Brought to you in part by:

.


JC Whitney clearance center!
  Mustangsandmore Forums
  Sam's Place
  The search for a reasonable body man

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search

next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   The search for a reasonable body man
SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 07-09-2005 08:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
A week ago a guy that is a friend of my older brother and was my UPS driver until he retired a few years ago stopped by and paid me a visit. He was looking my cars over and I was mentioning that I needed to find a good body man. He told me of a guy that has a body shop a couple of miles away and told me to talk to him. This guy has had a shop for many years, a five car garage in a mainly residential neighborhood down a dead end street I had driven past for decades but had never gone down.

Thursday I took a drive over and talked to the guy. I could tell he wasn't interested as soon as I told him I had an old Mustang but I cut him off at the pass and told him it was a California car and there is no rust to fix, just a few dents and some paint. He agreed to come look at the car but I could tell he had a "sssssure there's no rust..." attitude. There was another guy there, I'm not sure if he worked there or was just hanging out, but he was a Ford guy and took an interest in our conversation.

Later that night he stopped after he closed his shop and looked the car over. Right off the bat I could tell he was impressed and as I kept pointing out areas of the car to look at {"Look at the floors... ...inside the doors... ...look at the inside of the quarters..."} he kept saying "Holy sh*t!" and "Amazing!" and "Unreal!" After looking it over he said "I'm not a Ford guy, {he's a Vette man} but this is going to be one nice car when you are done!"

So now he is supposed to toss around in his head if he wants to take it on and come up with a price. I hope he does, because he seems like the type of guy that will care enough to do a real good job, I could tell, from the way he described the way he would handle different areas of my car. He wasn't suggesting the easy ways, he was suggesting the correct ways. {He kind of reminded me of Charlie from American Hot Rod} He's very busy, and the car wouldn't be going in until winter if he agrees to do it.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

IP: Logged

Mooney
Gearhead

Posts: 1914
From: Marietta, Ga
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 07-09-2005 09:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mooney   Click Here to Email Mooney     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Good luck on that one! Someone who takes pride in their work is a tough thing to find in any profession; especially bodywork it seems. And someone you can trust to do a good job is just that more essential.
Hope all goes well, and he chooses to do so.
Luke

IP: Logged

mustangs68
Moderator

Posts: 24529
From: Buckroe Beach Va MCA#39406 M&M #12 Member Mustang Club of Tidewater
Registered: May 99

posted 07-09-2005 09:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mustangs68   Click Here to Email mustangs68     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sounds like a fine fellow Steve,good luck!
Sam

IP: Logged

Fastymz
Moderator

Posts: 20638
From: Reno Nv USA M&M#1240
Registered: Apr 2001

posted 07-09-2005 09:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fastymz   Click Here to Email Fastymz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Good luck Steve
Sounds like the right guy for the job. So will it be done for next summer?

------------------
oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs

65 coupe 351w C4 Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8" 3.40 TracLoc.

My Pics

IP: Logged

Dave Gibson
Moderator

Posts: 9844
From: Norfolk, Virginia, USA M&M#166 MCA#47921
Registered: Aug 99

posted 07-09-2005 09:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Dave Gibson   Click Here to Email Dave Gibson     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
That's cool Steve. Especially comming from a "Bow Tie" kind of guy. But your are right about him telling you how he would do this and do that. The correct way and not taking short cuts. Hope all turns out well for you and he does take on the Mach 1. Keep us posted.

Dave & Terri

------------------
'65 Mustang Fastback
'66 Mustang Coupe
'02 Explorer XLT
Common sense isn't common anymore.

IP: Logged

Ked
Moderator

Posts: 9258
From: Fayetteville, N.C.
Registered: Jul 99

posted 07-09-2005 10:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ked   Click Here to Email Ked     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I've been looking for a good body man, also....one that'll take care of a few rusty spots....

oh....wait....you're talkin' about your Mach I...ummmmmmm......nevermind.......

that's great news, Steve. Hope it works out......

IP: Logged

68 Coop
Gearhead

Posts: 2869
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027 M&M# 4256
Registered: Oct 2004

posted 07-09-2005 10:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 68 Coop   Click Here to Email 68 Coop     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Right on, can't wait to see pics.

