What should I ask before hiring a classic car restoration shop?

Ask what kinds of cars they specialize in and request to see completed examples, ideally ones similar to yours. Ask for references from past customers and call them. A shop that does excellent muscle car work may not be the right choice for a pre-war car, and vice versa.

Get clear answers about how they bill. Many shops work hourly plus parts, and estimates can grow as hidden rust or damage turns up. Ask how often you will get updates and photos, how parts are sourced, and how they handle changes to the plan. A written agreement with a payment schedule tied to progress protects both sides.

Finally, ask about insurance while the car is in their care, how securely it is stored, and how long they expect the job to take. Long delays are among the most common complaints in this business, so set expectations up front.