Questions for the shop owners out there.

How much money would one realistically need to start a bodyshop that does some restoration work. Lots of collision shops around here, only a few restoration shops. I know its harder to make it doing restoration work. How much to get started, have inventory, and have enough to make it till you become profitable. I know I couldn't afford to start one now but something I am wondering about for the future. Time to start clearing up some credit as well as all the other things I have to do. Something I am looking into doing someday if I can find a decent job and have any left over after bills. Really disappointed the way most companys are now, they just don't care about their workers and some freedom would be nice. Maybe even rent a place and do it part time for awhile. I have some tools like a decent sized compressor and body tools, but would need the big stuff like a paint booth and a bigger welder and such. How much is insurance and all the other stuff to do business, like getting rid of hazardous material and so on. Any tips to starting out and things to watch out for. There is a lot around the net on business, but not anything related to this expensive and regulated business. I'll be looking to see if score or anyone has classes this summer. Thanks for any advice from the guys that have been there done that. Any storys you guys care to share, and what made you make the jump to going on your own. This would be more interesting to me then the lady that made the topsy tail by using two knitting needles, just seen that on the john walsh show.

Yeah, I realize I will need some business classes. Going to check into anything score has for free also. Looking at business plans and profit and loss statements boggles my noggin. Not my best area to be sure. My sister went to college and is an accountant, least I would have her to help in that area. Doesn't look good around here for jobs. Just had something on tv that wisconsin lost over 80,000 manufacturing jobs in the last 3 years, what I've mostly worked in the last 4-5 years. Ouch, thats a lot of money. I don't think I could be involved with maaco, wouldn't want to put out crappy work.