------------------
William
68 Coupe
289
Edelbrock 600
Performer Intake
Headers/X-pipe/Flowmaster 30's
C4
8"rear/2:79gears
"Restomod in Progress"

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 07-11-2005 05:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It looks like I'm getting the 'pound sand routine' though, because he said he was going to call me Friday and didn't and so I left a message on his machine which he hasn't returned yet. I never imagined it would be so hard to hire somebody.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

IP: Logged

63Kcode
Gearhead

Posts: 175
From: Anna Tx
Registered: Dec 2004

posted 07-11-2005 07:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 63Kcode   Click Here to Email 63Kcode     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Better to be told to "pound sand" now than after he's had the car for six months and done very little to it.

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 07-11-2005 07:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'd rather have someone tell me one way or the other. Being left hanging is the pits.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

IP: Logged

68 Coop
Gearhead

Posts: 2869
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027 M&M# 4256
Registered: Oct 2004

posted 07-11-2005 07:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 68 Coop   Click Here to Email 68 Coop     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
I'd rather have someone tell me one way or the other. Being left hanging is the pits.



Exactly! Man up if you don't want the job, and say so, don't leave a person hanging. From your description of the work needed Steve, sounds like would be a easy job, for someone with that kind of experience. I agree with 63Kcode, better to get the runaround now, than to wait for the car. Still sux tho!

------------------
William
68 Coupe
289
Edelbrock 600
Performer Intake
Headers/X-pipe/Flowmaster 30's
C4
8"rear/2:79gears
"Restomod in Progress"

IP: Logged

kwazykat
Moderator

Posts: 7447
From: ...a wonderful place to be.... orange county... NC!!!! M&M member #92 .... a blue-oval GRRL-deluxe.....
Registered: Jun 99

posted 07-11-2005 08:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kwazykat   Click Here to Email kwazykat     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
WHEW!!! i thought you meant:

"I might have found a body, man...."

thank goodness no extra bodies were found laying around yer place!

sounds like you have a good find hunkie stevie!
keep us posted!


kk

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 07-13-2005 09:12 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
They'll never find the bodies where I put them...

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 07-13-2005 07:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm still suffering from sticker shock for the quote I got last night for mine. $6000 + $2500 for materials. That's for a complete strip, minimal body work and top of the line paint and materials.

My heartrate is just starting to return to normal.

I took a ride to another body shop today and spoke to the guy that runs it, who is a guy I used to work with at a dealership many years ago and we shot the bull about old times and I told him about the Mach, and after him telling me "No!" many times he finally agreed to come take a look at it in the next couple weeks and tell me what he thinks, and whether he'd be willing to do it, and in the meantime he'll try to think up people in case he decided it wasn't something he wanted to tackle.

I'll just have to keep talking to people until I find a place that wants my business and who I want to do business with.


------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

IP: Logged

kenseth17
Journeyman

Posts: 14
From: Green Bay, WI
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 08-24-2005 07:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kenseth17   Click Here to Email kenseth17     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
How the heck do I find people that realize what the cost of materials are and the time involved doing bodywork. I want to ask them how much they make in a 40 hour week. Too many people must think because maaco can do a total hack job for a few hundred bucks, everyone else should too. I've been doing stuff at home cheaply, and now that I've proved what I can do on a few jobs and start quoting more to do work, No one replies after I give a guestimate. I've been doing autobody for over 15 years and now that I've been unemployed, been payed poorly in shops I've worked in, and haven't found a decent job in the last few years, I've been trying to get my name out by doing some work at home, and hopefully get enough customers and referrals that I would feel somewhat confident that the bills would stay payed if I opened a small shop. Just frustrated because I've been working my butt off doing the work I've done, and I quote a little higher and no one wants to have work done. And none of my quotes were near 6k yet for ppg deltron base, remove moldings, strip paint, ppg dcu clear and wetsand and buff after. Most were around 2-3K, even stripping paint. Arghh. Then you hear all the shops that don't do completes or rust repair, and quote jobs at 10k. Materials for a complete with a top line of base clear are usually near $1000 or more depending on the amount of bodywork. Ohh well, who said life was easy. But I do understand them being sceptical of the no rust when you said that. People tend to not tell the truth about the true condition of their car, and there can be a lot hiding you don't realize until you get into the job. How do I find people who will spend the amount the materials cost on their car, as well as making enough that it even pays to flip the switch on the compressor, and raise the utility bill.

[This message has been edited by kenseth17 (edited 08-24-2005).]

