Finding a Body Shop for my 70 RR

[DMateya]

I have found it extremely difficult to find a body shop to work with. I am in the processes of pulling my engine for a rebuild and then will strip down the car (interior, dash, etc.). I do not have the space, tool or experience to do the body and paint work so I need to find a shop around the Pittsburgh PA area, or would deliver the car to a shop if I can find the right one. I have spoken with a few shops and they give me their hourly rate with no idea on total cost. I do completely understand that a quote can't be given until you dig into the car but some sort of ballpark would be helpful based on a similar build the shop would have done. For example I had one shop tell me that the cost could range from 20k-150k. Well there is a point at which I would not use the shop or even be interested in restoring my car. I also do now know how people can hand over their car with absolutely no idea on what they are going to spend. I have money to spend on the work but am not an open checkbook.

Has anybody had a similar experience?

I am not in a rush and I want to find the right shop that can give me an original restoration. I want the car to be as original as possible and I plan to enjoy and drive the car.

Thanks,
Drew

 

[gkent]

I had numerous quotes in the 50k range. Didn't go with any of those. Probably should have. Final tally was around 160k. Does it look like 160k - no. Did they justify 160k - yes. Am I happy? Yes. Any regrets? Not really. At this point in my life its only money. By the way, that was JUST for the bodywork and paint.

 

[Mopar Hunter]

I had numerous quotes in the 50k range. Didn't go with any of those. Probably should have. Final tally was around 160k. Does it look like 160k - no. Did they justify 160k - yes. Am I happy? Yes. Any regrets? Not really. At this point in my life its only money. By the way, that was JUST for the bodywork and paint.

Pictures?

 

[gtxdana]

Around here, you would be hard pressed to spend less than 20K for paint with basically no bodywork. Most all body shops don't want to deal with restoration work because people always run out of money and they can make a lot more money, a lot faster, doing collision work....even with the insurance companies screwing them.

It's impossible for a body shop to know just how bad a body is until they start tearing into it. The "Time and Material" estimate is a license to steal for the body shop as they camp on your car and pad the bill.

 

[eldubb440]

show us some pics..... you'll get good advice here

 

[#41]

The best deal (quality for the buck) you can get is typically a guy that has a shop at his house, has been doing it for a living (not a side gig) for 10 years+, and has a wait list to get started. These guys typically don't advertise, so to find them go to cruise-ins and ask around, or ask on local FB car groups.

 

[eldubb440]

The best deal (quality for the buck) you can get is typically a guy that has a shop at his house, has been doing it for a living (not a side gig) for 10 years+, and has a wait list to get started. These guys typically don't advertise, so to find them go to cruise-ins and ask around, or ask on local FB car groups.

now where would anyone find a guy who checks all of those boxes?

 

[1 Wild R/T]

now where would anyone find a guy who checks all of those boxes?

Might be closer than he would expect...

 

[joel snyder]

a possibility to check out ..... krazy kennyz kustoms. check out the web site. worthington, pa. approx 45 miles north of pittsburgh. 2 of my cars are currently there and you'll see my dart gt on the web site if you scroll down far enough.

 

[gtxdana]

I've had some Hispanic customers, some with legit shops, some with home shops that turned out some fantastic work at a good price. Problem was that some were not quite legal, which can be an even bigger problem lately.

 

[Big bill]

Like this .

 

[gkent]

The best deal (quality for the buck) you can get is typically a guy that has a shop at his house, has been doing it for a living (not a side gig) for 10 years+, and has a wait list to get started. These guys typically don't advertise, so to find them go to cruise-ins and ask around, or ask on local FB car groups.

That's exactly what I found. Previous experience in the business. Built his own shop - large and neat as a pin. No employees other than his wife when he needs a hand. Takes on no more than three projects at a time so he has no down time. Bills by the hour plus materials. Bills bi-weekly with an itemized invoice. Provides an initial rough estimate and lets you know in advance of any changes to that.

 

[gkent]

Like this .

You're gonna regret putting AMD quarters on that !!!

 

[Darter6]

What ever you think it will cost,and what you plan on spending, multiply by 3.
And plan on a year or 2 for it to return home.

 

[mr. b]

i have a friend who has a body shop he’s very good I will ask him if he is interested in doing it also he painted my car let me know if you want me to ask him

 

[mr. b]

Here is some pics the day I brought it home

 

[DMateya]

You're gonna regret putting AMD quarters on that !!!

Why would he regret AMD quarters?

 

[DMateya]

i have a friend who has a body shop he’s very good I will ask him if he is interested in doing it also he painted my car let me know if you want me to ask him

Yes please. The good thing is that I am in no rush and want to take the time to find the right person/shop.