I had my car restored at a shop across town, but I made sure to stop by at least once every other week. I had a good shop restore my car, but me showing up every two weeks with a checkbook in my pocket to pay for work done, if needed, certainly didn't hurt.
Just like when I deal with contractors, I didn't pay a deposit - I just paid for work done. If a shop can't afford to pay for their own materials upfront and get reimbursed by you later, that would be a red flag for me.
Be realistic with your time frames - My car was at the shop for 9 months, had a TON of stuff done, and showed progress the entire time.
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 1965 Pontiac LeMans. M21, 3.73 in a 12 bolt, Kauffman 461.
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