IP: Logged

johnmustang
Gearhead

Posts: 6061
From: British Columbia , Canada
Registered: Nov 2001

posted 08-24-2005 11:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for johnmustang   Click Here to Email johnmustang     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
To bad you are not here where I live, the guy that did my 65 absolutely loves working on old muscle cars and is a real craftsman. His cars are very well known on Vancouver Island because he takes such pride in his work and it really shows in the finished product. His prices are very reasonable and his time frames are usually pretty close to what he tells you they will be, all he ask`s is that he is given enough time to do the job properly and he has no problems with people dropping by when-ever they want to check up on the progress of their car.

------------------
JOHN
65 FASTBACK 2+2
87 TAURUS WAGON
03 F150 XLT SUPER CREW 4X4 SHORT BOX
Member: PACIFIC COAST MUSTANG ASSOCIATION
Member:Vancouver Island Mustang Association
M&M #1710
65 FASTBACK
2003 F150 XLT SUPER CREW 4X4

IP: Logged

I65Stang
Gearhead

Posts: 6502
From: Folsom, CA
Registered: Jun 99

posted 08-25-2005 12:52 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for I65Stang   Click Here to Email I65Stang     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
When the time comes for a new paint job for the '65 I'm gonna take it to B.C. .

IP: Logged

Dreamcometrue
Gearhead

Posts: 482
From: New-Brunswick,Canada
Registered: Apr 2004

posted 08-25-2005 08:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Dreamcometrue   Click Here to Email Dreamcometrue     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi Steve.
I got a quote last spring from a body man with a reputation for doing great jobs. Was quoted $3200.00 (cdn of course). He said he would fix the dents and dismantle the car: remove bumpers, headlight buckets, rear extentions, anything that has to be removed from the car's exterior.
He would also repaint inside the hood and trunk lid and the exterior of the car in whatever color I chose.
Thought it was a great deal!
Since you are only 6-7 hours from here, in New-Brunswick, thought you may be interested.
Rino

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 08-25-2005 06:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kenseth17:
How the heck do I find people that realize what the cost of materials are and the time involved doing bodywork. I want to ask them how much they make in a 40 hour week. Too many people must think because maaco can do a total hack job for a few hundred bucks, everyone else should too. I've been doing stuff at home cheaply, and now that I've proved what I can do on a few jobs and start quoting more to do work, No one replies after I give a guestimate. I've been doing autobody for over 15 years and now that I've been unemployed, been payed poorly in shops I've worked in, and haven't found a decent job in the last few years, I've been trying to get my name out by doing some work at home, and hopefully get enough customers and referrals that I would feel somewhat confident that the bills would stay payed if I opened a small shop. Just frustrated because I've been working my butt off doing the work I've done, and I quote a little higher and no one wants to have work done. And none of my quotes were near 6k yet for ppg deltron base, remove moldings, strip paint, ppg dcu clear and wetsand and buff after. Most were around 2-3K, even stripping paint. Arghh. Then you hear all the shops that don't do completes or rust repair, and quote jobs at 10k. Materials for a complete with a top line of base clear are usually near $1000 or more depending on the amount of bodywork. Ohh well, who said life was easy. But I do understand them being sceptical of the no rust when you said that. People tend to not tell the truth about the true condition of their car, and there can be a lot hiding you don't realize until you get into the job. How do I find people who will spend the amount the materials cost on their car, as well as making enough that it even pays to flip the switch on the compressor, and raise the utility bill.

[This message has been edited by kenseth17 (edited 08-24-2005).]


Welcome to M&M, kenseth17.

I just want a good job, and I'm willing to pay a fair price for it. I still haven't gotten anywhere with that. Next week I think I'll visit a shop in Portland that's well known for doing some nice work. There's a couple I can check out, as a matter of fact.

The guy I used to work with hasn't even bothered to call me back. It's just as well, I'm looking for a craftsman, not a parts changer.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

kenseth17
Journeyman

Posts: 14
From: Green Bay, WI
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 08-26-2005 01:50 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for kenseth17   Click Here to Email kenseth17     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
You need a bodyman thats been doing it for awhile. When I got started the bodyshops would repair stuff that wasn't too bad, and I was a combination guy, meaning you did the repair from bodywork, painted it, and buffed and cleaned up after. Now they have it all set up so each person specializes in a certain area and does one thing, and mainly replace parts, not much repairing. Expecially in a larger shop. There is a lot better money to be made doing collision repair then on an older car and a complete paint job, so bodyshops will mainly do that. I got out of working in bodyshops fairly early because it just wasn't worth it to me. Hard work, low pay, cutting corners, spending little money made on tools. Found out I could make better money working for bigger companys doing bodywork or painting, and my tools stayed home. Your best bet is finding a smaller shop or one that speciallizes in restoration type work, although the labor rate restoration shops charge is usually a bit higher. When you do pick a guy, make sure you find out more about his work and check references. I have the problem of seeing an older car and looking through rose colored glasses seeing what it can be, and not really telling myself how much work it is going to be. I can't do that. The mustang I did work on was a heck of a lot of work, and I didn't ask no where near enough. Thanks for the welcome.

