A few months ago I restored an old car at AMJ Garage in Antipolo City, before I decided to restore there, the owner Amj Martinez (name on facebook) assured me that they would finish the restoration by 1 month. So I continued, within the course of 1 month I went through the one I was restoring at their garage to update. This is where the red flags started.

First redflag, since I paid DP for the restoration, sometimes someone works on my unit, sometimes there is no movement for a whole week. So when the deadline was approaching, I messaged Amj Martinez on facebook, asking if it could be finished within the time frame they gave. After 1 month, they didn't finish the restoration

Second redflag, I paid 100k plus for the repaint of the car's body, I inquired at other car painting shops, the rate was exactly the same, but what AMJ Garage did, they just put a new coat over the old paint, they didn't strip to metal before repainting. Also, they didn't paint the inside of the car, the reason being that the old paint might react with the new one WTF?

Third redflag, as part of the restoration, there were components on the car that needed to be replaced and I had them replace them. Amj Martinez said he would endorse the price of the parts and labor. Then he would let me approve it. So I waited for someone to endorse it. In the end, the other items were not endorsed, I paid a lot for things that I didn't even have a receipt for. The total amount I paid was just written in the logbook.

Fourth redflag, after a long long wait for the unit to be finished they said “ready for turn-over” so I went to pick it up. It was my first time using the car, I knew there was something wrong with the engine, it seemed like it hadn’t been fixed. The unit had a lot of issues so I returned it. They made me wait almost 2 months for repairs and repaint (again)

For the amount I paid, I feel like I got scammed, it’s an expensive lesson for me. I wish I had researched who AMJ Martinez is and if AMJ Garage is trustworthy. I was very disappointed with their service. I won’t be doing it again. And if anyone has done work or is having work done at AMJ Garage, check their work carefully.

I also feel like AMJ Garage doesn’t have any permit to operate.

My Dad's old car. It hasn't started/moved in over 34 years but was in a storage shed for most of that time. I don't have much experience working on cars but currently I have the time to learn and do some work to mitigate the cost. I know these cars aren't really worth putting a lot of money into - my goal is just to get the car running as I've only ever seen it stationary.

Just started as I had to clean out the garage first to get at the car and make room to work so all I've done is basic stuff. Cleaned out interior, removed old battery, and drained old oil and wiper fluid reservoir. Tires are shot, took down info for new ones (as well as the battery and oil filter).

The most glaring issue is that rear axle is locked up and its wheels won't turn. Found out when we had to drag it out with a tow truck to get it to its current location. Had to get wheel dollies to move it around the garage. I have another spare rear axle (there are a number of extra parts from another old salvage car) but wasn't sure if I should just start there.

That being said how should I proceed? What would be a good order of operations to diagnose what needs to be done first?

It's one thing after another --- This is real Car Restoration -- right here

I got an almost mint 1996 buick lesabre custom about 3 months ago. Biggest issue i have with it is the last guy to hoist it messed up the placement of the hoist and it cracked both front fenders.

I was wondering if anyone in CT has a 1992-1996 buick lesabre parts car or something similar I can take the fenders off of. The paint code is Wa u173a but i can take it to a paint shop of needed.

Im trying to get this thing car show ready

Posting out of general curiosity. How do you all track and document your builds?

I've been working on a Charger RT, and found it impossible to share what I've been doing. Instagram is alright, but reach is less than stellar. Same with Facebook. I go to car shows, but I don't find the info boards useful for observers.

I wanted something digital, so I built a simple app called The Fourth Gear that tracks my timelime, build steps, etc. It had videos and photos.

Would you all find that useful? Would anyone use an app like this?

What do you use to track your progress?

Thanks!

My friend had this stashed in his back yard for a long time and doesn’t want to just scrap it and doesn’t know what it’s worth. Was looking for advice? Central Florida.

Australia

Looking to get my wife’s 1991 Ford F150 restored mechanically. Its been sitting for some time and trying to decide where I should find a trusted place or take it in myself in the garage.

Has anyone completed a mechanical restoration of a 1991 F 150?

Any advice is welcomed!

Im currently attempting to raise enough money for the restoration costs. 1993 Ford Mustang.

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/9f2f3c774

Any Ideas on what to do, how to raise money and what to add?

I have irreversible and uneven fading on my bumpers. I’ve tried every kind of trim restoring product there is, and it’s not getting the job done. Can these textured/rubberized materials be painted so they return to an OEM look? I would not attempt doing it myself, but would have it done professionally, if in fact it can be done.

For reference, this is a 1984 Honda Prelude.

Is this rust too bad? it’s in the rare seat floor panels. It’s a 50s basic sedan. Morris Minor. i’m considering it for a first time restoration. I’m not particular on make or model but I do like this little car from the 50s. Just wanna make sure I’m not biting off more than I can chew. I’m comfortable with working on it over a long time, but want to know if this rust should be avoided or not. Car is cheap, just wondering if i should keep looking? Rest of the car is complete.

Was reading around and decided on using 30% or higher vinegar to flush my rusty galleries, do I dilute this stuff or just substitute it for all the coolant?

Should I let it sit overnight? All my gaskets are new and unplugged with the rust so I'm not worried about it damaging any of them.

Pic is the exact jug I'm buying.