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Automotive Service & Repair

Mike Sparkman

2010-02-01 08:42:00

Question: What is ATRA, and why choose an ATRA certified shop?

Answer: With members across the US and Canada, ATRA’s network of automatic transmission repair professionals can offer you repair and warranty coverage anywhere you’re likely to drive. Because, wherever you go there’s always an ATRA member nearby. With nearly 1700 Rebuilder Members, ATRA is larger than every automatic transmission repair chain combined…nearly three times the size of the largest chain in the US. Which means that no chain can provide better warranty coverage than ATRA’s network of professional service centers. Every ATRA Rebuilder Member must adhere to ATRA’s Code of Ethics…ATRA’s standards for providing honest, professional service. So, when you take your car to an ATRA Rebuilder Member, you’re assured of polite, professional service, at an honest price. And not just automatic transmission repair: most ATRA Rebuilder Members also provide diagnostic and repair service for manual transmissions, clutches, differentials, driveshafts, drive axles, and transfer cases. Which all boils down to one inescapable conclusion: If your car starts but doesn’t move, you need to call your nearby ATRA Rebuilder Member…right away! The Rebuilder Members of ATRA agree that while they remain members of the Association, they will practice the pledges of the Association code of Ethics: that they will adhere to the Service and Repair definitions which are part of the ATRA By-Laws; that they will subscribe to the Guarantee Standards which are shown herein; and that they will practice the Advertising standards of the association as per the following: THE ATRA CODE OF ETHICS AND MEMBER PLEDGE for Rebuilder Members of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association As members of ATRA, we pledge to ourselves and to each other to diagnose transmission problems for customers and for each other in an expert and honest manner, and to state that the removal of a transmission from a vehicle in correction of its problems is necessary, only when this is the case. • We further pledge to provide prompt and courteous in-car diagnosis on behalf of customers of other member shops free of charge (Members may assess a charge up to one (1) hour of diagnostic time for electronic testing and scanning based on the current Golden Rule rate provided the charge is agreed to in advance by the warranting Member). • We further pledge to act with integrity, and to speak at all times in a responsible manner, and in all ways to adhere to the concept of the Golden Rule in our dealings with the motoring public and with our competitors of industry. • We further pledge ourselves to the promotion and improvement of the automatic transmission service and repair industry through maintaining the highest standards for parts and workmanship quality at our places of business. • We further pledge ourselves to the continual training and retraining of ourselves and our employees, in order to keep abreast of the constant changes in the state of the art of our industry. • We pledge to have ourselves and our employees tested and certified on a continuing basis in such a manner as will demonstrate the ATRA member shops are staffed with capable personnel. • We finally pledge that such transmission assemblies as we represent to the consuming public and to other members as “rebuild”, will have been re-processed according to the Association Rebuilding Standards and Definitions as outlined in these By-Laws.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Mike Sparkman

2009-12-01 09:50:00

Question: I need some help on what I can do to keep my transmission in tip top shape, any suggestions?

Answer: To keep your car on the road to safety and savings, pay attention to your transmission. Here are a few hints on how: Keep your cool. Keep your cooling system in good shape. Regular service can help the transmission run cooler and last longer. Beat the heat. If you drive in very high temperatures or carry alot of weight in your car, an extra transmission cooler can add years to your vehicle’s life. Be shift thrifty. Most of the friction and wear in the transmission takes place during shifting. Try to get a feel for when the car is about to shift and ease off the gas a little. Avoid “jack rabbit” starts. Hard acceleration creates friction that can hurt the transmission. It wastes gas, too.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Mike Sparkman

2009-11-01 15:55:00

Question: What are the myths of repairing or replacing an ailing car?

