How this project began and the one thing you want

• Tell the quick story of how this project started and the single outcome you most want from it.
• Which vehicle are we working from, include year, make, model, and the current condition in a few sentences.
• Who will be the primary driver and in which situations will the vehicle be used, pick all that apply. Options: Daily driving, Weekend enthusiast driving, Track days, Off-road events, Car shows and concours, Film or commercial use, Brand activation or promotional use, Fleet or commercial use, Other
• What's your target completion window for the project? Options: Within 4 weeks, Within 8 weeks, Within 3 months, Within 6 months, Flexible, no firm date
• Is there an immovable event date that would cancel the project if the vehicle is not delivered on time? Options: Yes, No
• If yes, state the event date and the consequence if that date is missed.

Where this vehicle must actually deliver

• Which single performance metric, if unmet, would make this build a failure for you? Options: 0-60 time, Horsepower/torque target, Towing capacity, Track lap time, Off-road travel and articulation, Show/aesthetic standard, Reliability for daily use, Other
• Please list the numeric targets or measurable outcomes you expect, for example horsepower, 0-60, towing lbs, or lap time.
• How will you validate those targets at handover, pick all that apply. Options: Chassis dyno report, On-track timed run, Third-party inspection, Road test and mileage log, Event demonstration, Buyer witness inspection, Other
• Describe the typical operating conditions the vehicle must handle, for example daily highway miles, heavy towing, or desert runs.
• If hitting a top performance number required reducing show-level aesthetics or increasing weight, which trade-off would you accept first? Options: Accept reduced aesthetics, Accept increased weight, Prioritize performance and increase budget, Do not accept trade-offs
• If after initial testing the vehicle cannot meet the key target, would you prefer a firm redesign estimate, a pause to re-scope, or stopping the project altogether? Options: Firm redesign estimate with cost, Pause and re-scope, Stop the project, Undecided

Money, scope and how surprises get handled

• If unexpected issues pushed the cost up 25 percent, what would you want us to do first, pause, re-scope, or proceed with contingency funds? Options: Pause and present options, Re-scope to stay near budget, Proceed using contingency funds, I would cancel
• Select the ballpark budget range you have allocated for this build, including parts and labor. Options: Under $25,000, $25,000 to $50,000, $50,000 to $100,000, $100,000 to $250,000, Over $250,000
• Which pricing model do you prefer for the core scope? Options: Fixed price for agreed scope with change orders, Firm bid for milestone phases, Time and materials with a cap, Open to any of the above
• Which cost items do you expect to supply or cover directly, pick all that apply. Options: Donor vehicle, Core engine or crate motor, Specialty interior trim, Aftermarket electronics, Title, registration and transport, None of the above, Other
• Do you have a hard maximum budget that would stop the project if exceeded? Options: Yes, No
• If yes, state that maximum and whether you would consider phased delivery or staged payments to stay under it.

Who decides and how approvals flow

• List the people or roles that must approve design, budget, and final delivery, and indicate who can make day to day decisions.
• For each role, state the typical response time you can expect for approvals, pick the closest option. Options: Within 24 hours, 1 to 3 business days, 4 to 7 business days, Longer than a week
• How do you prefer to receive milestone updates and approval requests, pick all that apply. Options: Platform messages and task approvals, Weekly scheduled calls, Email with photos and invoices, Text messages for urgent items, In-person reviews
• Is there an internal procurement, legal, or insurance review that must clear before we can order parts or begin work? Options: Yes, procurement review, Yes, legal review, Yes, insurance review, No formal review
• If a required approver is unavailable during a milestone, do you accept delegated sign-off or must the project pause? Options: Accept delegated sign-off, Project must pause, Depends on the milestone

Parts, donor vehicle condition, and regulatory gates

• What single parts shortage, documentation gap, or donor vehicle issue would force a pause or cancel right now, for example missing title, an unobtainable engine, or rotten frame rails? Options: Missing clean title, Unavailable core engine or gearbox, Major structural corrosion, Nonrepairable electrical fire damage, Critical trim or body panels discontinued, Emission compliance unknown, Other
• What is the donor vehicle title status? Options: Clean title on hand, Salvage or rebuilt title, Clear transfer pending, Rolling chassis without title, I do not have the title
• Are there known structural, rust, or wiring issues that will require frame off repairs or full harness replacement? Options: Yes, major structural work, Yes, wiring harness work only, Minor rust or cosmetic issues, Unknown, needs inspection, No significant issues
• Which critical parts or systems are likely to have long lead times or need special sourcing, list them.
• Who on your side will handle vehicle drop off, title transfer, parts shipping, and access to storage, list roles or contacts.
• Is anything currently preventing physical delivery of the vehicle to our shop, such as transport, storage constraints, or title hold? Options: Yes, No
• If yes, explain the barrier and the earliest date it can be resolved.

