AC Ace restoration costs

[JWH]

Please be nice to the new guy. I have been around and worked on cars built in the '60s but have recently become interested in AC Aces. So I am well aware what I'm about to ask is a very difficult question to answer but what would be a very ball park figure to restore an Ace?
   What would it cost to repair/replace the body if you assume every panel will need attention?
   What would it cost to source the seats and interior parts and restore?
   What would it cost to source a complete drive train - engine, transmission and rear axle and restore?
   
   Again I know this can vary widely based on many factors but a ball park idea would be appreciated.

[markn]

I can give a bit of advice Jeffrey.

[Jam2]

Are you intending to do much of the work yourself, or give the job to a specialist?
   Which engine are you looking to source?  AC;  Bristol;  6cyl Ford or something else?
   It does sound as if your starting point could be very basic!
   If you are going for an original specification and much of the work done professionally, i would want a budget of $200,000-

[Robin A Woolmer]

Gerry Hawkridge should be able to assist on a complete overhaul of the Ace chassis & body,in terms of mechanical work there are specialists for most of the assemblies in UK but I would expect good companies exist in USA!
   
   Robin

[Norman]

At the risk of stating the obvious, do remember that the bodies were handbuilt, so even if you found repair panels from another car they would be pretty useless. The alloy bodywork is a specialist job, preferably by someone who has rebuilt an Ace before, as they can build in the subtle mods and improvements that have been developed over time to reinforce what is after all a lightweight, relatively fragile, structure. Of the three engines, the Ford is the cheapest to restore, but only if you stick to a Ford iron head; the alloy Mays head gives more power, plus the option of Webers, but is hard to find and very expensive. A well fettled iron head with three SUs and a six-branch is probably the best compromise of power and cost. My 2.6 has an alloy head with Webers and I love it, I just keep my fingers crossed that it never warps or cracks!

[pjbowman]

If you have to ask, you can't afford it...[:D]

[AC Ace Bristol]

quote:Originally posted by pjbowman
   
If you have to ask, you can't afford it...[:D]
   

   
   My thoughts entirely.[B)]
   
    J W M ....  Too many unknowns, but budget £100/ £120K  assuming you have a good basis to start from.
   
   But like Peter has said, if you have to ask,  You  can't afford it  at this time in life.[:(]
   
   Keith