Answer: If you think replacing your ailing car will be more economical than fixing it, you may be heading up a blind alley. These days, an average car costs at least $20,000 to $25,000. When you figure in your monthly payment, taxes, fees and additional insurance costs, a new car can easily cost more than $2,400 to $3,000 in just the first six months! Compare that with a major repair, such as a transmission rebuild; even if the repair cost is $2,000, you’ll actually begin to save money within four to six months. Some Other Myths Now let’s look at the myth that your old car will nickel-and-dime you to death. Not necessarily. There are many variables that affect how components wear and fail. These include maintenance, abuse and temperature. The best way to make sure that your car is worth fixing is to have it checked thoroughly by a qualified technician. Another myth is that newer cars are cheaper to operate. Don’t count on it. Sure, you’ll probably save a few bucks each week in gas and some of the familiar maintenance requirements, but those maintenance items have been replaced with other services. For example, to keep that fuel mileage high, plan on servicing the fuel and induction system about once a year. Also, emissions inspections are a lot tougher for newer cars, so there’s a good chance you’ll have to spend more to keep your car legal. A Smarter Way A smarter way to save on your repair bill is to find a qualified repair shop, one that’ll make sure you’re paying an honest price and only for the work you need. Many motorists find that oasis at the nearly 2,000 ATRA member shops, all across the U.S. and Canada. ATRA (the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association) is dedicated to providing proficient service and ethical standards in the automatic transmission repair industry. To learn more, visit www.atra.com.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Mike Sparkman

2009-10-01 09:07:00

Question: When you’re having car troubles where do you take your car when it’s sick?

Answer: When your car needs repair, you won’t find yourself in a fix if you follow a few simple tips from experts. Though a recommendation from a friend or neighbor about the quality of repair is always good, probably the surest way to gauge the professionalism of a repair shop or its technicians is to check the walls of their waiting room for technician certification. In most states, certification is voluntary, so those certificates say “Our technicians care enough about this industry to spend their time, effort and money to certify as professionals.” A powerful statement, in anybody’s book. Virtually every automotive specialty carries its own certification. For transmission diagnosis, repair and rebuilding, for example, no other certification program says more about the shop and its technicians than ATRA’s technician certification. ATRA -- the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association -- is the world’s only association dedicated exclusively to the transmission industry. To learn more, visit www.atra.com. Mike Sparkman is the owner/operator of Mastertech Transmission. He runs the company with the help of his wife Cheryl and their certified staff of experts. Their goal is to help people with the car problems, do it honestly, with quality, at a fair price. Mike and his team of experts have over 60 years combined experience in the transmission industry. They hold ATRA certification, and Mastertech is listed as a AAA approved service facility. You can contact Mike @ (316) 269-9590.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Russ Norris

2008-01-01 14:23:00

Over most of the country, winter driving presents new challenges and dangers for motorists, including slippery road surfaces, limited visibility, and freezing temperatures. Basic preparation and a gentle driving style will increase your chances of skating through the season unscathed. So what tips do you have?

Answer:Pick the right tires. If you need to drive a lot in slippery conditions, it’s a good idea to replace worn tires before the winter months, rather than wait until spring. Partially worn or worn tires significantly reduce your ability to get going and stop in snowy conditions. Also replace summer or all-season tires with a set of dedicated winter tires. These have tread patterns and rubber compounds specially designed to grip snow and ice, for optimum traction on slick roads. Winter tires typically have shorter tread life and generate more road noise than the all-season tires that your vehicle came with. But the extra safety they provide is generally worth the compromise. For extreme conditions, studded snow tires or even tire chains may be warranted. Because they can be tough on road surfaces, check if they’re legal in your area before making the investment. In addition, it’s always important to monitor tire pressure, as incorrect inflation can compromise a vehicle’s handling and road-holding ability. Clear off the snow and ice before driving. If snow has fallen since your car was parked, take the time to thoroughly brush it off the vehicle--including the roof--and scrape any ice from the windows. This will ensure that you have optimum visibility and that no large clumps of snow fall off of the vehicle once you begin driving, which can be a hazard for other motorists. In addition, headlamps and taillights may need to be wiped clean from road salt and grunge. When entering the vehicle, kick as much snow off of your feet as possible. Snow tracked inside the vehicle can contribute to window fogging. Accelerate slowly to reduce wheel spin. If starting from a standstill on slick snow or ice, start in second gear if you have a manual transmission so the vehicle is less likely to spin the tires. The automatic transmissions on some vehicles have a winter mode that automatically starts in a higher gear. Reduce your speed and drive smoothly. In slippery conditions, tires lose their grip more easily, affecting all aspects of your driving: braking, turning, and accelerating. The key is to drive as smoothly as possible, avoiding sudden actions or rapid movements of any kind. Drive as if you have a full cup of coffee on the dash board or a bowl of water in your lap and don’t want to spill any. Allow longer braking distances. Plan on starting your braking sooner than you normally would in dry conditions to give yourself extra room, and use more gentle pressure on the brake pedal. Don’t lock your wheels when braking. Locked wheels can make the vehicle slide or skid. If you have a vehicle without an antilock braking system (ABS), you may need to gently apply the brakes repeatedly to avoid having them lock up the wheels. If your vehicle has ABS, simply depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. ABS typically sends a vibration or pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. If you feel this, don’t let up; it’s normal. Perform one action at a time when accelerating, braking, and turning. Asking a vehicle to do two things at once--such as braking and turning, or accelerating and turning--can reduce your control. When taking a turn, for instance, slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is going straight. When it’s at the right speed to take the turn, let up on the brakes and smoothly turn the steering wheel. After you’re through the turn, slowly depress the accelerator to regain your speed. Avoid sudden actions when cornering. A sudden maneuver--such as hard braking, a quick turn of the steering wheel, sudden acceleration, or shifting a manual transmission--can upset a vehicle’s dynamics when it’s taking a turn. In slick conditions, this can cause it to more easily go out of control. Be ready to correct for a slide. Should the rear end of the vehicle begin to slide during a turn, gently let off on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. This will help straighten it out. If the front end begins to plow off course, again let up on the accelerator and hold the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Once the car slows enough to regain traction, it should begin turning again. Don’t let four- or all-wheel drive give you a false sense of security. 4WD and AWD systems only provide extra traction when accelerating. They provide no advantage when braking or cornering. And use the above tips no matter what type of vehicle you’re driving. Be extra wary of other motorists. They may not be driving as cautiously as you.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Russ Norris