Who else is in the running and why you might stick with them

• Which alternatives are you actively evaluating besides hiring an external builder, list all that apply. Options: Another independent custom shop, OEM restoration specialist, Franchise performance center, In-house mechanical team, Freelance fabricator network, No alternatives being considered, Other
• Which of those alternatives have you spoken with and what did you like or dislike about their approach?
• What would have to be true about your current approach for you to keep handling this internally instead of hiring an outside builder?
• Has anyone on your team proposed a plan to execute this without an outside vendor, and if so, what is the proposed timeline or resource plan? Options: Yes, internal plan exists, No internal plan, Plan discussed but lacks resources
• If an incumbent provider guaranteed a fixed price and on time delivery to your event date, would that keep you with them? Options: Yes, if guaranteed, No, I prefer a different shop, Depends on other factors

Acceptance criteria, handover, and warranty expectations

• What exact tests, documents, and demonstrable outcomes must be in place for you to sign off and release final payment?
• Which of these items do you require at handover, pick all that apply. Options: Roadworthiness inspection, Chassis dyno report, Emissions compliance certificate, Bill of materials and parts list, Owner manual and service schedule, Warranty terms in writing, Copies of vendor invoices, Photographic and video test evidence
• Name the person or role who will perform the acceptance inspection and describe one non negotiable criterion they will use.
• Do you require a third-party inspector or event witness for final acceptance? Options: Yes, third-party required, No, buyer acceptance is enough, Optional depending on milestone
• Would you withhold final payment for minor nonconformances that can be corrected quickly, and under what conditions would you accept them being corrected after handover? Options: Withhold until corrected, Allow post-handover fixes under written plan, Depends on severity

Communication rhythm, milestone reporting, and delays

• If you went three weeks without a meaningful update, how would that affect your confidence in the project? Options: Significantly reduce confidence, Some concern but manageable, No real concern, Depends on prior communication
• How often and in which formats would you like build updates, pick all that apply. Options: Weekly platform update with photos, Twice weekly photos and short notes, Weekly scheduled video call, Milestone notifications only, Immediate alerts for blockers
• Which milestones require your explicit approval before the next phase begins, pick all that apply. Options: Final design sign-off, Order of long lead parts, Chassis or structural completion, Powertrain installation, Pre-delivery testing, Other
• Which roles on your side should receive supplier delay or parts shortage notifications? Options: Project manager, Procurement lead, Financial approver, Owner/Enthusiast, Legal/Compliance
• If a critical supplier delay adds more than 2 weeks to the plan, do you want an immediate replan call or a written change order first? Options: Immediate replan call, Written change order first, Either is fine

Next steps if this aligns, and what would make you sign quickly

• Assuming technical and commercial terms align, what would make you ready to sign a mutual commitment within the next 14 days?
• Are you able to provide the following documents within your target window, pick all that apply. Options: Clear title, Proof of insurance, Initial deposit, Complete project brief, Parts list or wish list, None of the above
• What deposit level would you be comfortable with to start ordering long lead parts? Options: 10 percent, 20 percent, 50 percent, Full payment for long lead items only, Undecided
• What single remaining obstacle would prevent you from moving forward this month?

• Design Workshop — Confirm Targeted Outcomes

• Confirm the current state and its cost
• You confirm which design option best satisfies your prioritized use-cases and performance targets.
• Deliver a detailed design option package including CAD sketches, estimated performance metrics, and cost/time impact for the chosen direction within 5 business days.
• Walk through 2–3 design option packages tied to your use-cases
• You agree that the quantified cost range and schedule impact for the chosen option are acceptable to move forward into scoping and parts sourcing.
• Provide prioritized use-cases and any non-negotiable performance targets or aesthetic must-haves before the follow-up design package is finalized.
• Show trade-offs: cost, lead time, and engineering risk
• Share donor vehicle photos, current condition notes, and any existing modification documentation required for detailed engineering.
• You accept the proposed acceptance criteria that will be used for final delivery verification.
• Confirm the decision-making stakeholders and their approval criteria to ensure the follow-up materials meet the buying committee's needs.
• Validate the preferred direction against acceptance criteria
• Forced validation, confirm this matches what you meant
• Agree next steps and deliverables to lock scope

