Welcome to Gilbert Vehicle Services! We provide the following services for both classic and late model vehicles in Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio:

• Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)

• Market, Replacement, Total Loss and Diminished Value Appraisals

• Numbers Decoding & Authentication

• Vehicle Purchase Consulting

• Car & Parts Locating Service

• Restoration Project Planning & Consultation

• Resolving Title Issues

Our motto is “Complete Vehicle Support from Idea to Ownership”

Our vehicle expertise can help you with many vehicle decisions including:

• Helping you find your dream car / truck / motorcycle

• Determining the authenticity of a vehicle

• Project planning for your vehicle restoration

• Locating rare parts to complete your vehicle

• Real-world experience for restoration products & tools

• Recommendations for local restoration & repair service providers

• Sorting title issues

We specialize in 1945-present cars and light-duty trucks. Please continue below for information on our most popular services.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Are you looking at a car for sale in the southeast Michigan or northwest Ohio area but it is not practical for you to travel to see it in person? Let Gilbert Vehicle Services inspect it for you! We have over 40 years experience in the classic car hobby. We offer various levels of vehicle inspection based on your needs.

• Visual inspection ($350): We inspect the vehicle’s general condition, looking for any previous damage, poor workmanship, leaking fluids, etc. We record the VIN, Trim Tag, body number, and any other ID number with is visible with any disassembly and decode these to the best of our ability to authenticate the vehicle's "as-built" configuration. We measure paint thickness on each body panel. Minimum 40 high-resolution pictures are provided. Either a video report or written report with our findings are delivered to the customer.

• Engine Numbers Authenticity Check ($50): During the visual inspection, we record the engine number and any other mechanical component ID number which is visible without disassembling any part of the vehicle. We then decode these numbers to the best of our ability using our library of automotive reference materials

• Paint Color Authenticity Check ($25): During the visual inspection, we compare the current paint color of the vehicle with our large inventory of vintage O.E. paint samples (American cars & trucks from 1949-1982)

• Borescope Inspection ($50): We use a borescope to inspect accessible structural areas of the vehicle, looking for corrosion or damage

A travel fee of $1/mile from zip code 48073 is added to the prices aboveboard

Appraisals

Do you want to know your vehicle's current value?

Do you need an appraisal for insurance, estate, or probate?

We can help! We offer the following on-site appraisal services:

• Appraisal ($275): We visually inspect your vehicle, audibly inspect the mechanicals and visually inspect the underbody. We record the VIN, Trim Tag, body number, and any other ID number with is visible with any disassembly and decode these to the best of our ability to authenticate the vehicle's "as-built" configuration. If visible, we will record and document mechanical component ID numbers using our library of automotive reference materials. Based off the vehicle's condition and appearance, we research recent collector vehicle market transactions to determine a value for your vehicle. Click here for appraisal example.

• Paint Color Authenticity Check ($25): During the visual inspection, we compare the current paint color of the vehicle with our large inventory of vintage O.E. paint samples (American cars & trucks from 1949-1982)

A travel fee of $1/mile from zip code 48073 is added to the prices above

We also offer the following desk appraisal services which do not require travel:

• Total Loss ($250): When your vehicle is involved in an accident and deemed a "total loss" by your insurance, you are not bound to accept their initial settlement. You have the right to hire a 3rd party to appraise the replacement cost of your vehicle and use that to negotiate the settlement amount. We will provide a written replacement value appraisal based off the current market value. We will also negotiate with your insurer's appraisal on your behalf at a rate of $75/hour.

• Diminished Value ($250): Diminished value is a sudden loss of resale value of your vehicle after it has been involved in an accident. Vehicle history reports (Carfax, etc.) are commonly used by buyers. A perspective buyer will value a repaired vehicle less than one which has not sustained an accident. We will estimate this loss of value, so you can file a claim against the at-fault driver.

• Approximate Value ($150): If an owner can provide detailed photos and the history of a vehicle, we can provide an approximate value report for the vehicle. This is especially helpful for owners getting ready to sell their vehicle or sorting title issues. Contact us for more details.

Our valuation is based off recent sales (typically past 2 years) and similar vehicles currently for sale. If you require a licensed appraiser with classic car certification who can offer legal arbitration and other specialized valuation services, we will refer you to one of our associates who specialize in these special situations.

Numbers Decoding & Authentication

Do you want the "numbers" decoded on your classic American car or truck to verify its original equipment? We have a vast library of automotive references for decoding VIN, Trim Tag, engine numbers and other key features on most 1945-present American cars and trucks. We can provide a short written report for $75

Title Issues

We have experience guiding owners through process of replacing lost vehicle titles in Michigan. Contact us for more details.

Let’s work together

Gilbert Vehicle Services

+248-259-4999
gearheadkeith@gmail.com