australia, our overheads are on the low side, we only charge $80 plus 10%GST an hour, plus all the costs of materials, parts, towing etc. We spend an average of 1500 hours on our builds, 160k. And most builds would add 80-100k on parts and materials and outsourced businesses, (interior trim, Electrical, mechanical etc,) Most large restoration shops in Australia charge $100-$120 an hour, and all the reputable shops have a 2-3 year waiting list! There’s no shortage of people in Australia happy to spend 200k plus on their dream cars! Love your simple and precise explanation Dan, this is a great topic to cover, restoration shops all over the world should share this video to any potential customers before commencing on their projects, will definitely help eliminate any costs problems down the track!
Dan I can't give you enough credit. Previous comments include passion, skill, honesty. This is what the ordinary Joe, like myself wants, honesty. But hell, in this deal you also get all the above, plus a highly skilled Technician/ expert Mechanic and whole lotta common sense. Not to mention awesome communicator. Like some of the cars you work on, rare and special. Take a bow bro.
So good to see Dan explain what his shop does and why they do this. There is a cost to doing things well and usually higher costs for doing things not so well which is very important to remember. I love that he also touches on the idea that some people are wanting to do the work on a car not because of the return at the end of the story but just because they have a strong emotional attachment to the car but want it to be as good as they felt it was when they made that attachment.
Cheap, Fast, Good. Pick two. You can't have all three. If it's cheap and fast, it won't be good. If it's Cheap and Good, it won't be fast. If it's Fast and Good, it won't be cheap. 🤑😉🤨🥸
Your passion for doing it right from estimates to the finished product is why I enjoy your videos! Keep up the incredible work and keeping the truth on top!
I love how Dan brakes down the whole process with labor and parts,and if the project is even worth it.Other car shows never do explain much.I have not seen a video in along time,now looking forward to watching them.well done!
Thank You Dan for the insight into what you do in the restoration of classic automobiles. Your old show was the best car show on tv. I can't wait for the new ones to start. I'll be watching them and the shorts you put out. That it a great team you have working on them.
Dan, One of the things you did on the TV show was during most of the reviles was to discuss the amount of time and how much was spent on parts. I can't afford to have much work done for me, so doing a lot myself, and not always correctly the first time I know how much time it takes. I'm happy your doing this on TH-cam.
It’s great to see Fantom Works is still a thriving business. I’ve watched a lot of the tv programs that were shown on quest in the uk plus a lot on discovery plus app. I absolutely love your passion and the attention to every last detail of everything you do. I grew up around cars of the 1960’s onwards.
So appreciative of the truth with things. I have read a lot of untruths regarding your show not being on the air, ect, ect and hearing you explain it made more reasonable sense and cleared it all up, for me. Yes shop costs are expensive and folks just dont get it. 25K for a restoration build, no way. What a breath of fresh air to see you doing this on your terms, your language and not this edited version of how things get done. This "behind the scene truths" are needed now a days. Thank you.
I have watched your show for a couple years now and I must say that you are always fair especially when you address anything that is a safety concern. Keep doing what you do cause it’s done right and you consider your clients position. I love it, if we have to choose between you or your car, we’re not choosing you! Classic!
thanks for this video ,, most folks have no idea, i have a 1969 GTO , i get asked all the time what the hold up is ,, i tell them the 40k just to get started , and i can do everything except body paint and interior. i can do everything else myself. ive worked on cars professionally since high school and im now 60. its a lot of labor and parts are expensive
Dear FantomWorks... Dan.... Thank you for opening your garage to an amazing TV show. I enjoyed all of the car's restorations. Dan your crew does amazing work. Cannot wait to see more shows on TH-cam. Thank you Harold
Miss seeing the show Dan, glad you guys are back. As a custom shop owner for 20 years in New Jersey and recently moved to southern Virginia, its very difficult to explain and justify to people the raality of doing these projects. They way you broke it down was excellent. And exposing the truth on markups was brilliant. Ive always aspired to either work in your shop, or have a shop similar to yours (friendly competitors). I am definetly subbed to the new channel here and will contiue to watch.
I think I just found my favorite TH-cam channel! As a shop owner myself doing restomod work I've always brought up phantom works as the only realistic example of our industry when customers would bring up TV shows related to building cars. It takes a team and a lot of time!
Dan, I just found your TH-cam channel from a suggested video. THANK GOD, I DID!!! I always watched your show on Discovery when we still had cable TV. When we had to cancel our cable due to financial issues, I had a severe case of Fantom Works DTs that lasted for several months (true statement). I am far beyond ecstatic to find you and your team here on TH-cam, and you're DAMNED RIGHT. I'm now a HUGE FAN and a new subscriber!!! I am very excitedly looking forward to seeing your content and amazing work again...FINALLY!!!!
I’m a huge fan of your work. I appreciate your attention to detail and honesty. Any person expecting a restoration for 25k obviously doesn’t know much about cars.
Dan, I started watching this but discovered I've seen this exact video of yours before. Having said that, it was honest and to the point. Keep on smiling.
