So, your project needs some serious work?
- Shawn O'Connor
- Nov 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Buckle up as we talk about our passion for custom vehicles, and what you can expect from the initial contact to completion.
So, your classic or hot rod is in need of some serious work. Power windows, HVAC, gauge cluster, engine management, and new wiring. There is surely a lot going on here. This is the type of work Custom Auto Wire is known for. We love wiring hot rods, but it's only a portion of what we do. My favorite occurrence is the random, "I need some wiring" phone call. The one with an excited, or sometimes a defeated client on the other end. This call happens at the most random times. I can be under a car in the shop, or cruising around Grand Forks, but this call never happens while I'm at my computer. This initial contact with the client is my favorite part of owning Custom Auto Wire. I'm very excited to hear about your projects, and I love being apart of them. At this point in the call, I seem to be either talking the client off the ledge, or getting into the technical attributes of their build. Either way we're making progress. I will usually schedule a time to meet in person and check out your project first hand. This way I can see the car in all of its current glory, and it gives me a much better Idea of the situation.
Project car owners (including myself) can surly talk. This was one thing I was not prepared for when I started Custom Auto Wire. A simple initial project overview can turn into hours of bull shitting. Sure, it can take up valuable time, but I love the bull shitting. Moving forward, I'll feel out what your looking to spend, and figure out if there is an end to your budget. This is less of a sales tactic and more to better understand how far you want me to go with your car. Our bills have ranged from $1,800 to $24,000 for wiring and the installation of accessories. There are many different loom options, connectors, and accessory brands out there. It is important to have an idea of your budget so that I can come up with an estimate that will not only sort-out the electrical system, but also raise the value of your vehicle. So far, I have not worked on classic vehicle that hasn't increased in value after it left my shop. We tend to see an ROI that is proportionate to the Custom Auto Wire invoice. This is why it is so important to have an electrical system designed for your vehicle, and to have parts installed by a professional.
Over the next few days I will be doing some research, and coming up with an estimate. I will probably call a few times and give you an update on the bill and see what parts you are wanting to purchase. Once the estimate is received and the thumbs up is given, we are ready to do some business! I will usually ask for a parts deposit and a small percentage of labor up front. Your car will be in our hands for two-six weeks.
Getting a new ride delivered is exciting! Usually, it will arrive on a flatbed, then get loaded into the shop. We'll chat about the plan, cover all the details, and then dive right in! First up, we'll take out the interior bits and the old wiring, depending on what needs to be done. Then, it's time to test fit our new parts and start the installation process. We'll keep you posted every step of the way, maybe even share some videos on our social media. Keep an eye on our feeds - your ride might just make an appearance! The highlight of the project? Wiring Week! We'll create a template of your vehicle and use it to build a custom harness on the workbench. After we've bundled it up, added connectors, and prepped it for installation, it's time to get it in your vehicle. This phase usually takes a week or so, but once the harness is in place, we can run our system checks, put back the interior, and schedule your pickup!
All of this to say simply, I love what I do, and this is what I started Custom Auto Wire for. I hope this helps provide insight as we work with you on your project, and together, we can build the dependable project vehicle you have been dreaming about.
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