Cost - FAQ

We can Custom Build or Restore any model of Street Rod, Classic Car or Truck. Our focus is complete every nut and bolt builds. We only build the highest quality projects! If you must have the finest work performed on your special vehicle then you have found your builder!

At Jeff Lilly Restorations LLC we believe in "CANEI" or Constant and Never Ending Improvement! Our tradition started with our owners father, William Lilly in 1957. With 50 years of project experience we know the business. Our system is designed to compliment each Artisans unique talent to keep the building process running smooth to achieve awesome results.


We are often asked. Can you estimate the cost to build my project?

Our response is ...

  • How many rust spots does your project have 5 or 55 ?
  • How many parts need replacing 5 or 55 ?
  • How much time will it take to locate and purchase each part 5 or 55 minutes?
  • What will be the quality level of those parts? Tattern and worn or New Old Stock?
  • If Reproduction parts are available do they fit or will they need much work to make useable?
  • How long will it take to build, fabricate and or restore those parts to an acceptable level? Etc !

As you can see we do not possess the information to make an accurate estimation on your project so we " Tell it Like It Is" Beware of any shop that will quote something to appease the client and get their project in and apart then simply tell them we ran in to this and ran in to that so it is going to cost more and more. We will not paint a pretty picture of building your project. The truth is we can not control these issues and many of the "full page ad parts suppliers" sell wine before its time and the parts they offer do not fit and require much tweaking before installing.

The best possible value comes from a professional work ethic and experience combined with a facility staffed with the right people and equipment to make the difference.



Labor Price Estimates

       We undertake projects on a labor and materials basis only. Because of the many obstacles and factors involved in the Custom Build and Restoration of projects it is impossible to be accurate, so we simply do not provide estimates at any phase of the build. We always seek our client's approval as their project is being built.

Each project we undertake is unique! These are examples of approximate hours it took to build specific projects. Keep in mind that a vehicles overall condition and the amount of original or custom parts needed varies. Comparing a project of the same make to one we have already built would more then likely be inaccurate as it could take more or less time to build.

1941 Willys   1,800 hrs
Willys

1957  Bird   3,900 hrs


No Profit On Materials / Parts

       Our man hours are reserved for our customers materials and parts needs only, we simply do not have enough man power to hunt down or research any non customer requests for parts or technical information. Thank you for your understanding!  While we charge for labor incurred in connection with parts and materials, other non-labor costs for materials, parts and related procurement are passed through to our clients at our cost.


 
CUSTOMERS BEWARE of "PRICE QUOTES" 
50 Ford Body!

1. Many people call and inform us of a bad experience where a supposed reputable shop ripped their pride and joy apart and sat down on their project by stopping the process. The problem is usually a "Ball Park Price Quote" that sounds too good to be true. Talk about the ultimate "Basket Case Situation" with 25 years of nightmare upon nightmare.
2. The Customer refuses to let go of his dream even though his truck was torn apart then sandblasted and left outside to rust even worse then when he started. The Ultimate Jig Saw Puzzle stares us in the face!
3. The chassis was painted over rust and the straight six motor was slapped together and built by a ^&#@*)!$+ back yard "etc etc!".
4. We are going to plan a different attack to bring his dream to reality. This will include a modern V8 with 5 speed trans and rack n pinion with IFS front clip including disc brakes and many other modern up grades.



Billing invoices-paper work sent to our customers.
At regular intervals we provide to our customers, 1. Billing Invoices 2. Time Summaries 3. Labor Records 4. Phone Call Logs 5. Photos of Repairs. We make no profit on parts, we use the customers credit card to purchase on their behalf and send them the original invoice!
Labor Record Labor Record

The labor records from our crew provide written information pertaining to your project each day it is worked on.

With each invoice, you will also receive a summary of the total hours performed by each crew member.

Telephone Log Sheet
The telephone log sheets provide information about each call that is placed on your behalf and a record of any parts ordered on your credit card at our cost. We simply send you the original invoice at NO Profit to us.

Authenticity Listing
Authenticity is vital to the customer who desires a totally original show car. Through research, documentation, digital photos and phone calls to the right people we unravel the mystery to build it correctly.
Disassembly records and parts replacement forms are used to help us acheive the desired results.
pics.jpg (71625 bytes)
You will receive progress photos with each invoice you receive. 

 


What type of project are you interested in building ?  

1. Original is a vehicle built the same way as it was from the MFG although It would be restored to a greater level of cosmetic quality then a production vehicle.

2. Pro Touring is a project with a mostly stock appearing exterior, but receives a late model drive train with suspension modifications for road handling and proper stance. Smooth lines with original or custom colors are an option !

3. Custom Rod is usually referred to as a 1949 and newer body style with custom modifications to the drive train, suspension, interior and the even the body including custom paint jobs etc... This includes the old hot rodder look !

4. Street Rod is a pre 1949 Body style and is usually built with many new parts. This project is custom built for the driver to fit him or her specifically. Everything from mild to extreme drive trains are installed including the latest items, with numerous custom fabricated parts. Custom paint jobs with body modifications are quite common.  

5. Super Rod is commonly referred to as a 1955 to 1973 vehicle that is tricked out with suspension mods, body mods, interior mods and whatever your imagination can come up with !

"Of course you can combine any of these for your own preference. We are here to build your dream ride to suit your personal taste!



Investment

 If I restore or build a custom vehicle will It be a good return on my investment if sold at a later date?  

1. The value of any particular vehicle depends on how collectable and/or desirable it is.  For example lets say that there is a Fiat with 10,000 parts and a Ferrari with 10,000 parts to restore. Although no two cars are the same as no two snow flakes are identical we will still use this to compare value.  Lets say that these two cars have the same rust, same dents, same price for each part, same availability and time to find each part. In addition they take the same time to fully restore the complete vehicle right down to the minute! The value of the Ferrari is worth 350,000 cash and the Fiat is worth 6,000. Regardless if it took the same investment to restore them we would still have a value difference. Supply and demand will always set values and we cannot change that. The Customer dictates the investment value/return by what vehicle he or she loves.