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[Monster71Challenger]

Hi All,

I have been searching for a shop in Canada that can help me with my restomod project without any luck.  The problem is there are very few "hotrod" or restoration shops that can handle what I want to do.  The shops I’ve found are either “restore it back to original” or “this is the first Challenger I’ve ever worked on”.  Neither of which inspires confidence.

My plans are to swap out the front K member and suspension for a tubular set up(front and rear), complete with disk brakes all around.  I want to keep a 340 to save weight and buy a 5 speed manual transmission.
What I want to happen is: get it soda blasted to bare metal, have everything fixed properly (body work) then any fabricating to put in the new drive train and suspension front and rear.

My other concern is parts.  This build is going to need lots of parts.  I’ve budgeted about $15k worth of parts.  Shipping and duties to Canada are going to add $$$ and loads more time waiting for parts to clear customs. 

I live in Toronto, about 4 hours (drive) away from Detroit.  My idea was to find a shop that has a passion for Mopars and know what they are doing.  A shop that can handle fabrication, metal work and that can help me “manage” the entire project and see it through to the end.

I figure there must be some good shops in Detroit that can handle (and would welcome) the work.  This would also solve the shipping problem since I could have everything shipped within the states.

There are a couple lingering issues with this strategy;
       1 – My engine is seized so I can’t drive it over and Canadian towing companies will not tow over the border.
                2 – I would need a recommendation.


What do you guys think?

Any suggestions?

[Chryco Psycho]

where are you located ?

[Monster71Challenger]

I live in Toronto, about 4 hours (drive) away from Detroit.  My Challenger is in St. Thomas Ontario (20 minutes south of London).

[brads70]

Rent a trailer and tow it to the US if that were you want the work done?
I'm in Barrie! Hi neighbour!

[Monster71Challenger]

I have CAA to tow it to the border. 

I was hoping the shop I (hope to find) can come pick it up and take it over the border.

[brads70]

Did you try here? I don't know much about them, just an option? They are in Bradford.
http://www.guildclassiccars.com/

[Monster71Challenger]

Thanks for the tip.

It doesn't look like they're into muscle cars or Mopars.

One of the big reason why I'm looking in the Detroit/Port Huron area is I could save a bundle on shipping, taxes, duties and brokerage fees.  My budget is so tight I need to think outside the box or in this case "outside the country".

[brads70]

Moparal is pretty good with Mopars, He is in Culman Alabama. He just opened a speed shop there?

[73Chally]

Just out of curiosity, how does Customs handle transporting a project car into the states, and returning it as a finished car?  Would you have to pay a huge fee for bringing the car back?  I have no idea, but something to think about.

[Chryco Psycho]

I could always restore it out here in Alberta

[AARCuda340+6]

Sorry that your having a hard time finding a resto shop in Ontario.  I know a few local mechanics that are great with Mopar engines but not bodywork.  There is one shop in Union, Ontario called "Hindley's Garage" and they do super work.  I don't know if they have anyone dedicated to Mopars but you can always call and ask.   Here is a link to the website... http://www.hindleysgarage.com/
You could also try RM Classic Cars and Auto Restoration near Chatham, ON

By the way I'm located in St. Thomas and if your taking the car to Pt. Huron it's only 75 miles and Detroit is 118 miles.
What ever you do I wish you good luck with your project and hope your dream car comes true!

[Monster71Challenger]

Thanks guys,

Engine wise there are plenty of shops that do good work in Ontario.  Body, metal work, fabrication, suspension work are a different story. 

I've saved for over 5 years just to get my tiny little budget, the last thing I want to do is hand over (literally) the car of my youth and dreams to someone who doesn't know what they are doing.

I know my best bet is go attend shows and talk to fellow Mopar owners to get references/recommendations for a good shop either in Ontario or in Detroit. 

I was really hoping one of you guys could do the same thing here, but nothing so far.  Detroit is the birth place of all muscle cars.  There must be some good shops there.
 
 

[ShelbyDogg]

PM 4Cruzin and ask him for a shop in Detroit that can help you. Plus the other Dave is at Roseville to give you a member discount on all of your sheetmetal too.  Maybe He can recommend a shop too.

[Chryco Psycho]

Roseville can do the resto as well

[Aussie Challenger]

 

I could always restore it out here in Alberta

Did you check with CP as suggested, don't know how far you two are apart though. Transporting your car across the border as a non driver appears to be mine field.    
 If however you could drive it across many problems would be solved.