2007-12-01 09:11:00

: I recently purchased a vehicle and it needs some work, how do I choose an auto repair facility that I can trust?

Question: I recently purchased a vehicle and it needs some work, how do I choose an auto repair facility that I can trust? Answer: When looking for a repair facility, whether new to the area or unhappy with the present facility you have been dealing with, the first thing you should do is to check with friends, neighbors and coworkers. Ask them where they take their vehicles for repairs and how satisfied they are with the service they receive. This can save you a lot of time and energy. There is nothing more powerful than word-of-mouth recommendations. After compiling a list, do some homework and check with the Better Business Bureau, Attorney General or any consumer watchdog group. You want to find out if they have or have had any complaints lodged against them. If they did, were they resolved quickly. Next you want to start calling the list of repair facilities. Listen to them answer the phone. Do they sound pleasant and helpful? Or does it sound like you’ve interrupted them? Set up a time when you can go and meet with them to introduce yourself and ask some questions about their operation. As you drive into the facility, you want to look for vehicles in the lot that are about the same age and condition as yours. You also want to be aware of the facility itself… is it clean and neat? Does it look like the owner cares about the look of his business? When you go inside, you want to be aware of the reception / waiting area. Is it clean and inviting? Are there any training diplomas or certifications for the technicians in the area? What affiliations does the facility belong to? Some examples of affiliations are: ASE-National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. A nonprofit organization developed in the early ‘70s to certify technicians ability to repair vehicles in 9 different mechanical areas. When a technician is certified in 8 of the mechanical areas, he/she is considered a master technician. This organization is recognized as the authority on certification in this industry. ASA-Automotive Service Association. This is a nonprofit association of independent repair facility owners numbering over 12,000 members. It provides many benefits such as a nationwide warranty, technician training and most importantly, management training. This management training is the best in the industry and teaches technicians to become responsible business owners. When a certain number of credits have been achieved the recipient is awarded the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. It is the only industry specific designation of its type. When you meet with the repair facility representative, here is a list of questions you want to have answered: Do they work on your type of vehicle? What services do they offer? What is their warranty? Do they keep vehicle records? Do they send reminders for service due? What are their hours of operation? Do they have rental cars available? Who do you speak with if you have a problem? Ask if they could walk you through the facility. Don’t be hesitant to ask this, as most owners are very proud of the commitment they have made to deliver quality repair to their customers. You want to look for equipment and see its condition. You want to try and get a “gut feeling” about the operation. Were they pleasant to talk to? Did you get straight answers to all your questions? Is this a business you would like to deal with? By following these steps, you will lessen your chances of being disappointed with a repair facility. It will also allow you to develop a relationship that should last many years. Some information provide by Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center

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Automotive Service & Repair

Russ Norris

2007-06-01 09:43:00

How does my car’s air conditioner work and is there anything that I need to be doing to make sure that my air conditioner is in tip top shape during the summer months?