• Design Workshop — Confirm Targeted Outcomes
• Design Workshop Deck
• Design Workshop Brief

• meeting
• slides
• document

• Frame-off Restoration and Structural Repair
• Engine Swap and Powertrain Integration
• Forced Induction System Installation
• Custom Wiring Harness Fabrication and Integration
• Long-Travel Suspension and Chassis Modification
• Roll Cage Fabrication and Installation
• Brake System Upgrade and Calibration
• Custom Exhaust Fabrication and Emissions Retrofit
• Full Interior Re-trim and Upholstery Installation
• Precision Chassis Alignment and Corner Balancing
• Chassis Dyno Tuning and Powertrain Calibration
• Paint, Bodywork and Color-match Finishing
• Parts Sourcing, Procurement, and Logistics
• Crate Preparation and Vehicle Shipping Delivery

Frame-off Restoration and Structural Repair

• Provide your donor vehicle VIN and current title or MSO status
• Attach photos or links showing your frame rails, floor pans, sills and any visible corrosion areas
• Specify your target frame alignment tolerance (for example factory spec ±2 mm or custom tolerance) Options: Factory spec ±2 mm, Factory spec ±5 mm, Custom tolerance - enter details
• Indicate which non-destructive testing methods you require for repaired areas Options: Ultrasonic inspection, Magnetic particle (Magnaflux), Dye penetrant, None, Other
• List items you consider out of scope for this frame-off restoration under a fixed-fee boundary (for example glass replacement, engine rebuild, upholstery)
• Provide the evidence that will validate completed structural repair (for example frame alignment report, NDT report, signed measurement sheet) Options: Frame alignment report, NDT report (attach), Dimensional measurement sheet, Road-load inspection report

Engine Swap and Powertrain Integration

• Identify the engine model, displacement and serial number you want installed (for crate engines include vendor part code if known)
• Specify your target power and torque numbers and any drivetrain loss assumptions (hp and lb-ft or kW and Nm)
• State the transmission model you will use and whether an adapter or custom bellhousing is required
• Confirm whether you require retention of OEM ancillary systems such as AC compressor, power steering pump and factory alternator Options: Retain all OEM ancillaries, Retain selected ancillaries (specify), Replace with aftermarket ancillaries
• Specify your desired driveline runout and vibration thresholds and the measurement method (for example driveshaft runout <0.5 mm measured at coupling)
• Indicate the ECU or engine management approach you prefer and whether you will supply the ECU calibration file Options: Retain and adapt OEM ECU, Standalone ECU (you supply), Standalone ECU (we supply), ECU flash/tune only

Forced Induction System Installation

• Which forced induction architecture do you want (turbocharger model or supercharger type and part code if known)
• Specify your target boost level in psi or bar and preferred wastegate actuator style Options: Target boost (psi) - free entry, Wastegate internal, Wastegate external, Blow-off valve specification
• Indicate the intercooler core type and maximum allowable pressure drop you will accept Options: Bar-and-plate core, Tube-and-fin core, Air-to-water core, Custom (specify)
• State any packaging constraints for charge-air plumbing such as hood clearance, bumper modification or crash structure proximity
• Confirm whether OEM emissions controls must be retained and which standard applies (for example CARB EO required, EPA highway, or race-exempt) Options: CARB or equivalent required, EPA highway emissions required, Race use - emissions not required
• Specify welding and manifold material requirements for turbo plumbing (for example 304 stainless TIG-welded, 321 stainless) and flange standards Options: 304 stainless TIG, Mild steel with coating, Inconel for extreme temp, Other - specify

