Rotisserie Resoration

[Transmitter Man]

Can anyone recommend a classic car bodyshop with rotisserie facility 50 miles radius of London?

Lead loading experience would be a bonus.

Thanks.

Phil
79 De Tomaso Longchamp GTS

[alsaautomotive]

Don't know if we can help??
We've had a few reco's under Ferrari/Lambo/Maser area
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Details & pics of the MK7 Jag we've just completed (inc full leading)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

& on Club Scuderia & Fchat UK .....................

http://www.clubscuderia.co.uk/forum/showthread.php...

http://www.clubscuderia.co.uk/forum/showthread.php...

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=...

BTW website & contact through www.alsaautomotive.org.uk

Cheers, Al.

Edited by alsaautomotive on Sunday 10th February 17:40

[Mr_B]

Excuse the slight thread hijack, but in the link to the jag restoration, you say it took nearly 500 hours to complete. Would the customer be paying on a per hour basis, or ....
Reason I ask is, because I have a BMW E30 M3 shell that needs plenty of bodywork and was wondering how you agree on a price with a costomer. I don't have a trailer and can hardly take the shell around several bodyshops for quotes.

[alsaautomotive]

Hi Mr B. I work on the basis that a quote is a quote - we quoted the Jag at 500 hrs & 500 hours are what we invoiced. The total hours were 537 & 1/4 - but we priced it & there weren't any unforseen problems, therefore we stuck to the quote.
What I suggest you do is to find a few companies that will price via email pics & on the basis that your description of the work required is accurate (the proviso being that if it is not then there will need to be a re-appraisal of costs).
& to answer the question directly - yes we quote on an hourly basis - it's the only fair way to do it.
I hope this helps, good luck with the job, Al.

Edited by alsaautomotive on Sunday 10th February 19:21

[Mr_B]

Thanks, Al. I guess the only other questions is what's the going hourly rate for a decent bodyshop.

[alsaautomotive]

It can vary hugely throughout the country - as the rate is determined primarily by overheads, the critical thing is to find someone you feel comfortable dealing with & that you trust to be honest & direct; also don't be afraid to ask to speak to previous customers & view their cars.
I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, but I'd hate to say expect to pay 'such & such', really I can only comment on costs in this part of the country.
Best wishes, Al.

[Transmitter Man]

Hi Al,

Had to register of course and read the entire Rolls Royce thread:-)

All I can do is repeat what that Dave said:
Al, you are a credit to your industry mate.

I wonder if you've had any experience on prepping and painting a shell that's been through this process: http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/index.html ?

I've looked at all the various ways of taking a body back to bare metal and after seeing the results of this company first hand all I can say is that it's top notch.

My car is in relatively good condition for it's age as it's led most of it's life as a Sunday car in Sicily, South Italy.

You did not come back to me regarding the ability to prep and paint the underside of the shell? Can you handle this at your shop?

What are your thoughts on this Micky Mouse water based paint that the Euro creaps have made bodyshops use?

Phil
79 De Tomaso Longchamp GTS

[Mr_B]

A guy on a forum I used has had his shell stripped via Surface Processing. You will need to register to view, but you can read his restortaion here . He says that lead loading and the dip don't get on too well.
http://board.s14power.com/showthread.php?t=2508

Edited by Mr_B on Sunday 10th February 22:43

[alsaautomotive]

Hi Phil, yes - we did an XK awhile back that had been prepped by them & electrocoated - it's a fantastic basis on which to begin work.
The water bourne paint is something we're going to have to live with, at least it's only basecoat that's affected, the use of HS lacquer can be a pain if you try to put too much on in one go - it'll 'solvent pop', but the answer is to be patient with it & don't rush the painting!
Doing the full underside isn't a problem - we have a spinner (though don't use it often - I think there might be a few pics on the website of a MK1 RS being done on it - just visible in the background of the 1st pic



& the only one I have of the completed car.

[Transmitter Man]

Hi Al,

OK, nice one.

Paint job on the Escort looks good - not sure about that choice of blue.

I'm having help building a new engine for the car at present. Once that's in I'll contact you to arrange a visit - with the car. I wish to carry out various mechanical modifications to the car prior to the strip down and restoration.

I think it's best you have a good look over the car first before I even think of stripping it.

I'm glad you like what they do at the chemical strippers and optional electrophoretic primering. Unlike any type of media blasting I like the idea of getting inside any and all box sections with both the acid and the primering.

Have noted your website and contact info.

Phil
79 De Tomaso Longchamp GTS

[Transmitter Man]

Mr B,

A few trials and tribulations on your friends M3 what with damage caused to the rear panel.

Anyhow, it'll all come good in the end.

Phil
79 De Tomaso Longchamp GTS