Answer: Almost every car has air-conditioning now, thank goodness! Can you imagine what you would feel like now in 90-100 degree weather without the cooling breeze of the car’s air conditioning blowing softly through the cars vents? We have become so used to this comfort that we simply cannot do without this modern day convenience. How does the air conditioning in your car work? It is merely the process by which air is cooled and dehumidified, the same way as your home and office. Since cooling is a simple process, it is easy to keep your car’s A/C system working properly, keeping you cool all summer. Did you know that when you turn on the A/C in your car, you are burning extra gasoline? By burning something you become cooler, strange but true. The principles of evaporation and condensation are what is used in your car’s A/C system by a series of components that are connected by tubes and hoses. Six basic components make up this system: the compressor; condenser; receiver-drier; thermostatic expansion valve; the evaporator; and, of course, the refrigerant. The refrigerant is a liquid that is capable of vaporizing at a very low temperature. All of the cars that were built after 1996 use R-134A that is an environmentally friendly refrigerant. Here is how the air conditioning system works: Step One: The power unit of the A/C system, the compressor. It is powered by a drive belt that is connected to the crankshaft and when the system is turned on, the compressor pumps out a vapor under high pressure and high heat to the condenser. Step Two: The condenser is used to change high-pressure refrigerant vapor to liquid. When the car is moving, the air that flows through the condenser removes the heat from the refrigerant and changes it to a liquid state. Step Three: The refrigerant then moves to a receiver-drier, which is a storage tank for the refrigerant. It also removes moisture from the refrigerant. Step Four: As the compressor continues to pressurize the system, liquid refrigerant under high pressure is circulated from the receiver-drier to the thermostatic expansion valve. The valve removes pressure from the liquid refrigerant so that it can expand and become refrigerant vapor in the evaporator. Step Five: The evaporator consists of tubes and fins and is usually mounted inside the passenger compartment. As the low-pressure refrigerant is released into the evaporator, it is vaporized. The blower distributes the air throughout the inside of the car. Step Six: The heat-laden, low-pressure refrigerant vapor is then drawn into the compressor to start another refrigeration cycle. The very best thing about your car’s air-conditioning is that you just press a button or move a lever and it works! They are pretty reliable if you maintain the system properly. If you are having a problem or your air-conditioner does not seem to be working quite right, here’s what you might want to troubleshoot: No cool air – might be a loose or broken drive belt, inoperative compressor or slipping compressor clutch, a defective expansion valve, a clogged expansion valve-receiver-drier or liquid refrigerant line, a blown fuse, or a leaking component. Insufficient cool air – might be low refrigerant charge, a loose drive belt, slipping compressor clutch, a clogged condenser, clogged evaporator, a slow leak in the system, or a partially clogged filter or expansion valve. Make sure that you have your system checked regularly according to the owner’s manual and stay cool!

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Automotive Service & Repair

Russ Norris

2007-05-01 10:29:00

Question: What are some vital items to check on our vehicle before heading out on vacation during this Memorial Day and summer vacations?