------------------
Victorylap.20fr.com
Autobody/ Paint

[This message has been edited by kenseth17 (edited 08-26-2005).]

IP: Logged

sigtauenus
Gearhead

Posts: 2927
From: Va Beach
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 08-26-2005 08:30 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for sigtauenus   Click Here to Email sigtauenus     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Went to a shop near me a few weeks back looking for somebody to do my 68, and the place must have had 50 or 60 cars stuffed in the shop, and they said they had a wait list with another 20 cars on it, going rate was currently about 10k for a complete strip, repaint and assembly. He said they actually have so much business they have been upping their rates to discourage business.

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-01-2005 09:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well, I pounded on a few body shop doors today.

The first was a big body shop that advertises on tv about the quality of their work and even uses a classic Corvette in their ads. They want nothing to do with classic cars. The person I spoke with gave me the same line as everyone else, they make all their money doing crash work, they aren't into doing paintjobs for people to eyeball closely, they can't tie up their bay doing long term restoration work, blah, blah, blah.

The second was a place that is known for doing high end work, lots of show cars, and they did a '70 Chevelle SS belonging to a coffee salesman I knew and it came out perfect. The shop was full of cars being worked on, all kinds of street rods, a '72 Chevelle getting rear quarters, some other cars in various states of undress. The owner was a nice guy, he seem very interested in my project, he immediately was spelling out a strategy of attack for my car that sounded real efficient. His ballpark estimate? $10,000. He'll come and look at it next Wednesday to give me a more accurate estimate. He says he'd make it look perfect, and from work of his I've seen before, I believe it. But Holy Crap, $10,000?

The third place was the body shop I spoke to a while ago that gave me an estimate of $8500. He's swamped. The VW he was working on when I spoke with him a while ago is in the same condition as when I last saw it. Plus he has been getting a ton of work from the Toyota dealer he subcontracts for. {get this, the way the new Toyota Highlander is designed, the tailpipes quite often get bent when they are offloaded from the carriers, and if nobody notices it, after a few miles of driving the exhaust melts the rear bumper! Yup, that's Toyota quality, $38,000 worth! } He told me he can't see himself being free to do my car.

Bummed, I went to a cruise a local pizza place has every Thursday, and a guy I know there told me about an old body man that does excellent work at very low prices at his home. The only thing about this guy is he usually doesn't want new business, I was told to keep bugging him until he agreed to do it, and I won't regret it. Ah, ok... I'll go talk to him anyway.

So tomorrow I have three more body men to talk to, this 'Mr Reluctant' guy, another body shop that sells muscle cars http://www.wymansauto.com/pages/1/index.htm and a body man that did my friend's Camaro but I couldn't contact because he got thrown out by his wife. He has since built a shop on his father's land and is back in business.

I have never worked so hard to have someone agree to do work for me.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

[This message has been edited by SteveLaRiviere (edited 09-01-2005).]

IP: Logged

GTRocks
Gearhead

Posts: 4072
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99

posted 09-01-2005 10:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GTRocks   Click Here to Email GTRocks     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sad statement of life as we know it, ain't it?!?!

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-02-2005 06:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Typical life stuff, I guess. Anything that's worthwhile takes effort.

I spoke with a couple more body men today.

First was the guy I was told was 'Mr Reluctant,' whom I found wasn't reluctant at all. He did say he was very busy and he wasn't sure how soon he could take it in, but he is more than willing to come look it over, so he'll be coming over next week.

The second was the guy that did my friend's Camaro. He's getting his new shop going and he seems to be happy to take on some work. In fact, he even wanted to come over today to look at it, but I couldn't be here so he's coming over tomorrow. Coincidence, but he told me he just finished a '70 Mach 1 in which he hung on rear quarters and wheel tubs.

