My car has been in a man's shop for the past 14 months, he did a partial frame-off and installed a complete new interior. This is his hobby, not his job. He has done incredible work. The cost has been incredibly low. Cool ole' dude.

What are your opinions regarding a gratuity? He named his price for the job, but what do you all feel would be appropriate for a tip if anything at all? Just curious, haven't seen this addressed on here. Thanks.

Dave

Did he ever mention a tool or something he wished he had. Would he ride a motor scooter, I don't know what he charged you, but they want $3000 to put in a full interior, but they would buy the interior.

Sounds like a pretty nice old guy, its really hard to say, if you can afford it, one of those $1400 two stage compressors would be nice, thats because I want one myself.:)

Then again, a new torque wrench, power hack saw with lots of blades, does he have one of those. A gift certificate at a store that sells a good grade of tools, then he can get what he wants, anyway, it sounds like your pretty happy with the work he did, and you thinking about giving him a tip, thats a good thing.

Rob

very nice of you to consider a "tip" for the work he has done, sounds like he put alot of time into it...i say donate what you think is "fair" considering the industry standard cost for that type and quality of work he has done....in other words dont be-little him, show your appreciation for his time and efforts...

That's why I ask Brad and Rob, this guy has done a tremendous job for a fraction of the price I've seen others post on here.

I'm certainly no rich man, but want to do something for him. Just fudging for ideas for what I can do, that wouldn't be trivial, but won't cause me to skip a mortgage payment.

Well, I am a retired guy that does body and paint work on the side as a hobby too. I always low ball my prices because I dont give a hard date of when it will be done, (I want this to stay a hobby, not a full time job). The last 4 cars I've done I have been "tipped" at least $500. I didnt ask for it and didnt expect it, but I did appreciate it.
Ron

That's good advice Ron. Keep the ideas coming guys.

ask him ! take him to dinner ! take a 12 pack over and bs with him ! offer him your help if he needs it ! dont just get your car and never talk to him agin ! show him that you appreciate him ! but dont stalk him either ! guys like him dont come along to often !

some times i'll do things for people, relly cheep and they think they got one over on me and you never see them agin. but than some people will offer me their left arm ! i like to do things like the old guy when i have time !

Have a small plate (gold plated) engraved "This car restored by ________" and rivet it to the door jamb of the car. If that's not feasable give him green. ;)

What Ron said...
A few Ben Franklins in an envelope go a long way