Custom Wiring Harness Fabrication and Integration

• Provide or attach your vehicle wiring diagram, ECU pinout and any BCM schematics you have
• List the vehicle control functions you require to be retained (for example lighting, gauges, ABS, airbags, HVAC) Options: Lighting, Gauges/instrument cluster, ABS, Airbag system, HVAC controls, Other
• Identify preferred connector families for critical circuits (for example Deutsch DT, DTM, OEM-style pigtails) Options: Deutsch DT, DTM 2.8 mm, OEM pigtails, Weatherpack, Other
• Specify required harness documentation deliverables such as full schematic, wire list, splice map and connector pinouts Options: Full schematic (PDF), Wire list (CSV), Connector pinout sheet, Splice map, All of the above
• Confirm whether OBDII monitors and readiness checks must pass local inspection and which region applies Options: Yes - OBDII readiness required (US), Yes - OBDII readiness required (EU), No - race-only vehicle
• Describe your preferred fuse and relay distribution format (for example retain OEM fuse box, consolidated aftermarket fuse panel, custom relay pack) Options: Retain OEM fuse box, Consolidated aftermarket fuse panel, Custom relay/fuse pack, Other - specify

Long-Travel Suspension and Chassis Modification

• Specify the target front and rear wheel travel in inches or millimeters
• Indicate shock architecture preference and reservoir configuration (for example coilover, bypass with external reservoir) Options: Coilover, Bypass shock, Remote reservoir, Piggyback
• State the maximum permitted change to ride height and any absolute minimum ground clearance
• List tire sizes and wheel offsets to be used so we can confirm clearance envelopes
• Identify required chassis reinforcement methods (for example boxed rail splice, gusseting, C-channel patch) and whether weld procedure specification (WPS) is required Options: Boxed rail splice, Gusseting, C-channel patch, WPS required
• Describe desired steering geometry targets or bump steer limits (for example bump steer <0.1° per inch travel)

Roll Cage Fabrication and Installation

• Which safety standard or sanctioning body must the cage meet (for example FIA, SCCA, NHRA, or none) Options: FIA, SCCA, NHRA, No formal standard
• Specify tubing material, diameter and wall thickness you require (for example DOM 1.75" x .120")
• Provide occupant packaging constraints including seat location, harness angles and mounting point preferences
• Identify inspections, documentation or dimensional templates you want produced for cage verification (for example weld log, dimensional template, photos) Options: Weld log, Dimensional template, Photographic inspection, Third-party sign-off
• Are door bars, side intrusion plates and padding required to meet your chosen standard Options: Door bars required, Side intrusion plates required, Padding required per spec, None required
• Specify the final finish for the cage such as bare metal, primer+paint or powder coat Options: Bare metal, Primer and paint, Powder coat, Other - specify

Brake System Upgrade and Calibration

• Identify the target brake hardware including rotor diameter, caliper model or piston count
• Specify the pad compound family and the expected operating temperature range you need
• Indicate whether you will retain the OEM ABS module or require a standalone ABS solution Options: Retain OEM ABS, Standalone ABS required, ABS deleted (race only)
• List your preferred brake bias adjustment method such as manual bias bar, proportioning valve or ECU-controlled distribution Options: Manual bias bar, Proportioning valve, ECU controlled bias, Other
• Provide a target stopping distance or deceleration goal for acceptance testing (for example 60-0 ft, target 110 ft)
• State any brake system documentation you require at delivery (for example rotor runout measurements, pad bed-in instructions) Options: Rotor runout measurements, Pad bed-in procedures, Brake bleeding procedure, All of the above

Custom Exhaust Fabrication and Emissions Retrofit

• Describe your desired exhaust routing and exit orientation (for example rear exit under bumper, side exit ahead of rear wheel) Options: Rear exit under bumper, Rear exit behind bumper, Side exit, Custom - describe
• State which emissions standard the exhaust must meet (for example CARB EO, EPA highway, race-exempt) Options: CARB EO required, EPA highway required, Race-exempt - no emissions requirement
• Provide catalytic converter requirements including count, position and CARB EO numbers if applicable
• Indicate target cabin or measured sound pressure level (for example dB at 7 meters or at idle) if a noise spec is required
• List required heat shielding deliverables and mounting points for exhaust routing
• Confirm whether downstream O2 sensor readings and OBDII monitor thresholds must match OEM targets for readiness Options: Yes - OEM OBDII thresholds must be met, No - not required

