I visited a local custom body shop and talked to the owner about getting an estimate on doing minor body work, grinding and sanding to get rid of rust, and primering and painting. I did not have my Malibu with me, and that was not a problem as he said he would come to my house to scope out the job.

While I was there, he gave me a tour of his shop, and showed a '70 Road Runner he just started on - beautiful car. He invited me to come back as often as I wanted, to follow the progress of that Plymouth.

Since I'm in no real hurry on my Malibu, and told him so, I have a pretty good feeling about being allowed to follow a job that he's working on. That gives me some confidence in his work.

Two questions:
1) Is that normal and typical of body shops?
2) What should I propose to be responsible for doing before he gets the car, e.g. removing the trim?

Thanks


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Bob McCormick
69 Malibu project

Sounds like he's a pretty cool guy. Good rapport is very important. You can ask him what you should take off the car. Im sure he'll tell you what ever you do yourself will save him time, and possibly save you money. The guy that was suppose to paint my car fell off the face of the earth. Haven't heard from him for over a month, his phone is disconected too. We had a good business relationship, and he was like the body man you described.He knew my expectations, and did good work. Now I have to shop around for another...kinda sucks.


TC#494
65 Evening Orchid SS convertible.

The custom/resto shop that i work at lets anyone walk thru at anytime,whether your car is there or not.All the show cars are up front on display,and all the heavy work is in the back.Seeing cars in all stages is the biggest selling point of the shop.Taking trim off would save some work but remember you will have to put it back(unless you agree otherwise with the shop)With a fresh paint job that can be dicey at best,so take it into consideration.

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http://photos.yahoo.com/ochrisl

When I worked in a shop we liked food and beverages and a helping hand when needed. Pushing a car gets old real quick so make sure yours is mobile. Scrub off all old wax and realize shops are dusty your car will get dirty inside.

Todd (BAD415),

Did you make it out to the Cavalcade of Wheels at Notre Dame this weekend? I spent pretty much the whole weekend there - best part was tonight watching all the cars leave some of them were NASTY!

Do you know the guy in niles with the blown '66 or '67 (don't remember) light blue chevelle? I think his name is Mick...

-Adam Layman

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WEBSITE UPDATED 03/18/02
Adam Layman
1971 Chevelle Malibu
My website (http://www.nd.edu/~alayman/webpage/main.htm)

[This message has been edited by AdamLym (edited 03-25-2002).]