Looking for Canadian body shop.

NorthOfForty · Nov 21, 2018

I've had my '67 Coronet for a year and a half now and never imagined that I would have so much trouble finding a body shop who would work on the car.

In Saskatchewan we have 'government' insurance thru SGI, Saskatchewan Government Insurance. The only way you can insure a car here is thru SGI. You can add add additional policies thru private insurers.

The problem is SGI pays body shops very, very well for any work they do. I lost track of how many body shops I have talked to, but they all say the same thing. They are only interested in doing SGI work. No one wants to tie up a journeyman at shop rates when they can be working at SGI rates.

So, any brother forum members from Canada know of a body shop which will work on a restoration project and is located in Alberta or Saskatchewan?

Thanks.

65hemi · Nov 21, 2018

I have heard that Kori Alexander in Red Deer does good work. He has Mopar experience.

gkent · Nov 21, 2018

The problem is not limited to Sask., it is the case virtually everywhere. A body shop's bread and butter is collision work. If you do find a shop to take it on it will be in their "spare time" and it could be years before you see the car finished. What you need to find are good guys who are perhaps retired who will take the job on. Find a good sheet metal guy then a good body man then a good painter. Break the work down into timeframes and costs such that is there is no progress there is no money. If things aren't completed in a timely manner you pull the car out, etc..

65hemi · Nov 21, 2018

Don't limit yourself to a commercial body shop. There may be retired guys or skilled guys that work out of their garage in your area. Check around with other local car guys to get recommendations.

Glenwood · Nov 21, 2018

Check the car clubs in SK and AB. Hard to find here in Ont as well.

Dobalovr · Nov 21, 2018

65hemi said:
I have heard that Kori Alexander in Red Deer does good work. He has Mopar experience.

Kori does excellent work but is a very busy guy...

dadsbee · Nov 21, 2018

Go chat with your local auto glass installer for shop ideas... they're like going to the Hairdresser and learning the town gossip.

Charger Dana · Nov 21, 2018

I know a guy who restores mostly Mopars in Martensville, just north of Saskatoon. Has been doing it for years, it’s his business. Also I know an outstanding painter. If you’re ever at the Draggins car show you’ll literally see dozens of cars he’s worked on. He’s currently working on my dad’s 67 charger. Outstanding work. PM me if you’re interested.

slimt · Nov 21, 2018

Ya.. the thing with body shops is turn around and quick money.. as others have stated , insurance work pays.. restos dont.. My son has refered many to the shop that I work at.. for body and paint.. But the owner says it ties up a stall for just to long.. most shops have gone that direction.. hope you find what your looking for..

Looking for Canadian body shop.

NorthOfForty

Well-Known Member

65hemi

Well-Known Member

gkent

FBBO Gold Member

65hemi

Well-Known Member

Glenwood

Well-Known Member

Dobalovr

Well-Known Member

dadsbee

FBBO Gold Member

Charger Dana

Well-Known Member

slimt

Well-Known Member

Similar threads