I have the parts I need; can you just put them on?
If the parts are for a collision repair we cannot. Insurance and liability issues prevent us from repairing a vehicle with parts a customer has supplied. We will work with you, to the best of our ability, to locate the parts you need within your price range. We have access to many vendors and can use new OEM, aftermarket, or reconditioned parts depending on what the customer wants. However, we must locate and purchase them through our approved vendors.
For restorations it is a little different. If the customer already has body panels or other parts that need to be installed, we can complete the project with those parts. We do need to inspect them prior to installing them to make sure they are correct and stable or mechanically sound.
How I do I get an estimate?
To get an estimate, please call us and make an appointment. Unfortunately we cannot provide estimates over the phone or via e-mail even if pictures are supplied. We must see the vehicle in person. While our estimate guy is here most of the time, occasionally the need arises for him to step out. We are also available for evening and weekend appointments, so if after work or the weekend is most convenient for you just let us know and we will arrange a time that is best for you.
How long will my repair take?
That depends on the specific repair. When we complete an estimate we will let you know how long the repair should take. We work diligently to meet our deadlines, and will keep you informed of any possible delays or problems. Some things are beyond our control, such as availability of parts in the local area, but we understand that the faster you are back on the road in your car, the better.
If your vehicle is drivable, and you prefer to have us order the necessary parts in advance to minimize the time your car is in our shop we will gladly do so. However, for any and all repairs for which the vehicle is not left at our shop, all parts must be paid for in advance including any refinishing (painting).
Additionally, some weekend repairs are available. These are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. If you prefer your vehicle is repaired over a weekend, with no weekdays, advance ordering of parts will almost always be necessary. We also must coordinate with all needed employees and vendors, so not every weekend will be available for repairs, but we will work with you to schedule the most convenient time for everyone and minimize the amount of time your vehicle is in our shop. There are, on occasion, repairs that are simply too big to complete over a weekend and we apologize in advance for those we cannot accommodate.
I don’t want a show car or trailer queen. I want a daily driver.
We understand. Many people want a car they can drive and enjoy. Team Witt completes the full range of restorations from driver all the way to full-blown, concourse restorations or highly customized show-quality cars. And everything in between! Kirby will discuss several options, and within your budget, determine the best course of action to achieve your desired results. Many things, other than the quality of work, influence the cost of a restoration project (mechanical specifications and work, availability of parts, etc…) but with some flexibility and vision we can create a very nice driver for an affordable price. Team Witt’s higher standards also mean that our “driver quality” and another shop’s “driver quality” are not one in the same. Even for the smaller-scale restoration projects we employ the same attention to detail, quality and service as for any other job. We value each and every one of our customers, regardless of the scale and scope of their projects!
I need an estimate for a restoration project and my car does not run. What do I do?
If you can easily trailer the vehicle to our shop, that is the best option. We understand that is not always the best option for everyone, however. Kirby can meet with you at the vehicle location for a fee of $50. We charge this fee to cover Kirby’s time and travel within 75 miles of Nashville (an estimate usually takes at least one hour, plus any travel time). This fee is refunded to the first bill if you choose to have Team Witt perform your restoration.
We can also “ballpark” an estimate for you if you do not want us to come out for an estimate. However, without seeing the vehicle in person it is impossible to give an accurate estimate. A ballpark estimate is in no way a binding price, promise or guarantee of the final project price. It will be given as a range from “best case scenario” to “worst case scenario.” Still, many factors influence the final cost of a restoration project, and without looking over the vehicle and discussing it in detail with the customer there is no possible way to provide an accurate estimate.
We strive to make the restoration process easy, stress-free and enjoyable for our customers. This process begins with a clear understanding between the customer and our Team regarding the work to be done. In our opinion, knowing what to expect is the most important key to having a satisfactory experience with a restoration. An estimate for a restoration project is much more than just a price—it is a game plan for the project. Therefore we place a premium on actually seeing and inspecting the vehicle and dedicate adequate time to each estimate. This is why we must charge a fee for coming out to complete an estimate—it is not like a typical estimate you may have experienced for collision repair.
I am thinking about a restoration but just don’t know how this process works. Can you tell me a little about what to expect?
First we will complete the estimate process, as described above. Within the customer’s budget, we “map out” a plan for the project. Often there are parts that need to be ordered and other work that needs to be done (sandblasting, for example). These will be scheduled to minimize delays in the process. If a car is sandblasted it needs to be sealed immediately upon returning to our shop, so those activities require coordination. Once we schedule a time to begin we will arrange for transporting the vehicle to our shop.
We will also discuss with you a comfortable pace for the work, based on your budget and any other needs or deadlines for having the vehicle completed. A two-week labor deposit is required, and will be applied to the final bill(s). This amount will vary, depending on the project pace. The project will then proceed through to completion. We bill every two weeks. Along with your bill you will receive photos of the work that was completed. Photos will also occasionally be sent between billing cycles so that you can follow the progress and be as involved in the process as you desire. A CD with all photos of the project will be provided upon completion of the work.
I don’t need a full restoration. I just need a little fabrication/welding/body work/painting.
We are more than happy to work with you to assist in any part of a project, large or small. However, there are some limitations and restrictions regarding partial restoration work.
Team Witt cannot perform any work that, due to the incomplete nature, compromises the integrity or safety of the vehicle. We must determine the most appropriate “stopping point” and complete the desired work through to that point.
Team Witt will not paint a vehicle, over body work we did not complete. We cannot guarantee the quality and integrity of the body work, and therefore we cannot guarantee the quality or durability of our paint job. Without knowing what all is underneath the surface, we cannot, in good conscience, paint your vehicle under these circumstances.
Team Witt will not paint a vehicle without correcting body imperfections. We aren’t saying it has to be show car quality, but nothing will bring out minor dents and scratches like new paint. We cannot, in good conscience, paint over body imperfections.
I am thinking about purchasing a classic car that is already restored, but am not sure what to look for.
Kirby would be glad to work with you and look over any vehicle you are considering purchasing. The fee would be the standard hourly rate, plus mileage reimbursement for any travel. We can also help locate a vehicle, if needed.
Why should I choose Team Witt for my vehicle repair or restoration?
At Team Witt nothing is more important than our customers and their vehicles. We guarantee you will not find better service or better quality in the Nashville area. Kirby has over twenty years experience and a meticulous attention to detail. We also select only the best individuals to join our team. All employees are drug tested and background checked before hire and the quality of their work is monitored directly by Kirby. We believe in continual improvement and education and work hard to provide experiences and opportunities for all of our team members to learn and grow. Team Witt is fully insured, so you can feel comfortable that your vehicle is protected should the unthinkable occur.
Beyond all of the technical reasons you should choose Team Witt, you can feel certain that we value your time, money and vehicle. We are not like every other shop. It is our goal to be the absolute best. Your vehicle, whether it is your daily driver or a weekend joy, is important and valuable. As lovers of all things automotive, we respect and understand that. At Team Witt we love what we do and take pride in our work!
