Classic Restorer Recommendation needed - North West

[Ian_UK1]

Can anyone recommend a good classic car restoration firm in the North West?

I have a 1985 BMW 635CSi that (unfortunately) has been stood for a couple of years. The car now needs some repairs to the body (the rear wheel arches have rusted and there's evidence of light rust around the windscreen) plus an overall check for any other corrosion. As well as on any repairs, the car will also need paint on the bonnet, doors and sills.

I'm based in Manchester and there are several firms in the North West that advertise as being able to undertake this type of work, but I've no idea who I can trust to do a good job for reasonably sensible money!

Any recommendations would be very gratefully received - many thanks in advance.

[BertBert]

I can recommend Lee Mayor in Preston, perhaps more Porsche than BMW, but might be worth chatting to. I bought a restored 911 from him. Nice guy, honest and did a good job!

Tell him Graham recommended him if you do speak to him.

[shed driver]

Sam Bird in Chorley has done body work repairs on my 1973 P5B coupé. Not the quickest but good quality work.

https://www.sambirdmotorbodies.co.uk/

SD.

[Ian_UK1]

BertBert said:

I can recommend Lee Mayor in Preston, perhaps more Porsche than BMW, but might be worth chatting to. I bought a restored 911 from him. Nice guy, honest and did a good job!

Tell him Graham recommended him if you do speak to him.

shed driver said:

Sam Bird in Chorley has done body work repairs on my 1973 P5B coupé. Not the quickest but good quality work.

https://www.sambirdmotorbodies.co.uk/

SD.

Thanks for the replies - will check both of these out.

[RobXjcoupe]

Try widening your search. Sounds like your car will need transportation anyway. Specialist restoration firms will generally charge more. The better priced firms will cater for more than one brand/type. Have a look at the previous work completed on websites and go from there really.
Also one thing to remember, always more hidden rust than what you can see.

[hmg]

These guys are doing some amazing work.

They are busy but if you want the best…

https://www.facebook.com/FusionAutocraft

[Escort3500]

I’ve not used them personally, but pals have taken their cars to Motoburo in Brighouse for bodywork and they've been delighted with the results

[Ian_UK1]

RobXjcoupe said:

.....always more hidden rust than what you can see.

Ain't that the truth! Especially on the 635 - unfortunately, they're absolute rot boxes.

[Damp Logs]

Last time I checked they are very busy, but might be worth trying Trevor Farrington in Knutsford.

Excellent track record

[Ian_UK1]

Damp Logs said:

Last time I checked they are very busy, but might be worth trying Trevor Farrington in Knutsford.

Excellent track record

Thanks for the recommendation - they're also relatively close to me, so could be ideal.

[Huntsman]

Try Steve Curtis at Classic Bahnstormers.

http://www.classicbahnstormers.com/

[bigcar]

I recommend classic car lab. They are fantastic at restoring any classic or retro car.
Just take a look at there project page.

https://classiccarlab.com/restoration-projects/