We generally repost our live streams with cleaned up audio. Because these are in fact unscripted (yes, obviously we planned Dan coming in and talking with Brigette with his powerpoint and put the 3 LS cars in a row so Dan and Dave could discuss them), but the words are all unscripted and we are filming in a working shop, so the audio is way cleaner when we do some work in post production on it!
Thank You, really this answers so many questions for me. Having grown up driving so many of these cars in all there versions. Straight 6, small V8s, big V8s, air cooled and 4 bangers too. Looking back I wish I had them all now. But being a working man that was never in the budget. My 1st 2 cars where a ‘65 chevy Chevelle and a ‘70 chevy Chevelle how I would love to have either one today. But 3,4, 500,000 bucks is not in my back account. So watching guys like you do these restorations is pure joy. So thank you.
Great video and so glad I found you on TH-cam. I love your TV show. Your builds were always incredible and I have to admit missing my father Marine father that fact that you served made me always want to support you more. Thanks for the countless hours of entertainment and your service to our country sir.
I’m glad to see you back. I always said you were the only truthful restoration show on tv. I’ve worked on cars 50 years, I’m still a diesel mechanic by trade. I will start passing on that you are coming back. Discovery money, while great to see all the different shops, ruined the backyard hot rod builders. Watching the Las Vegas shows paying $25,000 for a $5,000 car and then dumping $50,000 into it just to sell it for $79,000. Most of us can’t do that. I still remember you doing the deployed soldiers impala convertible, and the final costs. That was always my favorite part, going over the invoices and getting the real info on costs and times. 41:25
Its good seeing you Dan and the shop in any format. I'm near South Bend, In. A friend of mine just got his 69 Nova back from paint and body they installed 2 rear quarters,2 door skins, aligned all the panels and base clear a medium blue. I've painted for 30 years and I give it a solid nine overall. Car was from Texas. He paid $10,000. I would be proud to drive it. That shop rate was $95.00 a hr.
This confirms what I’ve known for years about how most shops charge for labor. Love your content, Dan, I subscribed and I’m looking forward to your how-to videos!
I'm thrilled to have found your channel! I still watch repeats on MT channel, but it's great to know there's a place for new content. Fully align with your values, both automotive and otherwise, so it's great to have an avenue to still support what you do. Now it's time to get caught up!
I new there was a markup on parts, but the labor calculation is mind-boggling. Always enjoyed Fantom works, looking for more episodes! ( Went to T-school in Fort Eustis in '68 ).
Nice to see you and your team back on the tube. Looking forward to your future videos. If I had an extra 500,000 I would bring my car to your shop and shop does impeccable work. I know you take pride in everything that leaves your shop.
Good morning. Thank you for being honest on shop rates!!!! This is why classic car restoration is dying. Not only is it expensive to restore a classic car, but the quality craftsmanship is bad. As you well know, again, my friends, thanks for the honesty,
You are my hero on restoration of cars. I really enjoyed this video. My Daughter lives right down the street from your shop. She is the Editor of the Virginia Pilot News Paper. I plan to visit Norfolk next year and would love to meet you.
I am glad to see you back, I am a car painter an the cost is out of this world, Restoring a 58 dodge an i took it apart wrong an putting it back together an o boy how much you forget
Dan - You have been an inspiration to me over the years. There's a perception out there that most auto mechanics are crooks and you, my friend, are living proof that isn't the case. Your integrity and honesty show through brightly! Over 50 years ago I was in the service and had a dream of someday owning a classic car. Well, through the years I have owned a few...1968 Corvette convertible, 1966 Jaguar XKE convertible, 1964 Triumph TR4, 1966 Ford Bronco, 1972 Chevrolet Blazer...and a few more. I don't have any of them now and regret selling them but needs dictated that I do just that. Watching you explain cost of restoration was hypnotic... Thanks for all you do and if I ever find that dream car to restore I will be calling on you and your team. God Bless...
G'day Dan,its good to see ya.I used to watch your show on "rich man's "(pay t.v).I am a big fan,a great car man who tells it as it is,with passion!Good onya mate,keep them others on their toes.God Bless.👍
I respect everything you guys do. Thank God I know how to do a lot of this work myself. But if I had the money, this guy is the guy I would have do the work. You do really good work. It's worth the money.
I am a former auto electrician. We had a shop for 68 years. My grandfather started it in 1938. Being in the industry, I wouldn't doubt a nicely restored vehicle could easily go to 110k or more if it's customized. You can put as much as you want. Also I've worked on customized hot rods that look awesome until you look under the dash, or under the car. Like lipstick on a pig.
