V
08-04-2017, 06:34 PM
I've come to the point of finally realizing that if I want my car repaired and painted, I'm going to have to send it out. Even though I am capable of doing the work/paint myself, I just do not have the time anymore. The car that I'm referring to is my 1988 Trans Am GTA Notchback.
I do know it wont be cheap or even a fast turn around. I just want it done right. I'd like to say there is no budget but it must be within reason. $50K is ridiculous, but 20k may be logical and justified, I don't know. Until a real eyes-on estimate is done, no one can know the cost/extent of the work needed.
There are a few sections, about 4, needing rust repair(door, kick panels, quarter). All are areas varying between 4-10 inches in size. Also, fenders would get replaced with new, hood and front bumper would be replaced with good condition used oem parts, and the damaged tail panel would get straightened or replaced(I have a donor tail panel section). Then the whole car would need to be sanded, some sections down to metal due to previous bodywork, and then bodyworked and repainted. The hatch would also need minor attention due to being SMC( Sheet molded composite - similar to fiberglass but not exactly). I would still be doing all the mechanical and interior work myself, eventually.
Now I do know that the cost of repairs will quickly surpass the value of the car. I am OK with that. I have been wanting this car since I was 16, and it took me 2 decades to finally get one. I do not ever plan on selling this car.
With all that being said, how do I go about finding a competent shop to do the work? I've honestly been thinking about contacting DRS Automotive in Norfolk VA, aka "FantomWorks" from TV. But I also know there must be some more local reputable shops that could also assist me. I've also thought about contacting Paul at RPM but not sure if he is too busy or booked up.
I do know it wont be cheap or even a fast turn around. I just want it done right. I'd like to say there is no budget but it must be within reason. $50K is ridiculous, but 20k may be logical and justified, I don't know. Until a real eyes-on estimate is done, no one can know the cost/extent of the work needed.
There are a few sections, about 4, needing rust repair(door, kick panels, quarter). All are areas varying between 4-10 inches in size. Also, fenders would get replaced with new, hood and front bumper would be replaced with good condition used oem parts, and the damaged tail panel would get straightened or replaced(I have a donor tail panel section). Then the whole car would need to be sanded, some sections down to metal due to previous bodywork, and then bodyworked and repainted. The hatch would also need minor attention due to being SMC( Sheet molded composite - similar to fiberglass but not exactly). I would still be doing all the mechanical and interior work myself, eventually.
Now I do know that the cost of repairs will quickly surpass the value of the car. I am OK with that. I have been wanting this car since I was 16, and it took me 2 decades to finally get one. I do not ever plan on selling this car.
With all that being said, how do I go about finding a competent shop to do the work? I've honestly been thinking about contacting DRS Automotive in Norfolk VA, aka "FantomWorks" from TV. But I also know there must be some more local reputable shops that could also assist me. I've also thought about contacting Paul at RPM but not sure if he is too busy or booked up.