bodywork courses

[cliveg]

I'm new to this forum so Hi All. I want to learn a few basic car bodywork repair skills, and am looking for suitable courses. I'm wavering between college-based courses that are typically spread over a term or two, and a more concentrated course such as those offered by Contour Autocraft. Has anybody here any experience of these? Thanks.

[jagman21]

Depends on what you want? contours is a classic car orientated business, which is firmly rooted in the old school art of coachbuilding, this is mostly non-ash framed cars, as you will see they specialise in jag xk's on their website. If you are interested in an english wheel use this is the root to take. However this type of work usually consisted of a 5 year apprentiship so i have my doubt over what can be achieved over a 2 or 5 day course.

similar company, with a similars set of courses, but cheaper, but havent heard anything about them in a while

http://www.mphmotorpanels.com/Wheeling.htm

the college courses will be more modern, with work on monocoque cars, basic welding etc, and will have an orientation leaning towards crash repair and body modifications. And also body-filler work with painting and finishing element too, much more suited to beginners with no experience.

[alsaautomotive]

Think you might find it useful to check out this thread.................
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Jagman makes a very valid point about the apprenticeships, but it may give you a better idea of whats involved.
As I've put in my reply on the attached thread, my experience with the college course guys is not good!
Good luck, Al.

[cliveg]

Thanks lots. Its really to pick up basic skills so that I know what is involved etc. I have an XK150 which is how I cam across Contour Autocraft. I intend having most of the body work done by a specialist, although I still need to find a good specialist nearby (lancs/yorks, and "good" is more important than "nearby").

[jagman21]

can i recommend leaping cats, pretty much the authority on jaguar xk bodywork.

http://www.leapingcats.co.uk/index.htm

excellent website too.

Others

RS panels do lightwieght panels for guy broad the xk specialist
http://www.rspanels.co.uk/

and a small outfit in scotland that do xk/jag work
http://www.cccoachwork.com/xk120_lt_reacecar.html

mph mentioned before,
http://www.mphmotorpanels.com/

classic autos, kings langley hertfordshire. No website

Jaguar specialist that does very high quality body work
http://www.classic-motor-cars.co.uk/

[cliveg]

Thanks lots. I'll check them out.