Dan, THANK YOU for this tutorial! I’ve restored several cars. I”m 59. I have a business with satisfied customers. I got bit in the ass by a family deal. It started out by asking me if I would be interested in “getting it running.” A 1951 3 window 3100 that my cousin built out of an orchard truck in high school which he wrecked, so it sat in my uncle’s garage for 25 years. Showed up on a trailer unannounced. Had a grafted A-body front frame, no floor, rotten wood bed, A-body BOP 8.5 “12-bolt” with home made leaf spring perches, twisted U-bolts and damaged leaf springs, bent frame, Saginaw 4-speed, 327 with scored bearings and mismatched Power Pack heads, bondo’d rust, etc… Short story: I’ve had this for 15 years and it is almost done. My uncle has paid me $30k. I’m the bad guy. Details: Rebuilt 327, reworked mounts, converted to rebuilt 700R4, modified and rebuilt ‘76 1/2 Ton 12-bolt 3.73 posi with 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern, new firewall and floor, all new box with adapted floor out of newer truck, all new glass, new wiring, new interior, new suspension and brakes, power steering, modified coil spring rear suspension from ‘71 C10, custom exhaust, Chevelle fuel tank with modified filler, custom wheel base, shortened running boards and fillers, rear fenders moved forward 2”, lengthened rear bumper fillers, lots of custom metal work and new parts, A/C, new grille, bodywork, paint….. I have over 40 grand into it not including any of my 1300 hours of labor which I am only billing half of and only at $40/hr. I’m still owed about $30k which I may not ever see. My siblings are up my ass to “just get it done”. Nobody gets it that I have to work on my actual customer’s vehicles to make a living while this truck is a side job. It is a beautiful truck done cheap and that is why it has taken so long. I love my family. I rode in this truck as a kid when it was as an orchard truck. Nobody will be as happy as me when it’s done and I’m very close. Maybe your video can give my family some perspective. I haven’t procrastinated, I have persevered at my own time and expense. Even if I get paid, they will have a truck that could be sold for more than it cost them for me to build it. How is that even possible??? (You’re welcome!!). I believe you can see the value in my gift even though my uncle “has paid me all that money.”
I am so happy to be following along with you guys and gals. Great job! Dan you look so much more relaxed without the Discovery pressure. Congratulations to the team.
I love the show,Dan I've been watching since 2018-19. I used to live near where your shop is when I was a youngster when my dad was stationed in Langley in the NAVY.
Great explanation of the restoration process, and why it is a costly undertaking. Personally I don’t like shiny things, so I would just do a resto to make it safe and reliable.
First of all, really good to see you after watching your shows...secondly the couple that bought the "showroom" condition 57 Chevy that you had to get a donor car for, that might have been a 300 hour "restoration" I've always appreciated your up front honesty.. Btw have a son in law who's a service writer.who states that this video is 100% accurate..
Dan, great overview, as someone who has been in the car business all my life I have seen it all, most restorations are very poorly done, some even unsafe. At the end of the day, bite the bullet, do the job correctly with an EXTREMELY reputable firm, or sell the car and find one that has been completely done (pay for a top to bottom inspection) the way you wish and buy it at auction. I have bought and sold many of these cars, if I were ever to contemplate a complete restoration again, this is this place and a few others are the only ones I would consider!
The man is giving it to you straight up, and of course when you are dealing with a reputable, honest, competent shop, today there’s a plethora of incompetent, dishonest individuals looking to turn a quick buck in the repair and restoration business .
Honesty and Integrity as the day it long. A Great & Educational video! I am staying a subscriber for the long term. Thank you Dan, your Team and your Financial Backing Supporters for making your programs available to all of us viewing TH-cam.
Hiya Dan,in the U.K.,we never get our money back on classic cars ,unless you buy a triumph stag,mkii jaguar,or Etype jaguar, I’ve just spent 15;000 on rebuilding my 1980 spitfire,it’s the wheeler dealers old car ,but I love the car and it’s a keeper ,but to sell it I’ll never get the money back
Fantastic video Mr. Short! I caught onto the extreme markup years ago and started ordering parts myself before taking them to the shop. The worst part about this is your average mechanic gets the blame for ripping people off when management deserves it.
Dan I was very upset when Discovery said you were gone from the show - then I found a video you did talking about the reason you left the show - I thought you made a good choice and no one actually knew how much time and effort it takes to put on a show like yours - kudos to you - I thought it was one of the best if not the best of the cars shows on discovery. Now you are back doing your own thing -- this particular video is the main reason I liked your show the best, you were always honest, you told the customer the truth and gave them updates along the way - the emotional experience the customer has while in the shop is the reason they come back and or recommend you to their friends.
Met you a couple of years ago during one of your Friday afternoon tours! It’s great seeing you back in the public space! As fun as the Velocity/MT show was, this has so much more substance! ❤
I loved your show and hated to see you stop making them. I am glad to have found you again! Actually, I thought this was going to be about why you stopped! I have subscribed. I have done some paint and body restoration work my self, being less than wealthy enough to hire it done, but never achieved your quality. Getting to old to do much now, but I do enjoy watching your artists at work!
Thank you very much for discussing this topic. 2009 I graduated from college with a bachelors degree in automotive restoration. I have about 14 years of experience in the automotive industry total. For a four year period of my life I had a small restoration shop in Kansas. In college one of the instructors told our class "You cannot restore an antique car in less than 1000 man hours (6 months)." My response to that statement was "Your shop labor rate was $75.00 per hour. Your telling me that it costs no less than $75,000. to restore a Ford Model-T." The instructors response was "Yes, it happens everyday." It took me years, and multiple misquoted bids to comprehend the mistakes I was making. Not comprehending how many man hours go into a complete ground up restoration (as opposed to a partial restoration). I was charging Labor + Parts + Materials = $$$ My thoughts today, 15 years after graduating college. If a customer is not interested in paying for something in the range of 2000 man hours (1 year). I would probably walk away. I got burned to many time with projects that required far more labor, just to bring the project to a driver level. Do you have for a complete ground up restoration have a low and a high number that it takes your shop to complete a restoration. I understand every single car is different. Thank you for sharing Dave.
