thoughts on repray

[steve bain]

hi. i just wanted to get some thoughts and options really. I am planning on getting a full respray (inc shuts etc) in about a month. I have narrowed it down to two bodyshops who i believe are both competent and both have existed for 30 odd years. i will be giving them more or less a rolling shell, no glass, interior, bodykit, wings off etc.

1. located in my town, generally does accident repair for insurance. currently working on generic boring cars. big workshop normally with 5ish cars in. Said they always like project cars for a change and it would get more attention as it a more satisfying job than insurance work. £800-1200

2. located near where i work 10 miles away, generally does restoration. The owner loves vw's and has had many mk1 golfs etc. currently has a splitty on a spit and an rs turbo in the shop. small shop, only 2 cars at a time. £1000-1500

Now. the obvious choice is no.2 as he is a restorer and 'understands' the pain we go through, but he is about £300 more. Both are highly regarded. No.1 said the paint will be better than a brand new car and all surface rust will be media blasted etc (same as no.2). So why would i go with no.2 other than the fact he is a vw guy?

I feel that maybe no.1 are just fast and efficient and have the space and number to work through cars quicker.

Anyway, i am stuck on who to use as they would both do a great job and there is no risk of bodging repairs as there are non to do. its just sanding, bit of filler and paint. so ultimately comes down to the finish and the cost is near enough its not too much of a concern. Finish wise i just want an everyday new car finish, not a mirror flat show car finish. I painted at my bmw and said 'like that' and they both said 'easy'.

Any advice appreciated.

and a photo because i can

[unknownmale]

Best thing to do is ask to see some of their previous work!

[the edmundator]

Best thing to do is ask to see some of their previous work!

That's what I was going to say.

However, I would say that I would prioritise a specialist in bodywork above a VW "specialist" (for which I invariably assume "enthusiast," which is not the same).

The quality of their equipment and cleanliness of the workshop are probably also worth considering where paint finish is the concern.

[scrappy1382]

had a call yesterday from a good mate of mine that went to his paint suppliers will the paint code needed to be exact colour from when originally painted. 10litres plus other bits and bobs needed for the job. works out just under £500. why 10litres ????
well , mine is due a respray too but for now i am focusing on helping my mate get his car ready for this yrs nationals, so plenty of paint would be left. ( for those trolley dings and what not )so, to do both cars £250 each

[Nate]

I've yet to have a good job done by an high throughput "insurace approved" type place. I've yet to have a bad job done by a restoration type place, apart from when a local one did a repair on my works transit that stuck out like a adore thumb as the paint was too good!

Go look at their work, and ask what guarantees they put on it