Answer: As seasonal changes approach, take the opportunity to prepare your vehicle for the road. For many of us, Memorial Day weekend will be the first opportunity for family vacation, so after planning your destination. If your car has an unseen weakness, a drastic weather change summer or winter may turn the weakness into a failure that could leave you stranded. One of the first things to do to prepare your car for your summer vacation is to check the fluid levels. Fluid levels and transmission failures can be detected ahead of time by just looking for low, or possibly contaminated, fluids in your engine, transmission or radiators. Check your vents for good flow before a long trip. If it is barely working, hot weather may do it in. Your air conditioning system needs to be checked periodically for proper functioning. Nobody needs to remind you how miserable hot weather trips can be without air conditioning, so avoid a breakdown with regular AC maintenance. Spring delivers a variety of temperatures and many of us forget that the 90-degree days are just ahead. Traveling down the road is not the time to find out that your air conditioner won’t work. Most shops can “performance check” your system if needed and inform you of any potential problems. Check for leaks and keep the proper level of antifreeze. Have drive belts inspected and adjusted and your transmission fluids checked as well. Uneven shifting or slippage needs immediate attention. Check your maintenance manual or ask your technician for the recommended time to have your transmission fluid changed. Fresh fluid and conditioners will keep seals and o-rings in good condition. And of course, have your oil changed regularly. Take a good look at your tires, checking for uneven or excessive wear and for bulges, tread separation and breaks in the sidewalls. Driving on hot roads can be very demanding on your tires, so make sure they are up to the task. After a winter of potholes, you may need to have your wheels aligned. A good indication of alignment or suspension problems is when your car pulls to one side while driving or braking. Keep an eye on your tire pressure so you get better mileage and wear. Anything that is weak in moderate weather may very well fail when weather gets drastic. Before your family vacation, and just to be prepared for the upcoming summer months, these tips will afford you the peace of mind for a happy and safe summer.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Chance Transmissions

2004-12-01 08:52:00

: How do I check my car's automatic transmission fluid and how often?

ANSWER: It is not necessary to check the automatic transmission fluid level as often as you should check the engine oil. Checking the ATF every two to four weeks is a good plan for most motorists, and it only takes a couple minutes. Check your car's automatic transmission fluid like you would check the engine oil with the only difference being that the motor has to be running. Remove the dipstick from the transmission under the hood and inspect the fluid level on the end of the dipstick. The dipstick may be labeled TRANS or ATF (for automatic transmission fluid) the color of the fluid is a pink or light red for easy recognition. If the engine dipstick and the transmission dipstick are unmarked, you can tell them apart by looking to see where the dipsticks are located. The transmission dipstick is usually by the firewall on the right side (driver side) of car and has a tube that goes down to the transmission. On a front wheel drive car, like most late models, the transmission is on the left side (passenger side) of car and again on most cars the dipstick is near the firewall and has a tube that goes to the transmission. If you are still in doubt, pull the dipstick out and look to see what color the fluid is. If it is the transmission dipstick, it will be that light red or pink and if it is the engine dipstick it will be brown or gray-black. To check the fluid, start the engine and allow the transmission to warm up to operating temperature, or drive vehicle for five to ten minutes. With engine running, apply the parking brake and check fluid (for some vehicles the transmission needs to be in PARK and on others it needs to be in NEUTRAL) check your owners manual for your application. Remove the dipstick and wipe off with paper towel or rag and reinstall the dipstick. Now remove dipstick and check for fluid on stick. Make sure that the fluid is between the FULL and ADD mark, usually the difference between the FULL and ADD is about one quart. Being over FULL is ok but no more than a quarter of an inch over the FULL mark. If your fluid is at or under the ADD mark, fluid needs to be added. If there is no fluid on the stick be sure to add fluid before driving or damage to transmission is possible and or more provable. If you have a leak in your transmission or see fluid on the ground, check your fluid more often to make sure you do not run your transmission low on fluid. Fix your leak as soon as possible or find a repair facility to have the leak fixed. To operate an automatic transmission safely, the ATF level must be maintained between the ADD and the FULL marks on the dipstick. To add fluid, install a funnel in the tube, install fluid and remove funnel; allow a minute or two for the fluid to run down the tube. If you check the fluid too fast the fluid will still be in the tube and will give a false reading. Install the dipstick fully to its seat and remove. Re-check, if fluid is under the ADD mark, add one quart. If between ADD and FULL mark, add one pint. Remember it is easier to add fluid than to recover it.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Doug Warren

2004-04-01 09:19:00

:  I have regular maintenance done on my vehicle but can you give me some tips on when to replace my brakes?  What are the signs of failing brakes?   They’re starting to squeak now.