👍great insight for customers. I know, I have the same problems in construction. I have to finish jobs that other people tried to undercut prices to reel in the customer and either do bad work or try to make up problems for change orders. I definitely love to do quality work and also watch you at your expertise! Thanks 😊
You don't realize how happy I am to see you back in some type of format available for us. A huge thanks to you and all of your camera crew and everybody else for bringing us back into your lives. Was always a huge fan of your straight up no BS approach!
Seems to know what he's talking about I'm in 🤣.
Always appreciated Fantom Works myself!
I like his approach as well. My Dad was military WW2. I’ve always thought he is honest and straightforward.
Glad to see him making videos again.
Thank you!
@@kevinrice7635&gh&
I have admired Dan's integrity and ethics since the very first episode. Doing things the right way, the first time, every time regardless. Thank you for this episode putting the truth out there about costs.
You don’t know him just by watching presented content. Silly.
Where is Earl Schieb Macco when you can afford them
Too bad cause I always wanted to meet Dan and his crew but I can't afford them
Funny I have a pretty clean 67 Camaro with a 383 stroker from Blueprint Engines 430 hp
@@JohnStevenson-m8hmeeting him isn't worth paying his ridiculous prices.
I had the joy of restoring or building restomods with my dad. We built daily drivers ( dad turned away a lot wanting him to build a " trailer queens" ) after looking at a project he would tell them in parts alone expect $30 -$50 K ... paint $$10-$25K ( or more) labor $25-$45 and a minimum of 24 months ( depending on what was needed)
Thank you dad for the opportunity to work alongside you.
I miss you ( I lost dad to cancer 5 yrs ago)
As a lifetime car enthusiasts and someone who has been over 40 cars himself I love the way Dan covers this common topic. People think they know what it cost to restore a car don’t argue with guys like us especially Dan lol. He has done it his whole life he is passionate and sincere great video Dan start a podcast!
I figure brand new plus twice
Greed corruption makes sense
Here's why I whole heartedly agree with this video. 1994-1998 I restored a 39' cad Le salle. The build took four full years, over 20k hours and a grand total of 315k to the client. He's still winning best in show with it. You are in fact a good guy Dan 👍😎
I was in the auto glass replacement
business for over twenty years. 25% of my business was antique car & truck glass. I have spent alot of time thru the back door of countless body shops. I have done bodywork on my own classics. With this background I have a good feel for what things cost back 20 years ago.
The crazy high numbers you are discussing in this
video is something I can’t wrap my head around! What the hell has happened in the last 20years??
How could any average american afford to have anything done nowadays?
And how can these shops be allowed to preach one hourly rate , but get away with a rate considerably higher?
Greed & Lies are what life is all about in this part of our century.
High profile politicians that commit felonies are popular front runners in our presidential elections!
Now third world countries are shooting missiles at each other. It goes on and on!
It’s probably just me that has woken up in a nightmare!
I really worry about the poor folks we are leaving our world to.
So back to the crazy car bills..
I wonder what a true dollar is worth now?
If it continues to collapse we will be leaving to our children just a memory of a world we once were proud of.😢
@@nhmtrhdinflation...
I have watched thousands of youtube videos. Dan, this was one of the best i've ever seen! Thank you!
I don't know Dan, when I was in high school I had just finished putting a 351 cj motor in my 1954 Ford pick up and it needed a paint job. Earl Schieb was offering to "Paint any car for $99.95". I've got to say, that was a truly amazing paint job to see, and I got a lot more than I bargained for. Two of the tires and wheels were painted, one headlight was now half blue, emblems, door locks, chrome trim, everything was either painted or over sprayed. When I complained, they told me the $99 special included 15 minutes of prep work! I learned a lot that day!
This is why I built my own shop, I raised 4 kids and for a long time we have had 8 cars in the family, if I didn't do my own mechanical work I'd be broke, oil changes alone same me thousands per year, I was quoted 1700 for ball joint and tie rods for my daughter's durango, 143 in parts, I did it myself, the only thing I have taken to the shop is alignments and tires install, other than that we do it all ourselves, from oil changes, to swapping crown vic. Front ends into my 1963 f100,
Exactly. If you have the property, you're ahead of the game, just buy tools as you need them.
You are delusional or vastly dishonest …oil changes are $30-$50 …not a chance in hell or Heaven that you save “thousands” per year doing your own oil changes. Try finishing high school before running a con like that comment.
Get a changer and balancer. Do it.
Reality is always a hard pill to swallow, been a mechanic for 54 years , have seen many customers do the dirty AND many shops i worked at do the over charging in my mind, but 20% not 800% its legal? But definately criminal! Thanks Dan for showing the public why the US auto repair industry is publicly thought of as "scams, ripoffs, thiefs! And they are generally true. Just makes its incredibly hard for honest people to survive
Thank you Dan for this presentation. You are so correct. I am an 82' year old and have a love for the auto since I've been borned. Jim Rio Vista, CA
We miss you and your staff doing restorations of cars and trucks for television. Watching you deal with customers and your staff is was fun TV. Thanks for the time you did your show !!!
