155 replies to this topic

[sibhs]

Mike, like the others say, charge by the hour, keep it fair and you will always be in work, you'll be making money and never be tempted to cut corners for costs.(not that you would)  

This is how I run my business and once you have peoples trust they're more than happy to work this way. They get a better job at a better price.  You have already earnt many peoples trust with your honesty and quality workmanship. Keep them updated with progress, price and problems. (solutions)

Changing the subject here, What's the name of your car thread (forgotten 'cause to many other ones happening) and when are you getting back into it?

You have a natural talent, and seem to enjoy it, you just need to make it work for you.

 

Cheers

Marty

[S pack]

It's easy to say only work on an hourly rate - problem with rust repairs is 'how long is a piece of string' and how deep are the clients pockets?

People will usually ask how much do you think the job will cost, whether it be simple curiosity or because they do actually have budgetary restraints.

 

Once you utter even a guesstimated price you are usually doomed. People conveniently forget the price you told them was only a guess or ballpark and suddenly you find the arguments start because you apparently quoted them a fixed price to do the work and it shouldn't cost a cent more.

 

Communication is the key to success, keep the client updated on the progress of their project and get regular progress payments. Set boundaries, advise clients at the very start that the moment you issue a progress payment claim all work on their project will cease until the progress payment is received.

 

Also I agree with Stapla, insist on the client having the car BLASTED so you can see what you are quoting.

 

Cheers

Dave.

[Potta]

Great work as always Mike.

 

Try not to worry about the money side of it right now, obviously you need to make a living if this is what you are going to do, but that isn't the main reason you started doing this.

 

It must give you a tremendous amount of satisfaction to look back at where this car started and see where it is now,.

[N/A-PWR]

G'day Mike,
Thank's for your side of the story, if it was me, I'd be saying,
this could cost you 13 Grand to do your Torana properly.
I now see to pay that sort of money for a GTR or XU1 to get done.
Good Luck in your Future Sales. Best Regards Dave I

[purrlx]

awesome work Mike don't reply to many but read and watch a lot, hope you keep doing these inspires the rest of us to do more as well and the photos and details are great

[nstood]

Hi, been watching this thread with interest.  I just bought some new doors off a shell - they were a beautiful fit on the original shell and in great nick (so was the shell).  Put them on my gtr and one side the body lines are all over the place - looks like the new door is twisted by 10mm!! The other side won't even go on as the hinges don't line up as the top hing on the dor is 5mm high (I did not expect to see a difference at all here). How would you recommend trying to fit doors if the guards are still on? You also mentioned a few custom tools to assist - any pics?

Cheers,

[nstood]

Let me add - by fit I mean adjust the gaps etc.

[ZUSE]

Havnt been here for a while..

I wonder how this is going? Ide like to see the finnished product?

 

 

Troll through this build and see how I cut the hinge barrels off, tacked the doors in place and re welded the barrels on..

With the guards on. It will be difficult to weld the barrels back on..

 

If you really need to move the hinges.. You might be able to grind offf the original welding on the inside of the A-pillar, move and re-weld.. I have thought of that, but as yet havnt had a reason to.

 

The other way is to heat the hingers and "bend".. It will only go so far..

 

If the doors sit too low or to high, you can grind/cut some of the hinge barrel either top or bottom and fit washers to take up the slack.

 

If the door is drooping and you have to lift to close, re adjust the door stricker, if is still sitting too low, "bend" the hinge plate either way.. I heat this area first.

 

Usually I find the hinge pin and barrel has worn and thats most of the problem.

 

I too have found that different doors fit diffently.

 Thats Toranas, no 2 are the same..

 

New, computer built cars are pretty much the same nowadays... Not like when the 10 pound Poms built them, no pun intended.

Mike

hi mike

body has not change since it left your house ? 

every thing else has been rebuilt ,diff ,engine head ,carbs, interior,gearbox, act ?

ill post some pics up ( if the boys help ?? )

[LC-GTR-1969]

Hi Mike,

 

I just want to commend you on your work.

 

Your attention to detail and quality is second to none, and for that your should take great satisfaction.

 

As you would well know, many tradesman 'sell-out' and produce crap and charge gold. I have been stung before and avoid many tradespeople where possible (due to past experiences).

 

Your work will stand the test of time, and over time, I believe you will be paid accordingly for your work.

 

I don't do any panel work but for many years have completed engine restorations/rebuilds for self-satisfaction, and flipped them to re-coup (and occasionally make) cash. Whilst it would be great to earn more, the journey has been far more rewarding than the destination, if that makes sense. The skills you have developed, and demonstrated, will pay you back ten fold mate. One thing leads to another, and all I can say is I am sure work will come your way from this build.

 

I am fortunate that my LC was built with the same tender loving care as you treat your cars, and it has stood the test of time. Mine was restored in the early 90's and is still immaculate, not a drop of rust and zero issues, but this is only due to the excellent work done all those years ago. In a nutshell, your work will be appreciated for many, many years to come, which must be very rewarding!

 

Keep up the great, no, correction, exceptional work mate!

 

BTW I love the fact that you refuse second grade quality, and have a heart full of empathy for the battler. Karma will reward you my friend.

 

It is my shout for beers if I ever meet you champ, regards.

Edited by LC-GTR-1969, 17 July 2014 - 08:33 PM.

[MRGMH]

Awesome work mike as usual

What welder do you use? Would a cigweld 135 with gas be a good welder for panel work?

I

[Indy Orange]

Inspirational stuff Mike ,well done.

[N/A-PWR]

Good Tick's of Approval, for the Gap's, too.