My advice, question or tip for things to consider about the paint are concernig if it is really worth going to Florida to the ultimate paint shop? Restoring cars is a huge trend right now and a lot of people are restoring and re-painting cars. It seems like you could find a great shop to do the work closer and cheaper. A specialized mechanic is one thing, but a re-paint is far less specialized car to car. How much of a difference is going to the ultimate paint shop in Florida going to make, and is it worth the cost and trouble? By all means use a good painter, but do you need Picasso to paint it a solid color? I am sure the Florida team is great, but it seems like overkill. MOST important is to get what you want! If you are after the ultimate and feel those are the guys for the job, go for it. I would just advise looking around a little and consider what you are after.

I am only a couple steps behind you. I spent a year and 10,000 getting mechanicals rebuilt and sorted. Now I need an enginie rebuild and hope to start this spring. Next year I plan to do the paint and exterior.

I get tired of the bad investment line of reasoning. I love my car and want it to be as nice as possible. I don't plan to sell it. I think V8 ownership has a very different mind set than the 12s. More passion and less investment concerns.

I would love some advice and stories about your rebuild. I have been planning to use Evans for my rebuild. Your thread worries me. 18 months!! I would love to hear about costs to expect and why on earth it took so long?