Thank you. I asked all the ladies in the Family to Study your presentation on auto repair costs. Consumer education from an honest man.
Absolutely phenomenal job breaking this all down to the ordinary person who has no real idea as to what goes into a restoration job in respect to the cost and the process.
Having been in this business for my whole life. Amen to your comments!!! I have a friend with a very clean 69 chevelle buy paint is checked, but was pissed when he got a 10k estimate to “Paint” the car. I told him it was a deal.
Man’s Man is what I would call Dan. I wish him and his team the best and will support as much as I can. Looking forward to more golden content 👍
My suspicions were confirmed........in order to get a complete restoration, you have to be a millionaire.
Or do the work yourself...lol
@@bryonkidder6199 I hate working on cars, so that ain't gonna happen.
Trying to skimp on labor will only hurt quality and I've seen alot of unsafe vehicles done, I won't say done correctly when cost was the main focus.
Performing all the labor yourself also curbs your tendency to buy all new parts.
I've had occasions that an old used part has better quality than any new part.
Labor is a huge cost and a necessity you can't work around if your skills aren't up to the level of the work.
Stuck in the seventies for prices😊
@@bryonkidder6199I'm doing a resto mod on my Camaro. I tell you it's the parts that kill you everything 2k 5k that's not even paint lol 😅
I run a small two man restoration shop in Australia, our overheads are on the low side, we only charge $80 plus 10%GST an hour, plus all the costs of materials, parts, towing etc.
We spend an average of 1500 hours on our builds, 160k. And most builds would add 80-100k on parts and materials and outsourced businesses, (interior trim, Electrical, mechanical etc,)
Most large restoration shops in Australia charge $100-$120 an hour, and all the reputable shops have a 2-3 year waiting list!
There’s no shortage of people in Australia happy to spend 200k plus on their dream cars!
Love your simple and precise explanation Dan, this is a great topic to cover, restoration shops all over the world should share this video to any potential customers before commencing on their projects, will definitely help eliminate any costs problems down the track!
Dan I can't give you enough credit. Previous comments include passion, skill, honesty. This is what the ordinary Joe, like myself wants, honesty. But hell, in this deal you also get all the above, plus a highly skilled Technician/ expert Mechanic and whole lotta common sense. Not to mention awesome communicator. Like some of the cars you work on, rare and special.
Take a bow bro.
Thank you.
So good to see Dan explain what his shop does and why they do this. There is a cost to doing things well and usually higher costs for doing things not so well which is very important to remember.
I love that he also touches on the idea that some people are wanting to do the work on a car not because of the return at the end of the story but just because they have a strong emotional attachment to the car but want it to be as good as they felt it was when they made that attachment.
Cheap, Fast, Good. Pick two. You can't have all three. If it's cheap and fast, it won't be good. If it's Cheap and Good, it won't be fast. If it's Fast and Good, it won't be cheap. 🤑😉🤨🥸
Excellent video. Thanks.
Your passion for doing it right from estimates to the finished product is why I enjoy your videos! Keep up the incredible work and keeping the truth on top!
Glad to see back on building cars for us viewers.
I love how Dan brakes down the whole process with labor and parts,and if the project is even worth it.Other car shows never do explain much.I have not seen a video in along time,now looking forward to watching them.well done!
Miss you guys being on TV glad to see that you're doing stuff on TH-cam cheers from Atlantic Canada👍🏼😎🇨🇦
Thank You Dan for the insight into what you do in the restoration of classic automobiles. Your old show was the best car show on tv. I can't wait for the new ones to start. I'll be watching them and the shorts you put out. That it a great team you have working on them.
Dan, One of the things you did on the TV show was during most of the reviles was to discuss the amount of time and how much was spent on parts. I can't afford to have much work done for me, so doing a lot myself, and not always correctly the first time I know how much time it takes. I'm happy your doing this on TH-cam.
It’s great to see Fantom Works is still a thriving business. I’ve watched a lot of the tv programs that were shown on quest in the uk plus a lot on discovery plus app. I absolutely love your passion and the attention to every last detail of everything you do. I grew up around cars of the 1960’s onwards.
Fantom Works is only a few miles from my house and I drive by it often. The shop is always filled with classic cars getting worked on
I just looked this up kindig gets two to three hundred thousand dollars for full restoration I know these guys are once original ones off the hill
So appreciative of the truth with things. I have read a lot of untruths regarding your show not being on the air, ect, ect and hearing you explain it made more reasonable sense and cleared it all up, for me. Yes shop costs are expensive and folks just dont get it. 25K for a restoration build, no way. What a breath of fresh air to see you doing this on your terms, your language and not this edited version of how things get done. This "behind the scene truths" are needed now a days. Thank you.
I have watched your show for a couple years now and I must say that you are always fair especially when you address anything that is a safety concern. Keep doing what you do cause it’s done right and you consider your clients position. I love it, if we have to choose between you or your car, we’re not choosing you! Classic!