ANSWER:  Since you did not give any specific problems you may be having we can cover most of the bases.  Lets start with the warning signs of a faulty brake system:   Pushing the pedal to the floor- If your brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor that means you could either have a fluid leak or a defective master cylinder. This is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. If your brake light (aka dummy light) is on, this may indicate a fluid leak; either way you should get your vehicle in for service quickly (and safely).Squealing brakes- Are a common complaint even when they've just been replaced. This has become a more common problem since the materials used are now "safer". Brake pads of yesterday were made with (now obsolete) asbestos, but today they are made with slivers of metals and other materials that are compressed together and make them much harder. These are a few tips to watch for in between yearly inspections:Pulling- Pressing the brake and notice the wheel pulling left or right. Grabbing & or Locking- You engage the brake and it feels like it is overpowering the normal braking system. Low or Soft pedal- Again this could indicate a more serious issue like the brake line or master cylinder.Vibrations- This could have to do with your tires being out of alignment or needing replaced. If you notice your tires not wearing evenly this is another indicator of problems with the adjustment of the brakes.Grinding noises- This could be caused by many things one being, rusty, or worn caliper mounts. Again, it is always important to have a yearly inspection of your vehicle for safety sake because you've go a lot riding on your vehicle's performance. Be aware of any changes, these may be the warning signs of a much larger problem. Always check with your mechanic if you notice these or any other changes in your braking performance.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Walker Russell

2004-04-01 08:49:00

: Now that I've bought my new car, how do I take care of it? The maintenance schedule in the owner's manual seems so generic.

ANSWER:  The owner's manual is presented with every new car purchase. Unfortunately, in the excitement of purchasing that new vehicle, the manual usually gets put into the glove compartment never to see the light of day again!The Owner’s Manual is your guide to maintenance and service, your own question and answer resource. If you have questions, it has answers! It will supply you with information such as when, where, why and how to properly maintain your vehicle. Your manual is specific to the vehicle that you've purchased, but its important to know that it does not take into consideration the part of the country that you will be driving in or the individual needs of the driver. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week, or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. In Kansas, for instance, the wind blows fiercely most days. Air filters and oil filters need to be changed more frequently due to dust and dirt. Owner manuals, although generic, will furnish a general maintenance schedule to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition.Recommended Service Intervals• Once a week (or at each fill-up)- Check oil, water, wiper fluid, engine coolant/antifreeze level, and tire condition and pressure.• Once a month- Check transmission fluid and brake fluid, windshield wiper blades, and power steering fluid. Also check the condition of belts, hoses, and battery cables.• Every 3 months or 3,000 miles- Change oil, oil filter, and air filter. Inspect engine drive belts, shock absorbers, and all lights on vehicle. Check battery.• Every 6 months or 6,000 miles- Check the brake system, and inspect and/or rotate tires. Review condition of clutch system (manual transmissions), and chassis lubrication.• Once a year- Safety inspection, which includes: underbody flushing, service engine cooling system (which should include inspecting the radiator, water pump, fan belt, thermostat(s), radiator cap, and anti-freeze). Check accelerator control system, and lubricate doors, locks, hinges, and parking brake.• 30,000 miles or 2 years- Change spark plugs and fuel filter, inspect spark plug wire, and check engine timing if needed. In conclusion, some vehicle makes and models require specific needs. Trust your owner's manual, and an experienced service technician.

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Automotive Service & Repair

Richard Smith

1969-12-31 18:00:00

Question: What are some of the steps you take in restoring the exterior of a vehicle?

Answer: When starting a restoration project, expect the unexpected. A vehicle that still has paint on it may have untold stories of years past hidden underneath the paint. First, dismantle the car and strip the car to the bare metal to uncover trouble areas. Depending on the vehicle and the location of the rust, you look to see if the replacement parts that you need are available. If not then you have to make the panel or panels that need replaced. After the vehicle has been stripped, epoxy all bare metal to keep the moisture from causing surface rust. Begin replacing the panels and repairing dents. Fitting the panels for proper fit is something you may have to do several times until you get the panel to fit correctly. Once all the panels fit correctly and the body work is completed, it is time to prime the vehicle, and then you block and prime the vehicle again. Now for the paint, you can put 200 hours in a vehicle real quick. It can take anywhere from 200 hours for a mini body restoration where the vehicle is in good shape, to 400 to 500 hours. On some of your new televisions shows as in “Overhauled” they get a car built in a week and make it look easy. However, you take 20 to 25 techs working on that car times 40 hours that is 800 to 1000 hours put in a vehicle that week to get it done. Please take into consideration this is just the restoration of the body of the vehicle. You also have the interior to replace, (motor, suspension, transmission etc.) for it to be considered a complete restoration.