[1957 Buick]

This company in South Carolina has a rare mix of car components. This might

http://www.classicfabrication.com/

[Lost title service]

Has anyone used Broadway Title or a similar service to obtain a title for restoration projects? They claim to be members of all the major car clubs. What is your opinion?

[Best blast media]

I bought a pressurized tank media blasting setup recently. The more I read about media including soda, plastic, coal slag, aluminum oxide, glass bead, etc. the more confusing it seems. Anyone with recent experience stripping both rusty sheetmetal and frames? If so, what worked best for you?

Thanks

[Frame restoration-Paint or not]

I have seen several mentions of frame-off restorations which included painted frames. Is that the newly accepted way to restore a collector car? I understand most mfgrs. did not paint the frames at the factory. Are they trying to hide frame repairs?

[Paint jobs- What level-What cost?]

It's been years since I paid for a custom paint job. I know this is very subjective and varies by region. What is now considered a reasonable range to pay for a quality paint job? This would be frame-off media stripped and pre-primed with a minimum of prep work by the painter. No exotic finishes.

Thanks

[Restoration- Hobby vs Income]

I appreciate the thoughtful input from everyone. I wonder then, who is feeding the steady stream of freshly restored cars going through Kruse and Barnett-Jackson. If there is zero profit incentive on the input side it seems to me the supply of restored cars would dry up. I understand also that you can spend untold hours doing a frame-off on the car of your dreams and it may still only be a 10 grand car. Or you can spend the same hours on the right investment quality find and it will be an 80 grand car.

[Finding engine size and some other help needed...1950]

The standard engine was 216.5 c.i. with babbit rods. The Deluxe was available with an optional two speed powerglide transmission and if so equipped it came with the modified truck engine of 235 c.i. The truck engine had insert rod bearings.

[Restoration- Hobby vs Income]

I've been a car guy since childhood. Restored them, raced them, etc. Now that I am nearing retirement I would like to get back to my first love but need advice. Is anyone making any sort of return on money and time invested on private restoration or is it only the cost-plus resto shops? I see some really strong numbers in the muscle car sector with aftermarket parts available but would like to get some satisfaction in reaping more than a warm fuzzy for all the hard work.

Thanks