Yep how many times have we seen his shop fix cars that had already been "restored " at a different shop? Many
thanks for this video ,, most folks have no idea, i have a 1969 GTO , i get asked all the time what the hold up is ,, i tell them the 40k just to get started , and i can do everything except body paint and interior. i can do everything else myself. ive worked on cars professionally since high school and im now 60. its a lot of labor and parts are expensive
Dear FantomWorks... Dan.... Thank you for opening your garage to an amazing TV show. I enjoyed all of the car's restorations. Dan your crew does amazing work. Cannot wait to see more shows on TH-cam. Thank you Harold
Thanks for being so straightforward and honest. The average Joe doesn't even comprehend what a true restoration involves!😅
Dan great to see you and the shop again. Looking forward to seeing more.
You couldn’t explain this any better. Dan, you’re spot on!!!
Thank you dan for entertaining me with your show.Over the years and thank you for serving our country excellent person
Miss seeing the show Dan, glad you guys are back. As a custom shop owner for 20 years in New Jersey and recently moved to southern Virginia, its very difficult to explain and justify to people the raality of doing these projects. They way you broke it down was excellent. And exposing the truth on markups was brilliant. Ive always aspired to either work in your shop, or have a shop similar to yours (friendly competitors). I am definetly subbed to the new channel here and will contiue to watch.
I miss your show because you always talk to people the way they need to be talked too!, Love that!!
I think I just found my favorite TH-cam channel! As a shop owner myself doing restomod work I've always brought up phantom works as the only realistic example of our industry when customers would bring up TV shows related to building cars. It takes a team and a lot of time!
Dan, I just found your TH-cam channel from a suggested video. THANK GOD, I DID!!! I always watched your show on Discovery when we still had cable TV. When we had to cancel our cable due to financial issues, I had a severe case of Fantom Works DTs that lasted for several months (true statement). I am far beyond ecstatic to find you and your team here on TH-cam, and you're DAMNED RIGHT. I'm now a HUGE FAN and a new subscriber!!! I am very excitedly looking forward to seeing your content and amazing work again...FINALLY!!!!
Thank you Dan for your honesty and straightforward communication & answers.
I’m a huge fan of your work. I appreciate your attention to detail and honesty. Any person expecting a restoration for 25k obviously doesn’t know much about cars.
Love this presentation! Excellent explanation on how ACCURATE restoration is done and cost. Thank you Dan!! 👍😊
You’re an honest man. That’s why we like you. Also, your shop does superior work!
Well said, Dan! Respect! I always believe in getting the truth. Really enjoy Fantomworks when it's shown here in the UK!
Dan, I started watching this but discovered I've seen this exact video of yours before. Having said that, it was honest and to the point. Keep on smiling.
We generally repost our live streams with cleaned up audio. Because these are in fact unscripted (yes, obviously we planned Dan coming in and talking with Brigette with his powerpoint and put the 3 LS cars in a row so Dan and Dave could discuss them), but the words are all unscripted and we are filming in a working shop, so the audio is way cleaner when we do some work in post production on it!
Thank You, really this answers so many questions for me. Having grown up driving so many of these cars in all there versions. Straight 6, small V8s, big V8s, air cooled and 4 bangers too. Looking back I wish I had them all now. But being a working man that was never in the budget. My 1st 2 cars where a ‘65 chevy Chevelle and a ‘70 chevy Chevelle how I would love to have either one today. But 3,4, 500,000 bucks is not in my back account. So watching guys like you do these restorations is pure joy. So thank you.
Great video and so glad I found you on TH-cam. I love your TV show. Your builds were always incredible and I have to admit missing my father Marine father that fact that you served made me always want to support you more. Thanks for the countless hours of entertainment and your service to our country sir.
Dan , I am very happy to see you here , again !!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I’m glad to see you back. I always said you were the only truthful restoration show on tv. I’ve worked on cars 50 years, I’m still a diesel mechanic by trade. I will start passing on that you are coming back. Discovery money, while great to see all the different shops, ruined the backyard hot rod builders. Watching the Las Vegas shows paying $25,000 for a $5,000 car and then dumping $50,000 into it just to sell it for $79,000. Most of us can’t do that. I still remember you doing the deployed soldiers impala convertible, and the final costs. That was always my favorite part, going over the invoices and getting the real info on costs and times. 41:25
Its good seeing you Dan and the shop in any format. I'm near South Bend, In. A friend of mine just got his 69 Nova back from paint and body they installed 2 rear quarters,2 door skins, aligned all the panels and base clear a medium blue. I've painted for 30 years and I give it a solid nine overall. Car was from Texas. He paid $10,000. I would be proud to drive it. That shop rate was $95.00 a hr.
This confirms what I’ve known for years about how most shops charge for labor. Love your content, Dan, I subscribed and I’m looking forward to your how-to videos!
Thank you this wonderful presentation! Much needed for those who are confused about the process of true restoration.
I'm thrilled to have found your channel! I still watch repeats on MT channel, but it's great to know there's a place for new content. Fully align with your values, both automotive and otherwise, so it's great to have an avenue to still support what you do. Now it's time to get caught up!
I new there was a markup on parts, but the labor calculation is mind-boggling. Always enjoyed Fantom works, looking for more episodes! ( Went to T-school in Fort Eustis in '68 ).