Full Interior Re-trim and Upholstery Installation

• Provide your material choices and color codes (for example PANTONE or leather grade) for seats, door cards and headliner
• Specify seat types and mounting interface you will use (for example OEM rails, aftermarket sliders, fixed mounts) Options: OEM rails, Aftermarket sliders, Fixed mount, Other - specify
• Indicate the scope of sound deadening and insulation you want installed (for example floor, roof, doors) Options: Floor only, Floor and doors, Full cabin, None
• List which interior components you are replacing versus retaining (for example dashboard, center console, door cards)
• Specify measurable fit-and-finish tolerances you require such as acceptable seam spacing or panel gap tolerances (for example panel gap <2 mm)
• Select which delivery artifacts you require for interior work: material swatches, pattern templates, care instructions Options: Material swatches, Pattern templates, Care instructions, All of the above

Precision Chassis Alignment and Corner Balancing

• Provide your target alignment specifications per corner (camber, caster, toe) in degrees or minutes
• State your corner weight target and crossweight percentage (for example 52% crossweight at ride height)
• Identify the tire and wheel assembly you will use during corner balancing including weight and pressure
• Specify ride height measurement points and tolerance in millimeters you require for the setup
• Select the primary handling objective for this alignment (for example street comfort, track balance, autocross responsiveness) Options: Street comfort, Track balance, Autocross/short course, Other
• Indicate whether you require digital alignment and corner balance printouts as a deliverable Options: Yes - digital report required, No - verbal summary acceptable

• Master Services Agreement (MSA)
• Statement of Work (SOW)
• Purchase Agreement / Order Confirmation
• Payment & Deposit Schedule
• Workmanship and Parts Warranty
• Final Acceptance Certificate
• Change Order Agreement
• Parts Procurement & Lead-Time Acknowledgement
• Retention of Title / Security Interest
• Insurance and Risk Allocation Addendum

• Handover Health Check (weeks 1-4)
• First Warranty Measurement (weeks 4-10)
• Warranty Closure and Issue Audit (around day 90)
• Quarterly Warranty and Reliability Review (ongoing)

• Schedule an owner refresher session if data indicates user-related patterns in incidents.
• Create detailed remediation tickets for the top recurring defects with target resolution dates.
• Place orders with primary and alternate vendors for required replacement parts and publish ETAs.
• Update the maintenance checklist and distribute an addendum to the owner if operating guidance changed.
• Present closure status for all warranty tickets
• All warranty items are either closed with verification notes or have a committed resolution plan with dates.
• Completed repairs pass the workmanship and performance checks cited in Build Scope.
• Enhancement requests are logged and separated from warranty remediation work.
• Close resolved warranty tickets and publish closure evidence and test results.
• Escalate any tickets not resolvable within the agreed timeline to an engineering review with a scheduled meeting date.
• Publish the enhancement register with priorities and expected review dates.
• Trend review of incidents and resolution times
• Reliability metrics show stable or improving trend versus the expectations recorded in Build Scope.
• High-failure components have a vendor corrective action plan or replacement sourcing strategy.
• Enhancement requests that affect warranty or safety are identified for prioritized review.
• Update the reliability dashboard with latest miles, incidents, and MTTR for the next review.
• Initiate vendor corrective actions for components with elevated failure rates and document agreed remedies.
• Confirm transfer of manuals and compliance paperwork
• Buyer confirms receipt of all manuals, compliance paperwork, and parts lists.
• Open issues logged with provisional priority and target resolution dates.
• Warranty support cadence and escalation contacts scheduled and documented.
• Deliver final digital manuals and compliance paperwork to the buyer's shared location.
• Publish the initial open-issue log with provisional priorities and target resolution dates.
• Schedule the first warranty support window and confirm on-call contact times.
• Present warranty ticket summary and trend lines
• Agree remediation plan with target resolution dates for the top open warranty issues.
• Confirm mean time to resolve warranty tickets target and steps to meet it as recorded in Build Scope.
• Validate parts sourcing plan for outstanding repairs to avoid further schedule slips.
• Audit resolution quality against acceptance criteria
• Parts failure and vendor performance review
• Validate owner briefing and basic operational training
• Present on-road reliability incidents
• On-road validation of completed repairs
• Initial vehicle inspection and functional checks
• New warranty claims and root-cause analysis
• Root-cause review for top recurring issues
• Agree remediation plan for any remaining items
• Capture and prioritize open issues
• Parts and vendor lead-time review
• Open enhancement request status
• Agree corrective actions and timelines
• Confirm next quarter monitoring checkpoints
• Schedule warranty support and escalation contacts
• Catalog enhancement requests
• Confirm parts availability for identified issues