Both of these guys are supposed to be more reasonable pricewise, we'll see.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

Fastymz
Moderator

Posts: 20638
From: Reno Nv USA M&M#1240
Registered: Apr 2001

posted 09-02-2005 06:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fastymz   Click Here to Email Fastymz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Good luck Steve.
So I'll see it next year for Hot August Nights?

------------------
oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs

65 coupe 351w C4 Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8" 3.40 TracLoc.

My Pics

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-02-2005 08:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
By then I may have someone that agrees to work on it.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-03-2005 04:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well, looks like I got blown off by the guy that was to look at my car today. I even left a message on his cell phone which he hasn't had the courtesey to return.

I was in business for many years and I'll never understand a businessman, especially a self employed businessman, that leaves a paying customer hanging. Although I guess that's one of the reasons I'm comfortably retired and he's still sucking paint fumes.

Frustrating.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-07-2005 09:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I had the guy from the good body shop {see above post timestamped 09-01-2005 09:08 PM} come over today. What a difference it is working with a professionial! He was here for over an hour and a half, and he looked it over top to bottom, he measured it for square, and even tried on my fenders to see how they line up with the doors and aprons. I get the feeling that he does A1 work, judging by the questions he asked and what he was looking at on different areas of the car. He encouraged me to strip the paint off myself because since it was a labor intensive job I'd save about $1000 right there. So we'll be doing that. I think I found the body man I'm going to use. He has even done cars that have won national roadster shows. I think this is one of those cases where you get what you pay for. He says he can make my Mach a '9.5'

I had another appointment with a different body man set for tonight. One of the 'reasonable rates' guys. He blew me off, no show, no call.

I don't even care, I think I decided on the shop today anyway.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-07-2005 09:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here's the web site of the shop I think will do my Mach:

http://www.extremerodandcustom.com/

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

GTRocks
Gearhead

Posts: 4072
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99

posted 09-07-2005 09:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GTRocks   Click Here to Email GTRocks     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What are you going to do with the metal once you strip the paint off? You just leave it bare (won't it start to rust almost immediately)? Prime it? But then, wouldn't he have to strip that back off to even it all out (assuming you need any evening out). I'm headed down this road at some point, can ya tell?!?!

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-07-2005 09:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I asked him that and he said since I have such a dry garage and that the car won't sit very long bare, it won't be a problem.

I have some metal in my shop I've stripped a couple of years ago and they haven't developed any rust yet.

I also have PPG metal conditioner on hand I may use, if he's not opposed to it.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

mellowyellow
Gearhead

Posts: 7124
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 09-07-2005 09:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mellowyellow     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Spray it with Ospho. It'll hold for a spell.

Neat site Steve.....but those Headlites on the 49 Chev???????

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-07-2005 09:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yeah, I'm not into the fisheye look either.

As long as he doesn't 'Foose-up' my Mach I'll be happy.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

kenseth17
Journeyman

Posts: 14
From: Green Bay, WI
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 09-07-2005 10:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kenseth17   Click Here to Email kenseth17     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sounds like an exhausting search. I am still looking for work myself on the other end of things. If you strip the paint and remove/install moldings and trim yourself, that should save you a good deal of money as it is very labor intensive as well as most other things in this line of work. I am sure you will find out once you start doing the work. Many people have a new appreciation of the patience involved when they do a bit of the work themselves. Stripping it down to metal is the only way to do it in my opinion. You won't believe the mess no nos I found on the mustang I worked on once I had it stripped down. How are you going to strip it. The way I like best is to strip the majority of the paint off panels with 36 grit on an 8" orbital, then go over with 80 grit on a 6" da sander. What I can get with that, either paint stripper, carefully sandblast, or good ole hand sanding. Talk to the person doing the bodywork. You may want to take a few areas at a time and spray epoxy primer on them if you can spray it, since you don't want alot of metal exposed to moisture in the air for a long time without being protected. Using a metal prep solution also may keep it from flash rusting over night. Good luck. Good to hear you may have found a person to do the job. If he tells you 6 months expect at least double. It seems things always tend to take longer then you expect working on a car 30 years old.

------------------
Victorylap.20fr.com
Autobody/ Paint

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-07-2005 10:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
We're going to chemical strip then finish off with my DA sander. He said not to go coarser than 80 grit.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

kenseth17
Journeyman

Posts: 14
From: Green Bay, WI
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 09-07-2005 10:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kenseth17   Click Here to Email kenseth17     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I usually epoxy prime the metal if rust free. Any filler work or urethane fill primer can be applied over the epoxy.