Nice to see you and your team back on the tube. Looking forward to your future videos. If I had an extra 500,000 I would bring my car to your shop and shop does impeccable work. I know you take pride in everything that leaves your shop.
Good morning. Thank you for being honest on shop rates!!!! This is why classic car restoration is dying. Not only is it expensive to restore a classic car, but the quality craftsmanship is bad. As you well know, again, my friends, thanks for the honesty,
You are my hero on restoration of cars. I really enjoyed this video. My Daughter lives right down the street from your shop. She is the Editor of the Virginia Pilot News Paper. I plan to visit Norfolk next year and would love to meet you.
Good reality check that hopefully lots of car enthusiasts will watch. Looking forward to your future Videos.
Quality work costs money. I have always enjoyed your show and seeing the quality work and attention to detail.
Love your stuff Dan. We will support you.
I am glad to see you back, I am a car painter an the cost is out of this world, Restoring a 58 dodge an i took it apart wrong an putting it back together an o boy how much you forget
Dan - You have been an inspiration to me over the years. There's a perception out there that most auto mechanics are crooks and you, my friend, are living proof that isn't the case. Your integrity and honesty show through brightly! Over 50 years ago I was in the service and had a dream of someday owning a classic car. Well, through the years I have owned a few...1968 Corvette convertible, 1966 Jaguar XKE convertible, 1964 Triumph TR4, 1966 Ford Bronco, 1972 Chevrolet Blazer...and a few more. I don't have any of them now and regret selling them but needs dictated that I do just that. Watching you explain cost of restoration was hypnotic... Thanks for all you do and if I ever find that dream car to restore I will be calling on you and your team. God Bless...
G'day Dan,its good to see ya.I used to watch your show on "rich man's "(pay t.v).I am a big fan,a great car man who tells it as it is,with passion!Good onya mate,keep them others on their toes.God Bless.👍
Ashley is the coolest! She wants to make this collaboration work and I love all of the upcoming how to videos.
I respect everything you guys do. Thank God I know how to do a lot of this work myself. But if I had the money, this guy is the guy I would have do the work. You do really good work. It's worth the money.
I am a former auto electrician. We had a shop for 68 years. My grandfather started it in 1938. Being in the industry, I wouldn't doubt a nicely restored vehicle could easily go to 110k or more if it's customized. You can put as much as you want. Also I've worked on customized hot rods that look awesome until you look under the dash, or under the car. Like lipstick on a pig.
Looking forward to the new shows. I still watch the reruns of the old shows.
Dan, THANK YOU for this tutorial!
I’ve restored several cars. I”m 59. I have a business with satisfied customers. I got bit in the ass by a family deal. It started out by asking me if I would be interested in “getting it running.” A 1951 3 window 3100 that my cousin built out of an orchard truck in high school which he wrecked, so it sat in my uncle’s garage for 25 years.
Showed up on a trailer unannounced.
Had a grafted A-body front frame, no floor, rotten wood bed, A-body BOP 8.5 “12-bolt” with home made leaf spring perches, twisted U-bolts and damaged leaf springs, bent frame, Saginaw 4-speed, 327 with scored bearings and mismatched Power Pack heads, bondo’d rust, etc…
Short story: I’ve had this for 15 years and it is almost done. My uncle has paid me $30k. I’m the bad guy.
Details: Rebuilt 327, reworked mounts, converted to rebuilt 700R4, modified and rebuilt ‘76 1/2 Ton 12-bolt 3.73 posi with 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern, new firewall and floor, all new box with adapted floor out of newer truck, all new glass, new wiring, new interior, new suspension and brakes, power steering, modified coil spring rear suspension from ‘71 C10, custom exhaust, Chevelle fuel tank with modified filler, custom wheel base, shortened running boards and fillers, rear fenders moved forward 2”, lengthened rear bumper fillers, lots of custom metal work and new parts,
A/C, new grille, bodywork, paint…..
I have over 40 grand into it not including any of my 1300 hours of labor which I am only billing half of and only at $40/hr. I’m still owed about $30k which I may not ever see. My siblings are up my ass to “just get it done”. Nobody gets it that I have to work on my actual customer’s vehicles to make a living while this truck is a side job. It is a beautiful truck done cheap and that is why it has taken so long. I love my family. I rode in this truck as a kid when it was as an orchard truck. Nobody will be as happy as me when it’s done and I’m very close. Maybe your video can give my family some perspective. I haven’t procrastinated, I have persevered at my own time and expense. Even if I get paid, they will have a truck that could be sold for more than it cost them for me to build it. How is that even possible???
(You’re welcome!!). I believe you can see the value in my gift even though my uncle “has paid me all that money.”
Honesty always rules in my world ! Thanks !
Much respect Dan. Nothing to it, just do it. As long as the job is done at an honest price.
Thank you
I am so happy to be following along with you guys and gals. Great job! Dan you look so much more relaxed without the Discovery pressure. Congratulations to the team.
I have always appreciated Dan’s Honesty and Integrity. I miss Phantom Works being on cable TV. Looking forward to new episodes. Thanks so much Dan.
Dan, thank you for showing us the truth and providing a possible way to dig ourselves out of the restoration holes we are deeply buried in.
