Thank you for choosing Smitty’s Classics for the restoration of your collectible automobile. It is our desire that the process of restoring your car will be an enjoyable and satisfying one.
In order to provide guidance for the process of restoring or servicing automobiles for our customers, the following policies and guidelines have been developed to minimize ambiguities during the restoration of your car.
1) We cannot estimate the cost of your restoration or service because we do not know what we do not know about your car. The average complete restoration project cost is generally well into 6 figures. Your cost will vary based on your specific project needs and personal preferences.
2) Because of the comprehensive nature of the restoration and service process, specific estimates, or “bids” of the total cost of a service or a restoration project cannot be given at any time. It is most important that this be understood and accepted. If you would like us to ballpark what we think the restoration will entail, we would be happy to do that, but in no way will that figure affect the total price of your restoration or service.
3) Restoration and service charges apply to “time, shipping, sublet, and materials.” Quality, comprehensive restorations of collectible automobiles take time, and will be expensive. Time spent on projects is documented daily. A list of parts and paint materials used within the billing cycle is included on the invoice.
4) In order to better understand your vehicle, we require an inspection for all vehicles. The inspection applies to 1st time visits or subsequent visits where there has been a substantial change to the vehicle.
5) We will not perform work that we determine in our own opinion, to be unsafe. We will not perform work that we determine in our own opinion, does not meet our quality standards.
6) We require a deposit before beginning work on your Vehicle. The amount of the deposit will vary and will be discussed with you in advance. As work is performed, periodic increases to your deposit may be required and will be due upon request.
7) “Labor” charges mean we are allocating shop resources to your project. Labor includes the cost of time for: working on your car, sourcing parts, research, custom fabrication, custom fitting parts that may be considered “bolt on,” adjustments, consulting, and fine tuning.
8) It is understood that most cars have years of prior custom work that will require custom fabrication or research. We may not be able to initially identify items that are not compatible with the service, restoration plan or parts selected. If we identify an item that we believe will significantly increase cost or alters the restoration or service plan, we will collaborate with you to plan the best course of action.
9) In the event of a balance due on your account, we will wait to perform additional work until such time as the outstanding balance is paid and we have received a new deposit to be applied to future work.
10) In the event work on your vehicle is put on hold, whether at your request or due to a payment hold, a storage fee will be assessed until a new deposit is received. Additionally, if you choose to end work before completion, charges for gathering parts and preparing your vehicle for transport will be applied at the standard hourly rate.
11) If the car is completed and not picked up in a reasonable time frame, storage fees will apply.
12) Invoices will include generically listed items such as body filler, putty, guide coat, cleaning solvents, rags, HazMat costs, etc. These items are impossible to quantify but are clearly related to the cost of restoration or service.
13) All parts, materials, shipping, and sublet work will be marked up to cover administrative costs.
14) We do not insure your vehicle. Auto insurance, including insurance to cover theft and damage, is the vehicle owner’s responsibility, including any insurance required while your vehicle is in possession of Smitty’s Classics, regardless of where it is stored.
15) Payment in full is due upon completion of work. The customer may at any time remove the vehicle upon payment of all outstanding invoices. All vehicles are to remain on premises until account balance is paid in full.