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-07-2005 10:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kenseth17:
Sounds like an exhausting search. I am still looking for work myself on the other end of things.

Good luck on that, by the way. You really should consider going out on your own, there are plenty of guys out there that are willing to pay for quality work. You should of heard the guys I spoke to here at a local cruise-in. Good body men are hard to come by.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

kenseth17
Journeyman

Posts: 14
From: Green Bay, WI
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 09-07-2005 10:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kenseth17   Click Here to Email kenseth17     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yeah if your going to use paint stripper, probably a couple applications, once you get most of it scraped off, then it should clean up fairly easy with 80 grit on a da. Stripper is pretty messy. Depending on how thick the layers of paint are I start with 36 on my orbital and then 80 grit will smooth them right out and ready for epoxy and fill primer.

------------------
Victorylap.20fr.com
Autobody/ Paint

IP: Logged

kenseth17
Journeyman

Posts: 14
From: Green Bay, WI
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 09-07-2005 10:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kenseth17   Click Here to Email kenseth17     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well I have been wanting to go out on my own, but don't have the capitol or credit required. There is tons of things to pay besides rent ($700 lowest for a small shop here) Theres garage keepers insurance, Utilitys, hazardous waste and other fees government places on you, A good downdraft booth with make up air, 100,000+, and all the other tools. Then advertising if not well known. Thats one good reason for the costs, plus time involved, and material costs have skyrocketed since I started 15 years ago. Trying to get my name out, but its tough going. People I've done work for have been really happy, but without having stuff lined up for awhile I would dye quickly. Don't want to really work in another bodyshop either. Got to poor of pay and benefits for the work you do. Kinda hard to start over at 35 doing something else also. I like the work, just kinda get screwed working for the shops. Trying to do some things at home and build slowly.

------------------
Victorylap.20fr.com
Autobody/ Paint

IP: Logged

sigtauenus
Gearhead

Posts: 2927
From: Va Beach
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 09-08-2005 02:48 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for sigtauenus   Click Here to Email sigtauenus     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Guys I've come across who are doing good work are booked up 1-2 years in advance and don't advertise at all. Sounds like if you have happy customers you're on the right track.

IP: Logged

mellowyellow
Gearhead

Posts: 7124
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 09-08-2005 06:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for mellowyellow     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kenseth17: Trying to do some things at home and build slowly.

[/B]


Good advice, Ken. Overhead in shops is staggering. Finding techs who will work on old cars is hard. Not so sure I'd want to do it if I were a tech working commission. The more the owner can do the better. What better place to learn than on your own car. As an older person, do my own work, save paint and cv tops. Am largely self taught though I did work in a couple shops while going through school. Graduating school, went into a different career but always gravitated to cars. With patience, basic welding skills, common sense, one can do most anything, bodywise, on a Mustang. They are the easiest of the "bunch" to work on. opinion.

"Trying to do some things at home and build slowly."

Steve: Watch your door handles!!! Where TF did they go!!!! LMAO!

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-08-2005 05:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by mellowyellow:
Steve: Watch your door handles!!! Where TF did they go!!!! LMAO!

You better believe I will!

You know the Stude pickup on their web site? I saw that a couple of years ago at a car show and it was simply amazing. I would put it up against anybody's work.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 09-08-2005 07:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As bad as the current paint is, it's still going to feel strange stripping the paint off and making the old horse nude.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6

IP: Logged

Dave Gibson
Moderator

Posts: 9844
From: Norfolk, Virginia, USA M&M#166 MCA#47921
Registered: Aug 99

posted 09-08-2005 08:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Dave Gibson   Click Here to Email Dave Gibson     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Steve,
Glad to hear that you found your body man. Your getting closer to getting the Mach 1 done. Can't wait to see it when it's all said and done.

Dave & Terri

------------------
'65 Mustang Fastback
'66 Mustang Coupe
'02 Explorer XLT
Common sense isn't common anymore.

IP: Logged

mellowyellow
Gearhead

Posts: 7124
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 09-08-2005 10:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mellowyellow     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Stude picups were/are neat looking with the rounded cab and fender design. A lot of them have been customized.

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Mustangsandmore Front Page

Copyright 2005, Steve LaRiviere. All Rights Reserved.


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47d

Amazon Honor System Click Here to Pay Learn More

[Acronyms][Calendar][Chat][Classifieds] [Members' Pics]

[ Mustangsandmore.com Bookstore] [ Smokin' Fords] [Tech Articles]