Thank you, looking forward to seeing all your episodes
I love the show,Dan I've been watching since 2018-19.
I used to live near where your shop is when I was a youngster when my dad was stationed in Langley in the NAVY.
Fantastic analysis of the car resto process. ✋🏻👍fly safe.
Great Job - you and your team are a class act ! i wish your shop was in PA
I am so happy seeing you again I hope you have more shows on you tube I am looking forward to it because I have liked watching you
Great explanation of the restoration process, and why it is a costly undertaking. Personally I don’t like shiny things, so I would just do a resto to make it safe and reliable.
First of all, really good to see you after watching your shows...secondly the couple that bought the "showroom" condition 57 Chevy that you had to get a donor car for, that might have been a 300 hour "restoration"
I've always appreciated your up front honesty.. Btw have a son in law who's a service writer.who states that this video is 100% accurate..
Dan, great overview, as someone who has been in the car business all my life I have seen it all, most restorations are very poorly done, some even unsafe. At the end of the day, bite the bullet, do the job correctly with an EXTREMELY reputable firm, or sell the car and find one that has been completely done (pay for a top to bottom inspection) the way you wish and buy it at auction. I have bought and sold many of these cars, if I were ever to contemplate a complete restoration again, this is this place and a few others are the only ones I would consider!
The man is giving it to you straight up, and of course when you are dealing with a reputable, honest, competent shop, today there’s a plethora of incompetent, dishonest individuals looking to turn a quick buck in the repair and restoration business .
Thank you for the truth, it’s refreshing to hear from an honest man.
Honesty and Integrity as the day it long. A Great & Educational video! I am staying a subscriber for the long term. Thank you Dan, your Team and your Financial Backing Supporters for making your programs available to all of us viewing TH-cam.
Hiya Dan,in the U.K.,we never get our money back on classic cars ,unless you buy a triumph stag,mkii jaguar,or Etype jaguar,
I’ve just spent 15;000 on rebuilding my 1980 spitfire,it’s the wheeler dealers old car ,but I love the car and it’s a keeper ,but to sell it I’ll never get the money back
I have a MG/TR shop in Florida, service and mech . work only, NO RESTORATIONS, I'm not suicidal!
Miss your show.
Thank you for the information about restoring and the costs involved.
Thank you Dan. I have a 72 Chevelle so this is very informational.
Fantastic video Mr. Short! I caught onto the extreme markup years ago and started ordering parts myself before taking them to the shop. The worst part about this is your average mechanic gets the blame for ripping people off when management deserves it.
Dan
I was very upset when Discovery said you were gone from the show - then I found a video you did talking about the reason you left the show - I thought you made a good choice and no one actually knew how much time and effort it takes to put on a show like yours - kudos to you - I thought it was one of the best if not the best of the cars shows on discovery.
Now you are back doing your own thing -- this particular video is the main reason I liked your show the best, you were always honest, you told the customer the truth and gave them updates along the way - the emotional experience the customer has while in the shop is the reason they come back and or recommend you to their friends.
Very informative, a lot of people really don't get how complex all of this stuff is...
Met you a couple of years ago during one of your Friday afternoon tours!
It’s great seeing you back in the public space! As fun as the Velocity/MT show was, this has so much more substance! ❤
I loved your show and hated to see you stop making them. I am glad to have found you again! Actually, I thought this was going to be about why you stopped! I have subscribed. I have done some paint and body restoration work my self, being less than wealthy enough to hire it done, but never achieved your quality. Getting to old to do much now, but I do enjoy watching your artists at work!
Thanks for keeping it real,good to see you still in the mix.
Nice presentation. It will be a great education for prospective restorers.
I hope so!
Thank you for finally putting this out. I can't believe shops are doing this and it's legal
Thanks man, great video. When I am able to afford getting my car done, I cannot wait to get your team to do it.
Speaking to the Choir! Thank you for your honesty.
Thank you very much for discussing this topic. 2009 I graduated from college with a bachelors degree in automotive restoration. I have about 14 years of experience in the automotive industry total. For a four year period of my life I had a small restoration shop in Kansas.
In college one of the instructors told our class "You cannot restore an antique car in less than 1000 man hours (6 months)." My response to that statement was "Your shop labor rate was $75.00 per hour. Your telling me that it costs no less than $75,000. to restore a Ford Model-T." The instructors response was "Yes, it happens everyday."
It took me years, and multiple misquoted bids to comprehend the mistakes I was making. Not comprehending how many man hours go into a complete ground up restoration (as opposed to a partial restoration). I was charging Labor + Parts + Materials = $$$
My thoughts today, 15 years after graduating college. If a customer is not interested in paying for something in the range of 2000 man hours (1 year). I would probably walk away. I got burned to many time with projects that required far more labor, just to bring the project to a driver level.
Do you have for a complete ground up restoration have a low and a high number that it takes your shop to complete a restoration. I understand every single car is different.
Thank you for sharing Dave.
plane and simple, Dan is the Man!
👍great insight for customers. I know, I have the same problems in construction. I have to finish jobs that other people tried to undercut prices to reel in the customer and either do bad work or try to make up problems for change orders.
I definitely love to do quality work and also watch you at your expertise!
Thanks 😊